Friday, August 16, 2019
Oh my dear and delightful brother….where do I start???!!! You lived such a big life - you were such a big life force. You touched so many people, and did so many wonderful and generous things in your short 61 years on this earth.
I was so proud of you in so many different ways – your family – which you loved and cared for with every morsel of your body; the kindness, generosity and support you gave to me and my boys during some very difficult times, and the Thanksgiving family time that became a treasured tradition for all of us; our “extended” family, and the annual reunions that you helped organize and enjoy for many summers at the lake in VA.; and Michael – our cousin who became your brother and best friend, and your valued partner in all of your hunting, fishing and the other outdoor activities you pursued. How you loved to be in Mike’s cabin on the lake or hunting elk with your buddies…that was so you!; your New Canaan home – it is sooooo you! It is both comforting and painful to be here now that you are gone - from the design of the house, your beloved carriage barn, your workshop, and of course….the yard….which you so loved and were so proud! All of the people in New Canaan who became close friends – and the “Lobstah” parties – who could forget those! They too were so you…from the meticulous details in the setting and ambiance (setting up tables and umbrellas, creating channels for the lights and electrical wires, and decorating the space), to ensuring the freshest beverages, to overseeing the cooking of the lobsters and the shrimp boil (even though sometimes the actual dinner was a little on the late side….oops!!!); your business success, and the people that you guided and supported – you were a sterling boss, mentor, cheerleader and friend – each, as the situation warranted. In a word, you were AMAZING!
And now, Mr. Amazing, we are going to miss you so terribly and with all of our hearts. You touched so many people, in so many ways and we are all going to miss you very much. You left us way, way, way too early – really wish you hadn’t done that. I get that we don’t get to choose when we go, but boy, in a million years, I never would have guessed that you would leave us now.
One of the pieces of solace that I have, is that you and your spirit will live on in the children you raised with Kathy. You could not have picked a more perfect partner in Kathy – how cool it is that you found your soulmate. You loved Kathy unconditionally, with all of your heart, and you “talked it and walked it” every day. And she loved you unconditionally as well – how precious, and what a role model for your children and their future relationships. And, your legacy will live on in your children…. Kelsey shares your thoughtful, strong and artistic side; Sean carries your independent, adventurous and free spirit; Alec possesses your kind, caring, practical and dependable side; and Kylie has always exhibited your sense of style and your ambitious drive. They each celebrate a part of you…of course, it is a good thing that all are balanced by a good dose of Kathy as well.
You did everything with such Gusto, and a need to do the best and be the best that you could possibly be, in everything that you touched – from making sure that the roast was cut just the right way, the pudding was not too crispy and the gravy was not too lumpy, to finalizing the last details of a deal, to making sure that Kathy and each of the kids had everything they needed, to helping other friends and family in countless and generous ways. You had such energy, and showered each of us with so much love and caring!
Oh my dear and delightful brother, your story ended way too soon with so many chapters left to write. But, I love you and I will miss you forever.
