Wednesday, November 17, 2021
He used to call me his hero. In the end he was mine. When I remember my brother my thoughts go back to our childhood and I see that little guy who was full of energy and smiles, as gregarious as the rest of us, seeking adventure in the nearby fruit orchards of Yakima WA, climbing the trees, daming irrigation ditches and searching for ripe fruit to bring home. There were no fences then in our neighborhood and we were free to roam with the rest of “our gang”.
Jeff never let his polio caused physical limitations hold him back. He ran, jumped, rode bikes and horses and competed in neighborhood sports with the rest of us. When we chose sides, Jeff was never the last one picked. He loved basketball and was a coach later in life.
I will always remember my brother for the enormous heart that was his. Need someone to talk to? Need a favor? Need some financial help? Jeff was always there with open arms and open heart.
Jeff loved his family, wife Mary, daughter Mandy and son Harry. He always had nice things to say about each of them. He tried hard to be the best husband and dad that he could be.
Jeff loved St Simon’s and his parish family dearly. It was largely an older congregation and he gave many eulogies. I remember him telling me about working the Lenten fish fries. He said that if you worked one it was like being born into bondage. Many times it was just Jeff and I finishing cleanup.
Jeff was my favorite tailgate partner at Buffalo Bill’s and South Carolina Gamecock football games. We must have seen hundreds of games together.
In the last years of my brother’s battle with post polio syndrome I came to realize how strong he was, what a fighter he was and how positive he was throughout the ordeal.
Jeff always looked up to me, the older brother. In the end I was dwarfed by his shadow. But from my brother, it was a shadow of light, of hope, of healing, of love.
To my brother, my hero, I will always hold you in the warmth of my heart, remembering the good times and eagerly awaiting the reunification of our souls, our spirits, in the Life After.
I love you my brother,
Rick
