Alex, Mary, and Rhys were a steady part of my life from 3rd grade to graduating high school, especially summers in middle school when I spent nearly everyday playing with Alex in the pool and the barn at their house.

I remember Rhys being a very hard worker. A couple times I got to go along to the Waukesha county fair. I would help out at his chiropractic clinic booth, but he never made me work very hard and then Alex and I got to ride fair rides mostly.

But as much as I remember him being a hard worker, I remember him living life to the fullest. He set a great example for me at a young age of what it truly meant to enjoy life. Looking back, I can picture him clearly…outside in his oasis he made for himself and his family, music blaring, glass of wine, cigar, grilling up some delicious meat, just enjoying the company of those he loved.

I remember he would hit golf balls in the back yard on woodland road. Rhys, Mary, and Alex taught me many games and it was so much fun playing with them. Many times playing games and hanging out with Rhys included deep meaningful conversations. They also opened my eyes up to different kinds of food and art. Rhys made an awesome party barn for us. Rhys and Mary were always remodeling and rearranging their house. I remember one time Rhys got mad because Mary had burned some sort of incense or something that made the whole house smell when they were trying to sell their house. It was funny. Times like that, Rhys was the voice of reason in the house.

Rhys was a kind, fun loving soul. I remember when telemarketers would call and would ask is Rice Moron there? He would mess with them and we would just laugh and laugh about it.

But what I remember the most, is he truly would do anything for Mary and Alex. His love for the two of them is relentless and unwavering. And if you were special to them, he loved you just the same. I truly felt that. He always made me feel comfortable, welcomed, and loved. He will be missed so much.

Hugs Mary and Alex.

Cheers Rhys. Thanks for showing us the true meaning of loving life and loving each other.

The hurt is big. I will miss Rhys terribly.   

https://songer.co/song/snzu6m…

Rhys,

I was in my 20’s when I first met you. So I’ve known you almost as long as I’ve known myself…if it’s possible for anyone to really know themselves.

But, I think, I knew you. Besides my father & brothers, you were one of the first real male feminists I knew. You always put the women around you first. Always treated them with respect. I never heard you say one diminishing remark about any woman. Ever. You hated gossip. (So if we were to gossip, we had to hide somewhere and whisper to do it.) You were intelligent, a reader and a truth seeker. You were an enormously loving and a proud man. A fierce protector & family man - your family always came first.

I always said you were a charging bull. Never stopping or slowing down for anything. You took life by the balls and lived it fully. And I envied and loved you for it.

We had long talks, long walks, hiked mountains, laughed all the laughs, worked together, cooked together and many, many times sat around a table & feasted together. We explored & vacationed together. Many times you and Mary would explore & joyfully bring us to see what you’d found so we could enjoy as well. We even moved homes & families around the country after one another! Who does that but steadfast tribal friends?

You opened your home to friends more times than I can count. You were generous beyond generous with all you had and you shared it happily. Your home was the seed and center of our tribe. Always showing us how it was done. And we all tried to mimic your example. But you set a high bar & I fear none of us actually ever reached it.

You always said “I’m going to live my life as I want to now! I’m not waiting because you never know when your time will be taken away.”

You had no fear and you did it! And you were right!”

Travel swiftly & sweetly to your next adventure. Meet up with the light & energy of those who’ve gone before you and who are joyously waiting for you to bring your light and energy and join them. Unfortunately, you’re moving to a place we cannot yet follow.

But please, wait for us. Until then know you are greatly loved by many & you’ll be greatly missed. 💔

I am so deeply grateful for all of my memories of Rhys. My mind and my heart are full of them. He has given me, and others, more than our human share of laughter and joy. How rich we are for that!

Over the years we all shared countless meals, gatherings, weekends, life events, vacations, etc…but of all my memories, I think the one that sums up Rhys the best is this one:  My grandchildren were staying with me in Palm Desert while their parents were vacationing in Hawaii. Dorothy was 18 months old. She was a little out of sorts missing her parents. She would repeatedly walk to the backdoor, pat it, and say ‘mama’. Her older brother and I were trying our best to cheer her up, but we weren’t very successful that day.

Rhys came over to drop off cookies that Mary had baked for them. Dorothy had never met him before. And she was shy around strangers, yet she walked over to Rhys and looked up at him with her big brown eyes. He said, “Hi cutie pie”, and she lifted her arms, wanting to be picked up. He picked her up, and she smiled and put her head on his shoulder. She knew instinctively that he was a loving soul.

Thank you, Rhys Marohn, for blessing my life with your friendship.