There are many things I love about Rhys, my younger brother by 2 years.  Rhys had a great sense of humor and a big heart for helping others.  When my St. Croix home was destroyed by Hurricane Marilyn, Rhys offered to fly down and help out.  I remember standing on the floor slab with Rhys and the roof and all the walls were gone.  Rhys looked down, saw hundreds of pennies scattered all over the floor, and said,  "Are you just gonna leave all these pennies?"  Made me laugh through my tears.  Much love to you, beloved brother, I miss you deeply.  Peace be with you.

Shortly after meeting Alex in college I got the chance to meet Rhys and Mary. Along with our parents, we gathered at O’Hare Airport to depart together for a study abroad program in Italy. From first meeting Rhys, it was clear what a warm, welcoming, kind, and fun person he was. In college you may not always get to know your friends’ families in the same way as in childhood, but with the Marohns, I felt welcomed into the family. Card nights, sangria, sleepovers in Sheboygan and then California, butterhorns, Van Morrison, home renovation projects, art throughout the house, I was awed by all of it, and so thankful to be part of it. I know that the grief that is left at Rhys’ passing is a legacy of the love and light he shared while here and a testament to the person that he was. May his memory be for a blessing.

I'll miss his warm smile and inviting laugh. It was always a pleasure to spend time with him. My fond memories with him in California go from Palm Springs to Bakersfield. His loving presence lives on in his family.

His battle cry RANT!!!!! when we played flag football. RIP BUDDY.

Rhys playing Van Morrison while Alex and I played pool and made vegan spiced banana pancakes. Letting us take over his cigar gazebo to stay up all night watching the OC on a laptop. The Marohn family teaching me progressive rummy and never, ever going easy on me.  Egging on our competitive sides during parcheesi matches. Special 60's vintage Rhys vineyard wine shared in the desert while playing (more progressive rummy) all night. 

I didn't have a father. Spending time with Alex and her family always filled me up and helped me get through some tough times. Their love is contagious. So many fond memories of Rhys. He is missed. The world was a better place with him in it. <3

I was the luckiest girl to have the best dad. I have so many wonderful memories of my dad. Playing monopoly for hours on end (or any game for that matter). Sitting around talking. Snorkeling in St. Croix. Going to the Van Morrison concert in England. I'll share more memories as they come, but one of my most powerful memories (and the thing I already miss so deeply) is the way he looked at me. The way his face lit up when I came over for dinner. Or the way he looked at me when he was proud and happy for me. He was just the best dad and I'm so beyond lucky I got to spend 38 years with him. It was not even close to enough.