Thursday, February 22, 2007
In Memory of my Brother Steve
In Loving Memory of Steve  Today is an extremely sad day for me, my youngest brother Steve passed away after a long battle with cancer. In a lot of respects this blog has been inspired by my love for the game of chess, and for the passion my brother Steve had for the game. In this respect, this site is dedicated to him. We both learned this game at an early age, and through out the years have enjoyed many games together. Steve took the game seriously in his younger years, reading book on chess, and learning strategies, he was good! He constantly kicked my butt, however, being a sporting player, would let me take my move over when he saw I had made a serious mistake. Some of my fondest memories are the games we would play together while relaxing at a variety of local coffee shops around town. When we couldn't meet, we would often play online, his nic being General Disaster and mine being ChessClown. Backing up a little, when we were kids, seldom did we hang together. The age difference put little in common for the two of us. As we grew older we were very much alike. Our interest in games, sports, and other activities were very much the same. We both had the same occupation, and worked together on several projects together for a number of years. We both enjoyed riding motorcycles, and when we both bought our first Harley Davidson motorcycles, we bought the same model, same color, and on the same day. Now get this, "We didn't talk about or tell each other we were buying motorcycles!" The things we share in common are to numerous to name, and were the cause of many debates between us, debates being a kind word for the fights we had... First, I want to thank my father Gabriel, who has been standing fast these past few months helping in every possible way comforting Steve. Also, a warm thanks to Steve's best friend, Hobie. People like Hobie are the definition of a true friend. As you can imagine, it is hard to put into words my love, my feelings, and the respect I have for my brother, so in ending I will just say, "Your are going to be truly missed, Bro. I love you." When we meet again, we can ride over to the local outdoor cafe and have a game of chess there, General Disaster. Well, maybe we won't ride, I may want to test out those new wings of mine. All my love, Ray CousinIt a.k.a. ChessClown Update: 09-18-07 Our father Gabries has writen a book to help our youth from starting smoking, and to help smokers Stop Smoking. Visit his website and help spread the word. http://mystopsmokingbook.com/ |
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3 comments:
What can I say. Steve was my younger brother as well. He loved many things but was passionate about chess, his motorcycle, golf and coffee shops! I am grateful for many thing concerning my brother Steve, most of all his accepting Jesus as his savior. He is well taken care of now.
Steve, as with all my family, loved to laugh! There was never a time when any of us get together that we would not just find some way to laugh. Not the usual "ha ha" but real from the gut laugh till you cry! These last couple months he has not been able to laugh, it hurt too much. Steve, I know you are listening, Laugh till you cry!
Ray said it so elegantly but I will say it again
My Father here on earth, Gabriel Roy, was a real god send. I love you Dad, I miss you, I can't thank you enough for being there with Steve, I know it ment as much to him as it means to all us kids that you were there for him. We all know how painfull it was and we all love you so much. I wanted you to know that.
Hobie, you are, as Ray stated earlier, what a true friend is. Hobie did not live near Steve yet he flew out, I believe, 3 seperate occasions this past year to be with Steve. Hobie, from all the family, you are a brother to all of us!
Ray, thanks for listening when I needed it, thanks for this blog, thanks for the talks, thanks for being there at Christmas with Steve and thanks for all the chess you played with Steve. I know he enjoyed it. I love you my brother
And finally, Steve, I miss you, I love you, I miss you again. I will miss playing golf, playing chess, going to coffee shops, riding around. Thanks for helping me with my Kitchen, my roof, my life, talking with me, growing up with me. You were not just my brother, you were and still are my best friend. Fly high, play good golf, relax and play some chess. Watch over us, we miss you
Love forever
Your bro
Pat
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!!
I'm the youngest of the Roy clan and nothing beats growing up with three older brothers. You learn very different life lessons from each one of them.
Steve and I were closest in age. We couldn't have been closer had we been twins. One day, out father told Steve "take care of your little sister". And that's what he did, his entire life. No matter what jam I would find myself in, I knew Steve would grab hold of my hand and pull me out. From spending two weeks playing with me while I was grounded, to driving to NV after having Chemo to rescue me from yet another bad marital decision. I love you Steve, and even though a small part of me went with you on Feb 22, 2007. I want you to know that I'll be fine now, you can let go of my hand. Because you'll never leave my mind and I'll always keep you in my heart.
I would also like to tell both Mom and Dad, just how much I love you you both. I know this whole ordeal has been the hardest thing you've ever had to go through. But it just goes to prove how very special our family truely is. You two have been divorced since I was about 3yrs old. Yet 40yrs later you still work as a team for the good of your kids.
To mom, the first two years after Steve was told about his cancer. The surgeries, the prayers and watching him get worse. Hold close to your heart those special nights when Steve would come to you for your warmth when he was feeling his worst, knowing that just being with you made him feel just a little bit better.
To dad, you took on the hardest. You had to watch him die, and I know that was the hardest thing you've ever had to do in your life. Steve came to you because he knew he could depend on you, to care for him with compassion and dignity. Yet strong enough to stand as tall as the mighty oak, and let him go.
Raymond, Patrick, Steven an I could not have hand picked better parents than you two. We stay strong and always united only because our parents showed us how. God Bless you both, from the bottom of my heart.
Raymond and Patrick, my two older brothers. I want you both to know just how much I love and cherish you both. Due to our age differences, there was not alot of room to get to know each other as we were growing up. When I hit my pre-teens Ray you had already moved out, and Pat you were getting married. The bonds had already developed and my love for you both was as strong. I've looked up to both of you with the highest respect. As I get older my love and respect for you both grows stronger, because I know how much you both love me, and would stop at nothing to protect and care for me. Thank you both for your wisdom, intelligence, and showing me how to stand true to myself. I love you both so very much.
Hobie, what can I say? You're the man, you represent the true meaning of being a "best friend forever". You were Steve's best friend, and I can remember on those few occasions that we all hung out together how much fun we had. Thank you so very much for being there for Steve when he needed you the most. I know you put your life on hold for him, and you're like a brother to me. I would love to tell you in person just how much you are loved ond respected not only by me, but our entire family.
I got your message from beyond Steve, and I promise I won't let you down this time. I know what I must do. I will stand strong and make you proud. Happy birthday again Steve. I love you, and I'll miss you more than anyone knows.
Your little sister,
Sylvia
Happy birthday steve! I'm from Indonesia....
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