News

Beatrice (“Bea”) Perich (nee Beatriz Martinez), formerly of Whitewater and New Berlin, was born to eternal life at her daughter Joni’s home June 22, 2020 at the age of 97 years young

Beatrice (“Bea”) Perich (nee Beatriz Martinez), formerly of Whitewater and New Berlin, was born to eternal life at her daughter Joni’s home June 22, 2020 at the age of 97 years young. 

Bea was born on February 23, 1923 in Cachipay, Colombia and came of age in Bogota where she studied accounting and became a full-charge bookkeeper. She liked numbers and professional sports for as long as she could remember.  Marrying these two interests, she invested in Colombia’s professional futbol team. At one time, she hoped to go to Paris, to live there but her mother discouraged her, or may have outright forbid her from leaving Bogota. Years later, she communicated with friends who had emigrated to the U.S. and decided to cash in her soccer team stock holdings and pursue the American Dream. The United States would soon be her home.  She arrived in America in 1950 and lived for a short time in Milwaukee at the Convent of the Sisters of the Divine Savior.  She answered a classified ad for a bookkeeper at Falk Corporation in “the valley.”  During her interview, the manager called Falk’s international sales manager in to continue the interview.  Both were very impressed with Bea’s skills, poise, professionalism, and perfect grammar. Apparently, an expansion was afoot, and Bea was told of Falk’s growing international sales in Colombia and other South American countries. Falk was in need of a bilingual sales assistant.  She was asked if, instead of the finance department, would she be interested in translating RFPs to English and sales quotes to Spanish.  She said, “Of course!” They asked her if she could start right away and she pulled a half peanut butter sandwich from her pocketbook and said, “I am ready to start today, I have my lunch here.”  And so, she did. In those days, Bea rode the Milwaukee County Route 35 bus from the convent to Falk, where she deboarded at the 16th St Viaduct, and traversed the steep steel grate stairs.  Only once did she allow her leather bound high heels to slip through the steel grates. The grating ripped the leather from a heel and her beautiful Italian pumps were ruined.  Then, snow fell one day, and she hadn’t thought to bring overshoes to protect her pumps, so she climbed the snowy stairs to board her bus home and was sad to find another of her beautiful imported shoes was ruined.  One day a gentleman friend who had settled in Chicago called to say hello and Bea confided in him that the commute was lethal for her treasured imported leather shoes, and with that conversation a plan was hatched to move to Chicago. He greeted Bea at Union Station with a ring in hand.  Mom explained she was just a friend. 

In short order, Bea enrolled in an evening citizenship class at Lakeside Elementary School where she met Zivan, the love of her life.  When she walked in the classroom, she gave her characteristic wink and smile to Zivan and found an open seat near him.  He was smitten.  At times the instructor would catch them whispering to one another and call out, “Who is the instructor here, Mr. Perich?” They began dating, going out for dinner and after 3 months, Zivan asked, “Bea why not get married, we will save money on rent and eating together.” They married and on day one, Zivan asked what she could cook. Bea replied,  “I can boil water and make you a cup of tea!”  At that he taught her to cook and bake. Bea had a natural talent, intuitively combining herbs and ingredients and became a fabulous cook. Her family endlessly enjoyed delicious home cooked meals and feasts. Her knowledge of nutrition, along with her love of and natural talent in cooking, came into play beyond the Perich family—in the 1960’s Bea found herself employed at the UW Extension office in Walworth County. There, Bea would travel to low income and migrant farm worker families to teach nutrition, cooking, and how to economize at the grocery store. Teaching others energized and gratified her.

Bea and Zivan had a beautiful life together, were endlessly devoted to one another, and were married for 56 years. Coming from distinct cultures and religions might have been difficult for some, but their marriage seemed to be stronger despite the differences. They married three times—first in the civil court, then when his fellow Serbs learned of this they insisted on a Serbian Orthodox ceremony. Next, Bea’s family, devoutly Catholic, protested and the pair wed again in a proper Nuptial Mass receiving the Rite of Marriage sacrament.

The next chapters of life played out in the Chicago suburbs of Glen Ellyn and Wheaton, then later in Wisconsin in Whitewater, New Berlin, and finally in Milwaukee County. They held on to their little farm even while the family moved to New Berlin to make Zivan’s daily commute more manageable. Upon retirement, they returned for a decade to “the farm” where grandchildren were always welcome. There the grandchildren learned to drive, enjoyed climbing trees and playing in the hay loft, driving the golf cart, shooting free throws with their Grandma, and going to Whitewater Lake to fish. The most treasured memories came from those times on the farm where together Bea and Zivan enjoyed tending to their magnificent vegetable garden, cherry, apple, pear, plum and peach trees, grapes and beautiful flowers. Bea was a critical thinker, lifelong learner, fabulous cook, skilled knitter and embodied an infectious joie de vivre—everyone she knew loved her. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous pride and joy and she was delighted with the arrival of her great-grandchildren. She was super patriotic and voted in every election no matter how small, with one exception—due to COVID and having recently moved to the Jewish Home, Bea’s absentee ballot never arrived on time and she missed the April 7th vote in which she was bound and determined to vote for a new Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge. She was very disappointed the ballot never came but afterward remarked with delight when she learned her lady won!

Bea’s final year on earth was filled with enjoyment—at 96 Bea loved her weekends at Joni’s little farm. It reminded her so much of the treasured times on her own piece of paradise in the country. She gardened pulling weeds and planting with the same energy and determination she had displayed years earlier. No one could believe this kind of strenuous work could be performed by little Bea in her advanced age, so Joni memorialized much of her activities in photos. When asked what her secret was to her long life and beautiful complexion, Bea urged ladies to have an avocado each day—one half to eat, and the other for a facial mask. During weekends at Joni’s she would sit for hours under a big oak tree and enjoy God’s bountiful nature where an abundance of birds kept her company. Even at this age, she could easily walk a quarter mile. Bea loved her weekends with Joni, out in the country where she enjoyed a queen’s treatment of pedicures and hair styling. Bea enjoyed her last glorious vacation in her final year too—she and Joni travelled to Cabo to escape the wintery spring and she was the fan-favorite of the resort. A vacationing nurse made a daily poolside check on Bea, and Joni made sure she kept drinking enough water to stay happy, healthy and hydrated. Every day she was greeted with smiles, birthday treats, and even a personal singing waiter.

Bea was a grateful, generous woman of faith and praised God’s blessings in all living things. Among her virtues were an immeasurable enjoyment of life, endless generosity, compassion, and the ability to clown around for the mere purpose of giving the gift of laughter and joy to others. Laughter always emanated from any room Bea inhabited. Everyone who met her loved her.  Bea was always ready for any new adventure and expended endless energy in pursuit of enjoyment—joy in anything at all—like conversation, beholding natural beauty, eating and quiet reflection. When in isolation visiting on FaceTime, we would talk about the pandemic and how terribly lonesome people were in lockdown and she would comment, “Well nobody likes the isolation, but we have to be patient, so the virus doesn’t spread.” She always had compassion for others and accepted the sacrifice of isolation for the greater good of protecting others from sickness. When the horrible murder of George Floyd happened, she conversed with compassion and an understanding of the pent-up frustration in the Black community with hundreds of years of inequity and injustice.

Bea will be deeply missed and never forgotten. She is forever remembered by her daughters Helen (David) Peplinski, Mary (Luke) Perry, Johanna Perich, grandchildren; Tyler (Anna) Willingham, Rachel (Andrew) Schneider, Dr. Roman (fiancé Stephanie Marin Kayser) Peplinski, Jordan (AJ) McCormick, Jacob Peplinski; and great-grandchildren Blake Zivan, Grace Beatrice and Shelby Margaret Willingham;  and Silas Finn Schneider. She is reunited in everlasting life with her beloved husband Zivan, cherished grandson Garrett Willingham, darling sisters Blanca Auza and Elvira Hebel, and dear parents Luis and Cristina Martinez.

The family wishes to thank Jewell Falkenberg for helping to bring Bea home, Barb Berg, Vitas Hospice and the caregivers who loved Bea at Ovation Jewish Home.

The family will gather at Utters Corners Cemetery for a private graveside service and follow with a day at Whitewater Lake in memory of Bea. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Jewish Home and Care Center, Attn: Foundation, 1400 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee WI 53202 or go to https://ovation.org/foundation/make-a-donation/ (or to a charity of donor’s choice).

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Responding to a Vocal Crowd, Walworth County Board Declines to Give Health Officer the Authority the State Has Already Given

Audience at the Walworth County Board of Supervisors meeting of June 9, 2020. Image from Walworth County video

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At its June 9 meeting (click here for video) the Walworth County Board of Supervisors listened for nearly two hours to public comments regarding a proposed ordinance (included at the end of this article) that would essentially adopt state statutes and codes authorizing their health officer to take certain steps to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Although the ordinance was recommended by county officials shortly after the Safer at Home order was struck down, the health officials reported that there had not been any problems getting citizens to comply with orders pertaining to COVID-19. The ordinance could apply to any communicable disease, authorizing health staff to quarantine an infected person, involuntarily if necessary, using “quarantine guards.” Additionally, if deemed necessary, staff could order for a person’s furniture or clothing to be destroyed to avoid spreading disease. Violators, which could include businesses, could be subject to fines ranging from $25 to $500 per day. The proposal had been recommended by the Health and Human Services Committee at its meeting (click here for video) on May 20 by a vote of 7-1, with Supervisor Ryan Simons voting no.

The proposal from county staff resulted from a suggestion from the Wisconsin Counties Association that the counties check their ordinances to ensure that they had adopted the state statute. Apparently a large number of counties already had such an ordinance on the books. According to a member of the board who spoke with the Banner on condition of anonymity, although Supervisor Simons offered no reason for his opposition to the motion in the committee, afterwards he apparently made a number of contacts with citizens encouraging them to oppose the recommendation to the board. The unnamed supervisor also reported that Representative Cody Horlacher and State Senator Steve Nass posted comments on their Facebook pages encouraging people to speak in opposition to the proposal at the June 9 board meeting. (Click here for Rep. Horlacher’s Facebook post on June 9.) This struck the aforementioned supervisor as odd, in that the county proposal was essentially identical to existing state law.

Dozens of county residents, including three from Whitewater, spoke against the proposal. Many appeared in person in a nearly filled chamber, with virtually none wearing masks, while others spoke by telephone. Comments included accusations that the proposed ordinance would be unconstitutional, that it would be taking away freedoms guaranteed to citizens, that it was an “overreach,” granting unsupervised powers to unelected officials, and that there were no qualifications cited for health officials. Some people voiced suspicion that COVID-19 represents as serious a health threat as has been reported. The fact that quarantine guards would have “police powers” led some to believe (mistakenly) that they would be able to arrest people. “We are not scared of COVID-19,” said Sarah Hardison of Genoa City. “But we are terrified of government overreach and loss of freedom.” Madison Elmer, a resident of the town of Walworth, stated, “This seems like something that would happen in Russia – not here.” One citizen threatened to sue Walworth County if the public health measure was approved. Others stated that the board was trying to sneak something over without notice. Supervisors were threatened with being defeated in the next election. The crowd applauded, shouted, and occasionally heckled. Chairwoman Nancy Russell urged them to stop. Some responded with more applause and shouting. Only one person, Aaron Parker of Whitewater, spoke in support of the proposal, stating that he felt that freedom does not give “a license to do whatever you want regardless of how it impacts others.”

Following the citizen comments, County Corporation Counsel Michael P. Cotter indicated that the proposed ordinance was almost verbatim to language found in Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 251 (Local Health Officials) and 252 (Communicable Diseases), Wis. Adm. Code DHS 145 (Control of Communicable Diseases), and a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in 1904, Lowe v Conroy. In drafting the proposal he added minimal language from other counties’ ordinances, as well as the proposed penalty. He chose to only include a monetary fine and not the provision for up to 30 days of jail time that the statute allows. Mr. Cotter stated that the ordinance “doesn’t expand the powers of the health officer other than to allow them to give a ticket to a person if they don’t abide by an order.”

Supervisor Daniel Kilkenny, although indicating that he would be voting against the ordinance, agreed with the perspective that the substance of the proposal is already in state law, and stated that those who oppose the provisions should be taking it up with their state representatives if they oppose the state’s approach to controlling contagious diseases. “If you woke up today thinking this didn’t exist, it already exists,” Kilkenny said.

After virtually no discussion, the board voted 10-1 to reject the proposed ordinance, with Jerry Grant offering the only dissent. The anonymous board member who spoke with the Banner indicated that she/he had voted with the majority only due to the public pressure, believed that Mr. Grant was in the right with his vote, and wished that they had felt that they could also vote that way.

After the meeting, the Banner spoke with County Corporation Counsel Cotter, who acknowledged that the extensive opposition to the proposal was a surprise. He stated that the basis of the state statute dates back to the late 1800s. In fact, the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in 1904, Lowe v Conroy, did not question the decision of a local health authority to order the destruction, without a hearing, of cattle hide and meat that were believed to be infected with anthrax. Attorney Cotter stated that he did not feel that the Health and Human Services Department would be disadvantaged by the outcome. The health officer can still enforce the provisions of the state law; it’s just that if a citizen fails to comply with a quarantine order, the county will have to go to Circuit Court instead of “writing a ticket.” Although Cotter stated that he “understands the frustration,” of those speaking at the meeting, the county was not trying to sneak anything through, and he was glad that citizens were interested.

The Banner also contacted Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of the County Health and Human Services Department, who commented, “I was certainly surprised by the public interest in the issue, although maybe I shouldn’t have been.  It’s pretty rare that we get much public interest in our board meetings.  Our Public Health still has all of the authorities it needs and we’ve used them quite judiciously over the years.  I can think of only one case in the past few decades where we needed to use a quarantine guard.  This was a situation related to active tuberculosis.  I think I understand the crowd’s concerns with the ordinance.  What may not be well understood is that State statutes 251 and 252 already grant health officers those authorities that were written into the ordinance.  The larger issue for that concerned group may ultimately be with the state legislature that grants the authorities in the first place.”

According to a press release from Jefferson County, their Board of Supervisors is reviewing the potential for such an ordinance while awaiting further discussion, analysis, feedback from the public, and guidance from a statewide working group.

Finally, Banner staff reached out to Jerry Grant, the only board member who opposed the motion to defeat the proposed ordinance. Mr. Grant provided the following response:

“Dear Editor:

Whitewater Banner

This is the opinion of Jerry Grant, not of any other member of the Walworth County board.

The County Board meeting of June 9, 2020, received a large amount of public input concerning an ordinance involving authority of the County’s Health Officer. The comments provided to the County Board, except for one speaker, opposed the ordinance. The issue stressed was the amount of authority the County Health Officer would be given. Having the ordinance fail did not take any authority away from our County Health Officer that is not already provided for in the State Statutes. This was pointed out to the Board by the Corporation Counsel and County Administrator.

The State Statutes REQUIRE OUR HEALTH OFFICER TO ENFORCE THE STATE LAWS CONCERNING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES. The State Statutes, in part, read the local health officer shall promptly take all measures necessary to prevent, suppress, and control communicable disease. If local authorities fail to enforce the communicable disease statutes and rules the department shall take charge and expenses incurred shall be paid by the county or municipality.

If you really have the fear as stated at the County Board meeting, you really need to proceed with your complaint to the Wisconsin Legislature to have changes made in the laws.

Jerry Grant – Walworth County District 4″

**************************************************************************************************************************

Three Sponsors Renew Title Sponsorship of Discover Whitewater Race

Whitewater Unified School District Renews Title Sponsorship for 2020 DWS

WHITEWATER — June 19, 2020 — The Greater Whitewater Committee Inc.’s 2020 Discover Whitewater Series (DWS) is excited to announce that the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) will once be a title sponsor for the eighth year in a row. The Whitewater High School has provided the DWS with a location for the start and finish to the race since 2013 and continues to be a crucial part of this event.

“As the new District Administrator of the Whitewater Unified School District, I am discovering that Whitewater is an incredible place to live and work,” said District Administrator Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals devoting hours to organizing this race so that we can feature the great aspects of our city, school district, and university. The community is supportive of our school district and we enjoy being able to highlight the great things happening in our schools.”

Many of the race’s volunteers come from students and faculty within the WUSD.

This year’s race is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2020 with the goal of hosting a fun and safe athletic event while building a stronger local community. To achieve this, DWS donates all profits of the race to five local charity partners.

“I am proud to be associated with the Discover Whitewater Series and I am looking forward to demonstrating how we can run a safe and healthy premier athletic event demonstrating all the wonderful sights there are to see in Whitewater,” DWS Race Director Dawson Miller said.

The DWS team is incredibly excited to see what all the positive change that will come from this sponsorship with the WUSD.  Be sure to check out the DWS’ new guidelines for race day at https://runwhitewater.com/stillrunning.

************************************************************************************************************************

City of Whitewater Recommits as a DWS Title Sponsor for Eighth Year

The City of Whitewater has recommitted for the eighth year in a row as a title sponsor for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon and 5K, scheduled for Sept. 20, 2020.

Since the first DWS in 2013, the team has worked alongside the City of Whitewater to create a memorable race day experience for all participants. DWS would not be what it is today without the city’s continuous support throughout the past seven years. The City of Whitewater assists DWS by providing public safety, parking, and volunteers.

“Public safety is the number one priority of DWS on race day,” DWS Executive Director Jeffery Knight said. “DWS is extremely thankful for the city’s annual contribution and their direct aid in DWS’s operations throughout the race day weekend. The police, public works and city staff are just amazing in their support of our race; we could not run this huge event without them.”

DWS provides an ideal opportunity to help promote the City of Whitewater. By creating a racecourse that highlights many of the amazing features in the city, race participants from all over can see the wonderful and unique aspects of Whitewater. The course goes past the school district, UW-Whitewater, and many different businesses, creating an upbeat and scenic route for race participants to enjoy.

“This event is an opportunity to showcase the Whitewater community and pulling it off each year is truly a community effort,” Whitewater City Manager Cameron Clapper said. “We see volunteers from all facets of the community stepping up every year to help make this event a success. DWS continues to be a key opportunity to welcome visitors and showcase the best of the Whitewater community each year. The City of Whitewater is pleased to continue its support of DWS in 2020.”

The City of Whitewater’s sponsorship also helps DWS’s efforts in supporting the community. All proceeds from the race are donated to five local Whitewater charities: Bethel House, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Whitewater LEADS, Whitewater Unified School District and Working for Whitewater’s Wellness.

In the past seven years, DWS has been able to raise $183,500 for our five charity partners.

**************************************************************************************************************************

Fort HealthCare recommits as a title sponsor of DWS


WHITEWATER— April 29, 2020 — The Greater Whitewater Committee Inc. is pleased to announce that this year marks Fort HealthCare’s eighth continuous year of being a title sponsor for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): HalfMarathon and 5K, scheduled for Sept. 20, 2020.

Fort HealthCare’s mission is to improve the community’s health and well-being. They recognize early detection and
wellness as the leading course of action for managing diseases.DWS shares Fort HealthCare’s ideology that activity and fitness are preventive measures in fighting most illnesses. Fort HealthCare promotes having an active lifestyle within their organization by encouraging their staff to participate in the annual DWS.

Both Fort HealthCare and DWS are following updates from the CDC and Governor Tony Ever’s office closely.

“Fort HealthCare is proud to be an eight year sponsor of such a well-run event for our community,” said a Fort
HealthCare representative. “Partners like the City of Whitewater help in leading our mission and vision of being the
healthiest community in Wisconsin. In this time of unrest we all need to take good care of ourselves and our loved
ones.”

DWS is appreciative of Fort HealthCare’s continued support and for their efforts helping slow the spread of COVID-19. “The DWS and the local community’s health resources wouldn’t be the same without Fort HealthCare,” DWS Executive Director Jeffery Knight said. “DWS is extremely grateful for Fort HealthCare’s sponsorship and is passionate about working alongside them to support our community in these uncertain times.”

Citizen Survey About Policing in Whitewater and Potential Police Reforms: Not Authored by the Department, but They Encourage Participation

From the Whitewater Police Department Facebook page: “Please see the below. We did not author this survey nor did we have any input on it. We have been requesting to meet with its author(s). We believe that it is a well-written survey and we encourage our Facebook page followers and visitors to take it. Also, we assume that the survey is focused solely on us and not on any of the other three law enforcement agencies who occasionally assist us with city policing. Thank you.”

Click here for the survey.

New Book at Storywalk: “Dreamers”

The Storywalk at First United Methodist Church has a new story on Sunday.  Come to 145 S. Prairie St. in Whitewater and read the book “Dreamers” by Yuyi Morales.  Both English and Spanish texts are provided.  Take a walk around the outside of the church and read a book, a safe way to practice social distancing and enjoy a new book.  Hope to see you there!

(From the description on Amazon) We are resilience. We are hope. We are dreamers.

Yuyi Morales brought her hopes, her passion, her strength, and her stories with her, when she came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but she didn’t come empty-handed.

Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes and history. It’s the story of finding your way in a new place, of navigating an unfamiliar world and finding the best parts of it. In dark times, it’s a promise that you can make better tomorrows.  

This lovingly-illustrated picture book memoir looks at the myriad gifts migrants bring with them when they leave their homes. It’s a story about family. And it’s a story to remind us that we are all dreamers, bringing our own strengths wherever we roam. Beautiful and powerful at any time but given particular urgency as the status of our own Dreamers becomes uncertain, this is a story that is both topical and timeless.

“Dealing with Anxiety During These Stressful Times” Free WebEx Event Hosted by CEC

The UW-W Community Engagement Center in Whitewater brings you another WebEx Event, “Dealing with Anxiety During These Stressful Times,” on July 10, from 12:00-12:45 p.m. This may also be available in Spanish at a future time if there is an interest. 

To join and view presentation, please click here. Event Number: 133 551 7298, Password: Stress01

Audio only: +1-855-749-4750, Access code: 133 551 7298

Please note that if anyone has issues with the hyperlink, or would like a calendar invite, please email CEC@uww.edu for the direct link.

Photo Gallery of WHS Graduation Activities

Thank you to Tom Ganser for providing photos from the Whitewater High School Drive-Through Graduation Celebration on Saturday, June 6, as well as still photos from the Virtual Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, June 7. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Seniors and their families had the opportunity to walk across an outdoor stage to receive their diploma during staggered times on Saturday, June 6. Parents then had the option to join their graduate on stage for a photo. Thank you again to the SweetSpot for providing individual cakes for each participant.

A virtual ceremony was shown on Sunday, June 7, at the time of the originally scheduled ceremony. If you have not had a chance to view it, it can be seen at https://youtu.be/an2YCAyh6FU

Jay S. Tuinstra, age 54, lost his battle with cancer and passed on June 9, 2020

MADISON – Jay S. Tuinstra, age 54, lost his battle with cancer and passed on June 9, 2020. At his request there was no funeral service, but his family and close friends had a celebration of life in his honor on June 21, 2020. Jay was born on the 4th of July 1965 in Fort Atkinson, WI and was raised in Whitewater where he attended Whitewater University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Jay was a very dedicated family man and experienced his greatest joy watching his three children participate in sports. He also showed his love and devotion by raising his wife’s four older children as his own from the day they met. He was an avid sci-fi toy collector, loved Frank Sinatra and loved dogs, especially his dog Gideon. Jay loved to tell stories of his experiences driving the Madison metro bus and singing karaoke. He lost his battle with cancer but lived a happy and fulfilled life until the day he passed. He was preceded in death by his father, John Tuinstra II and brother-in-law, Patrick L. Blacks. He is survived by his mother, Audrey Tuinstra; siblings, John Tuinstra III, Melody Vemeister, and Merille Tuinstra; wife, Rita Tuinstra; their three children, Elliott, Abby, and Aiden; four step-children, Nicholas, Timothy, Jenna, and Jamie Webster; in-laws, James Bond (Todd), Archie Blacks, Alberta Jennings (Cindy), Aaron Blacks; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many other family and friends. He will be especially missed by his close friends, Calvin Tucker, John Mankowski, and Daryl Gugel. Jay will be missed beyond words and loved forever by us all.