Jd. Malotke
I know this is a bit late, and it's a long one, but I truly could not find the words to express how I feel.
I knew Jack for about a year before he passed, and though we were not close, I admired him incredibly. I remember when I met him, the first thing he did was crack a joke about our similar 'hippie' hairstyles. Any time Jack was around, you could always expect there to be smiles and laughter. He was just this amazingly kind and incredibly generous person whose goofball of a personality never failed to cheer up those around him. I didn't know him for very long, but I still carry so many fond memories of him.
Jack was incredibly accepting of me, and he very kindly allowed me to be involved and included with his family. Himself as well as Kari always made sure that I knew that their door was open for me if needed. Even now, I still struggle with Jack's passing. I look back with some regret for not trying harder to build a relationship with him. Jack's family has become a centerpiece in my life, and I never truly gained the confidence to tell him how grateful I was for him giving me the chance to be a part of it all. I believe that through grief, there is beauty, and the beauty is the many good memories of Jack that I, along with so many others, will carry throughout our lives. I will forever be thankful for being given the opportunity to get to know him.
