Condolence: I met Jay in the spring of 2003. I had just moved to Maine and he was the first person to befriend me. This was perfect because he encompassed the quintessential characteristics of the place I have grown to love as a child and the place I chose to call home as an adult.

Jay had an appreciation for nature. Did you ever get to eat one of his lovingly grown tomatoes right out of the garden? He had a love for things that were old and antiquated and he longed for a time gone by. He had a dry wit and spoke his mind freely, setting me straight on many occasions. He was fiercely devoted to his word, to his beliefs about how we should treat one another with fairness, and mostly, he was devoted to his Mom. Jay has a big, gentle heart. Sometimes I'd swear he wore it on the outside of his body because he felt his own and others' pain so readily and unapologetically.

I will never forget how grizzly Jay would look with his hair and beard all grown out. He said he wore it this way to keep warm. It also didn't hurt that it "intimidated the tourists". He had a proud, easy saunter that was easily identifiable from a distance. Jay smelled of the perfect combination of wood and PBR. His hands, like his face, were carved from a hard-lived life, and his blue eyes twinkled wildly when he was being mischievous, which was often.

I still cannot believe he is gone. I will feel the void he has left when I am most in need of a laugh, a shared cynical commentary on the state of the world, advice on everything furniture, cooking and gardening, a good kick in the bottom or a simple check in. I will miss his weekly calls to check on me and my family and the way he would say he was "livin' the dream." I will deeply miss my friend.

Dear Old Friend, you were not supposed to go so soon. Actually we had a plan to get you up MidCoast and we were supposed to stick around long enough to see how we both faired into our own old ages. I can see you now...your eyes welling up with empathy for my pain, I can feel you giving me a quick, strong hug and I can hear you tell me "take 'er easy, love ya". You too Jay. You too.

Condolence: Your genuine care and kindness was always felt by each of us. For this we were truly grateful. You were a gift in our lives and we were fortunate to have known you. Our memories of you and times together will be cherished and you will be in our hearts forever. We love you Jay. Deepest prayers and thoughts are with Elinor, Family and Kennebunk community.

Condolence: Elinor, I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was a great one of a kind guy.

Condolence: Always enjoyed Jays company. He was a gentleman and very helpful and giving soul. Rest easy old pal, you will be greatly missed!

Condolence: Dear Elinor my deepest and heart felt condolences to you and family for your loss.

Condolence: Dear Brooks Family, I am so sorry for your loss. When we lose a love one in death it is never easy. During this difficult time may your family find comfort in Gods word the Bible that soon we will see our love ones again. -John 5:28,29