Jared Lee Risley

Risley, Jared Lee Born on October 16, 1963, passed away on May 16, 2008, after a short but painful struggle with pancreatic cancer. Beloved son of Lee Risley and Gwynneth Gibson Risley and wonderful big brother to Nathan Risley; he also leaves behind his sister-in-law Chhavyvann So and his niece Seda Sor. He now joins his much-loved cat Bonky on the Other Side. Often known as Riz or Grizz, Jared was quickly taken from us at the young age of 44. This gentle giant will be sorely missed by his small circle of friends and his family spread around in Ohio, Maryland, California, New Jersey and Vermont. Jared graduated from Kettering's Fairmont West in 1982 (charter member of the ice hockey team) and from Wright State in 1989 with a degree in anthropology. In 1993 he settled down to work as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, where he remained employed until his demise. For the past several years he had delivered his route in the Aragon Avenue area of East Kettering. Those wishing one last "good-bye" may come to his visitation at Newcomer South Chapel on Saturday, May 24 at one o'clock; parting words may also be left at www.newcomerfamily.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or SICSA (www.sicsa.org).

I can remember numerous lessons imparted to me by my big brother. Being four years younger than he and considerably smaller, I used to butt my head into his chest and start punching him in the stomach. As ineffectual as these punches were, he would nevertheless occasionally become annoyed and punch back. It was always more of a tap than a punch, but of course I would start crying to get him in trouble. Then one day, he didn't get in trouble anymore, and therefore he indirectly taught me that I was old enough to take responsibility for my actions. Punching my brother came to a halt about ten second after this realization.

Later on he would more directly teach me more positive lessons: always be kind to others, be generous whenever you can, and always be available to the ones you love. He was not gregarious outside the family and therefore difficult to get to know, but once the ice was broken his gruff exterior melted away to show a person who was extraordinarily lovable. We lucky few who were afforded the pleasure of his softer side genuinely did love him.

The assumption being that many more years would be available to spend time with Jared, I didn't visit as often as I ought to have done, but the visits were always worthwhile. Alas, the time has come too soon to bid you farewell, Big Brother, far too soon. You will live on in our thoughts and our hearts. Say "hi" to Bonky for me.