My 67 year old brother died in Spring Valley, NY, on September 7 at approximately 7:15 AM. He endured a two and a half year battle with invasive bladder cancer, and he did it with grace and love for his family. Approximately 50 people showed up for his funeral, which was held in Airmont, NY. Many very nice things were said about him, including thoughts from two close friends who said that Jeff is responsible for their careers. Another talked about how Jeff loved his golf game and how through partnering with someone in golf you learn everything about them. And he still remained his close friend. They even won a tournament together this year while Jeff was involved in a clinical trial of a drug with the potential to cure his cancer.

His son, Drew, and my wife, Lyn, helped me construct a slide show as a tribute to his life. Below are two links; one of them should work. If you would like to see this and cannot get it to work, send me a private message to let me know and I will try to fix it. Remember to turn up the volume.

Jeff Napel 1947-2014 (Quicktime)

Jeff Napel 1947-2014 (Windows Media)

Finally, many have asked us about making donations in his honor. His family would like donations to go to cancer research. Full disclosure: On September 27th I am participating in the Canary Challenge, a bicycling event to raise money for the early detection of cancer. Many of you may have already donated. If you haven't, or if you want to up the ante in Jeff's honor, please visit this link:

Sandy’s Canary Challenge 2014 Donation Page

When you click on the donate button, you can enter "Jeff Napel" as the recognition name.

Jeff's wife, Bonnie, wanted donations made to the Canary Foundation for the Early Detection of Cancer; they don't need to particularly be connected to the Canary Challenge. To do this instead, visit this link:

Canary Foundation -- Research into Early Detection of Cancer

and click on the DONATE button. You will be able to designate the gift in honor of Jeff Napel.

Of course there are many organizations that support cancer research, and you can pick your favorite. Or just smile at someone you don't know and think of Jeff.

I miss you so much, Jeff... May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.