Just the other day…
Sydney and Nyel, 1986 — a Stan Thompson photo for the Observer
All the places we went.
All the meals we ate and all those he cooked!
All the laughter we shared.
All the people we enjoyed, learned from, loved.
Wasn’t it just the other day we met… back in 1984?
General Nyel, Farmer Nyel, Chef Nyel,
Husband, Friend, and kindest person I’ve ever known.
Nyel LeRoy Stevens, how blessed I was and am,
And now… how bereft.
Wasn’t it just the other day we celebrated with a bang?
Already there are things I need to tell him,
Like ORF accepting our gift of replacement lamps
And that Slutvana came looking for him tonight.
I wonder if he’ll always be here in my head
Making it all seem like just the other day…
BOOM! May 30, 2022 – Photo by Barbara Canney
”
…
Ded Nyel Pass away Or is he really sick?
Colin just called and told me; I’m so very, very sorry. Colin remembers him from the Bookvendor. He was intelligent and kind and we will all miss him.
He’ll be in all our heads and hearts as long as we live.
I’m so sorry Sydney yet such consolation in what sounds like a beautiful relationship together . RIP Nyel
Nyel was a very special man, always a smile and enjoying life. He will truly be missed. So sorry for your loss, Sydney. Keep all those memories in your heart, he will be with you forever.
Dear Sydney,
You can still write him letters.
Love, Love, Love,
Bruce
It is a sad time, a glad time to reflect on all the joy you two shared; what a couple??visiting with you both recently was such a great gift. We will dearly miss Nyel. ???
It is a sad time, a glad time to reflect on all the joy you two shared; what a couple??visiting with you both recently was such a great gift. We will dearly miss Nyel. ???
Dear Sydney,
It was our pleasure to have meant this gentle loving soul.
Our sympathies go out to you.
May those beautiful memories carry you through you sorrow.
Prayers for both of you.
Tom & Betty
I an’t say
I knew him well.
I can’t say I know you well.
I know of you.
I know a little about you both
Enough to know that you are
A part of us all.
All who call this a community
And who love it as such.
So we love you and share the grief
And the loss of Nyle
I’m so glad you shared so much
With him.
I’m so sorry for his loss.
I an’t say
I knew him well.
I can’t say I know you well.
I know of you.
I know a little about you both
Enough to know that you are
A part of us all.
All who call this a community
And who love it as such.
So we love you and share the grief
And the loss of Nyle
I’m so glad you shared so much
With him.
I’m so sorry for his loss.
Sara Zaga
Dearest Sydney,
I hope you received my EMAIL.
I find myself thinking of you and Nyel and how much esteem and love you shared for one another. This was the relationship all of us hope for and few of us get.
What a lovely man!
Please know that I love you. There is no magic potient for overwhelming grief. You just get through it the best way you can. It’s the toughest road to travel there is on this earth.
But speaking of tough, you’re one lady who has handled tough over and over during Nyel’s long illness. Someday, you’ll handle it again, although not today, and not tomorrow or the next day. One minute, one hour, one day at a time,,,,,, I will be there standing with you, always.
Your Cass
Oh, my dear Sydney. What a magnificent life you and Nyel shared! All I can think of right now is the joy that the two of you created, and then gave to everyone fortunate enough to be in that dual orbit.
Yes, he’ll be with you every day. But it doesn’t help the grief of not having his sweet touch.
My heart is breaking for you.
So very sorry for your loss. Nyel was a great soul and all around great guy.
I have loved hearing your stories over the years of the life you shared together.
Sending love, hugs and strength.
Sydney, I am so sorry. Perhaps these words might be comforting. I’ve found them helpful.
“In one sense there is no death. The life of a soul on earth lasts beyond his departure. You will always feel that life touching yours, that voice speaking to you, that spirit looking out of others’ eyes, talking to you in the familiar things he touched, worked with, loved as familiar friends. He lives on in your life and in the lives of all others who knew him.” -Angelo Patri
Sydney,
From this blog entry, it appears Nyel has passed away. I can’t imagine your unspeakable grief. Following your entries of late, we all guessed it was coming, but too soon. Always too soon and too unbelievable. My heart goes out to you.
Caroline
I have been following your blog for a few years now thanks to my friend, Stephanie, who is a friend of yours. Your life with your beloved Nyel was always so interesting to read about and the love the two of you shared came through your words. I am
So sorry for your loss.
Dear Sydney,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am also thankful for the time that you and Nyel had together, and the small portion of that time I got to spend with the two of you .
Sydney, Nyel will always be in your head and heart. So sorry for your loss. ??
I am very sorry to hear this news, Sydney. You are in our prayers.
Oh, Sydney, I am so sorry. Jim and I will be thinking of you. May time ease your pain at least a little. ??
I will mis Mr. Stevens :( he was the best substitute teacher I ever had! We had a special bond every time he would fill in for a class of mine. I would spend the free time in the period just picking his brain ? because he knew so many different facts about various things! I’m so sorry Mrs. Stevens! I will keep you in my thoughts an prayers. ????
I will mis Mr. Stevens :( he was the best substitute teacher I ever had! We had a special bond every time he would fill in for a class of mine. I would spend the free time in the period just picking his brain ? because he knew so many different facts about various things! I’m so sorry Mrs. Stevens! I will keep you in my thoughts an prayers. ????
I will always remember Nyel’s kind smile. Sending you hugs, prayers and love.?
Oh Sydney. I’m so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. What an amazing, rich, full, beautiful, meaningful life you two have lived and shared together. I hope your happy memories bring you comfort.
Sydney, I’m so very sorry for your losing your dear Nyel. He was a wonderful man, and I know how hard it is to lose the one you love so dearly. I’ll be thinking of you.
I send you lots of love. my sweet friend.
Anne
Sydney: What a heartfelt poem. Just beautiful. Reading it got me all choked up.
Sydney,
I’m so sorry to learn of Nyel’s passing. You were lucky to have each other, and you made such a great duo. He will always be a part of you. David and I send our love.
Sydney, I’m so sorry to hear of Nyel’s passing. He was a sweet, friendly, warm man, with a nice dose of fun and charm. A good & interesting conversationalist. And, he spoke up when needed about the little village on the Bay. I will miss seeing him, but more, I will miss just knowing he’s there.
Thinking of you – Barbara
I just heard about Nyel’s passing earlier this month. So sorry for your loss, Sydney. I am sure you have many fond memories of Nyel’s presence in your life & the many joys the two of you shared to look back upon. I always enjoyed his conversation, sly wit & perspectives on everything Oysterville while I was a member of the community.
Rob