Lynn Roberts (Good friend) - 3/6/2010
Jeff, I will never forget you or our years together. I'll remember always the laughter. You were my rock.
Howard Hazelwood (Best friend growing up) - 3/6/2010
I am very sadden to hear about Jeff's passing. Mary and Eugene, my heart goes out to you. Jeff was a very good man and his passing has left me a little more empty. I know we had not seen each other since HS, but I still remember our youth growing up together next door to each other. God is now taking care of Jeff.
Marvin McCartney (Co-Worker - RI Arsenal) - 3/4/2010
To the family of Jeff DeVilder:
I wish to express to you all, my heartfelt sorrow over the loss of Jeff. It is sad that such a nice, sincere and friendly gentleman that Jeff was had to leave us.
Peronally, I worked with Jeff in contracting at RI Arsenal. Although my tenure in the office was short, it was long enough to develop a great friendship with Jeff who went out of his way to help me whenever I needed assistance on a work related matter. From a personal note, Jeff was a great person, a super intelectual and finally, a real pleasure to work with and talk to regardless of the subject matter.
My heart goes out to you over your loss, but no doubt, you have a multitude of happy memories of Jeff to reflect on.
I want to thank you for taking a moment during your grieving period to share with you one of the many great stories you will probably hear about anyone who has met, worked with and/or was a friend of Jeff DeVilder. God Bless You All.
Jim Snowbarger (Childhood friend) - 3/3/2010
Jeff was the only other intelligent boy in my kindergarten class at the school for the blind in Vinton Iowa in 1958. We held tightly to one another during that difficult time, and remained extremely close throughout most of our 11 years at the school. We were buddies, and had a lot in common at the time. We walked the campus together, often seen with our arms around one another's shoulders, consoling one another through the trials of our youth. We competed fiercely in athletics, in wrestling and track. He was a very capable guy, and a good, if some times fractious friend. As often happens, we lost track of one another after leaving the school. But, I still feel close to him in my heart. It is a shock to hear now of his passing. So long Jeff, my old buddy. I guess you beat me to the finish line after all in the final race. I know it wasn't an easy road.Hats fof, my friend. And, my condolances to your family in this time of loss.
Jim Shaffer (Friend from IBSSS) - 3/3/2010
I roomed with Jeff in my ninth grade year. We got along well, and had good times together. When Jeff was at college, I spent a weekend with him. Jeff will be missed. My sympathies go out to his family.
Steve Dulaney (Friend) - 3/3/2010
Jeff and I started out as an intern 30 years ago, and we have remain friends over the years. I have fond memories of hours I spent with Jeff at work over the years. Early days, Jeff gave me strength to overecoming barriers we face, in intern program and work. It was tough in early days but we did it, still here 30 years later. Thank you, Jeff!
Joan Pfeiffer (Step-sister) - 3/3/2010
âA Parable of Immortalityâ
By Henry Van Dyke
I am standing on the shore as a great ship gently glides from the harbor and sails toward the horizon. It is beautiful. Sails billowing; and shining bright as sunlight sparkling on distant waters. It grows smaller and smaller until at last, the white sails shine as ribbons out where the sky and water mingle as one.
And as I watch, a voice behind me says, âWell, heâs gone.â Heâs gone. Gone? âNo,â I tell myself. No, is not really gone. Not really. Only gone is the sense that I can no longer see himâ¦..
In reality, he is the same as ever; just as beautiful; just as shining. And deep in my heart I know, that on another shore someone is crying out, âLook! Look, everyone! Here he comes!â
Jeff has joined our brother Bill...I am sure Bill was on that shore shouting "Here he comes"!! Remembering them...
Judy Pagliaro (Co-worker and Friend) - 3/2/2010
I had the distinct pleasure and honor of working with Jeff for many years. Since day one, I was completely impressed by his intelligence, work ethic, and by the kindness that he extended to all. Please accept my heart-felt condolences. jp
Jennifer Atkins (Niece) - 3/2/2010
My heart and prayers go out to the family. May we all have peace of mind during this difficult time.
Jayne Stern (Cousin) - 3/2/2010
My sincere condolence to the entire DeVilder family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love as always Jayne
Clare Lagarde (Co-Worker) - 3/2/2010
Kathy, My deepest condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheryl DeVol (Schick) (Old Friend) - 3/2/2010
Mary and Family,
I remember Jeff in his wheel chair (late 1870's) He had fought all his life to be as an equal to everyone else. He never let his handicap interfere with work, or daily living. He was a kind soul who would listen when anyone needed his shoulder to lean on. I know our mothers were best friends for so long and we knew each other long before either of us started working on the Rock.
He was respected and love by both family and friends. May your family be wrapped in God's loving arms throughout this sorrowful time and find peace.
If I can be of assistance, please let me know?
Sincerely,
Sheryl DeVol and Family (Daughter to Mary Lou and Bob Schick)
Melissa laschanzky (Cousin) - 3/2/2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and her family in this difficult time. Jeff will be greatly missed, but rest assured he is in a better place now.
Kurt (co-worker) - 3/2/2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff's family and friends. May the Lord provide you with comfort during this difficult time.
Michelle Dickson (Friend) - 3/2/2010
I am so sorry for your loss. In the darkest hour the soul is replenished and given strength to continue and endure. May your sorrow be tempered by your happy memories of Jeff.
