TheAgitator.com
RIP, Tony Feller
Thursday, September 17th, 2009I linked to a story a few days ago about Tony Feller, an old fraternity brother of mine who was battling cancer. He passed away Tuesday night.
Tony was a few years ahead of me, so we weren’t close friends. What I do remember is that he was a musically talented guy, he had an ingratiating half-smile, and he walked with a cocky swagger that didn’t quite fit his personality. That is, he was a warm, lovely guy, happy to dispense advice and hand over a beer. Even to a lowly freshman pledge. That people who hadn’t seen him in years came back to Indiana from all over the country to help out with his family’s medical bills says quite a bit about the guy.
The story below is obviously sad, given that Tony was just 37 and leaves behind a family. But it’s also moving and pretty uplifting to see the effect the guy had on the people around him.
I watched the video Radley. My deepest condolences to family and friends of Tony.
Clearly he is an inspiration and the epitome of fortitude and substance.
Sad news, man. It looks like his family has a solid support system there, though. At least they’ll be cared for and won’t have to bear the grief alone.
My condolences and hopes for peace to the Feller family and all of his friends. Kudos to him on frighting the good fight for nearly five years.
My younger brother Glen was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in May 2008. After 3 months of agressive chemo, it had spread to his liver and lungs. He passed last August at age 29.
There is nothing more horrifying that watching a 6’5″, 280-lb man waste away to half that weight in a matter on months. But he kept his smile and polite, reserved demeanor until the last. The video of Tony reminded me of that.
My condolences to everyone involved, and my thanks to those who extended a helping hand to those who needed it.
I offer my deepest sympathy…and most sincere condolences…to Mrs. Feller and her children…you are in my prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, may your perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
May God bless…all those who have helped…and will continue to help…support this family… during a most difficult…and sad time.
http://www.justiceforsal.com
God Bless anyone that has experienced such an untimely loss.
This reminds me of an question about happiness. It is as follows -
“Every day you pass through a green light on your way to work. Today you are running late, and you hit a red light…Should you be happy?”
I use this as “closer” whenever I speak to groups – Most will say no b/c they are detained when late, some say yes b/c there could have been an accident… All usually answer the question as posed.
I use it to show that sometimes you don’t have to respond as directed by the question posed. In life, every obstacle is that red light. If you let a red light, or even cancer, define happiness – you will never be happy…Everyday above ground is a gift to be treasured.
I didn’t know Mr. Feller, but his courage is lesson that every day is special. Treasure the days while you have them.