Wednesday night ran into Jeff Poet, one of my childhood friends and president of Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare, at the annual BB/BS Art Auction at the Doherty in Clare. We grew up in the same neighborhood playing game such as Statues, Hide and Seek and Tag with other neighborhood kids about our age in the lot next to my house. As happens when we start school we make new friends and hang out with old friends less and less. Even though we don't spend as much time with them, it doesn't make them any less important to who we are.
Many years ago I worked as a marketing consultant and called on Jeff's dad, Jay, every week. At this time Jay's was on Fifth Street in Clare. Jay always took the time to not only tell me what he wanted and he took the time to explain why. I learned a lot from Jay and it helped shaped my career and who I am today.
Jay died in the late 80's and Jeff's wife, Kathy, eventually took over marketing. Several years back I designed some print work for them and worked closely with Kathy for almost two years. We shared marketing ideas mixed in with an occasional silly girl story. Eventually one of the younger Poets graduated from college with a degree in Graphic Design and took on the job of designing their print pieces. While I didn't see Kathy regularly we did run into each other at the movies or business events. We always did our best to take a few minutes to catch up on each other's lives.
I remember seeing Kathy and Jeff at the Business Expo in Mt. Pleasant a few years back. Kathy had cancer and had recently gotten done with a round of treatment. We hadn't seen each other in quite awhile and I hadn't seen her since she had lost her hair. It took a lot of her strength but she was happy to be out. Jeff wandered a short distance leaving Kathy and I to catch up. We didn't chat long. I could tell she was getting tired. But I sure was happy to see her.
Jay's was a sponsor when the Broadway Theatre in Mt. Pleasant did "Escanaba in da Moonlight." I was producing the show and excited to learn that they planned to attend our opening night fundraiser. Unfortunately, Kathy didn't have the strength that day and they didn't attend.
Several months later we ran into each other waiting for a movie to start. We had both gotten there thinking the movie we were going to see started earlier than it did. It was the last time we got to spend time catching up.
This past October Kathy lost her battle with cancer. I happened to be on Facebook that day and a mutual friend posted the news. I was instantly moved to tears. The next day a mutual friend told me that Kathy had wondered to a cousin if anyone would attend her funeral.
At first I was shocked. What was she thinking? Of course people would attend. Look at everything she's done for the community.
Kathy was extremely active in the community serving on the board at Clare schools and United Way. She was active in her church, Clare Sports Boosters and 4-H. In addition, A Northern Tradition, MMCC's annual fundraiser, is held at Jay's Sporting Goods which is no easy feat for anyone involved. Kathy knew so many people and touched so many lives.
I quickly realized that Kathy, who cheerfully gave herself to her family, friends and community, believed everyone lived life as she did. She donated her time, talents and treasures to make the world around her a better place. She expected nothing in return. It was just who Kathy was.
Her visitation and funeral were filled with people who loved and admired her. A standing-room only crowd came to pay tribute to her life and to say good-bye.
I recently found myself thinking about Kathy. I wanted to go out to the store and sit across the desk from her and chat. Instead I took a walk and spent time thinking about how she lived her life and about how honored I was to call her my friend. Today, I'm doing my best to be more selfless – just like Kathy.
I miss you my friend. Thank you for making mid Michigan a better place to live.
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