Such a tragic loss, such an extraordinary kindred spirit, such a beloved teacher, mentor, family man, friend to so, so many -- I will miss him so dearly.
Whether lecturing at one another's universities (Ohio Wesleyan & Fitchburg State on public service, global security, & education's impact on policymaking); with wonderful students at both universities, with families in Ireland, enjoying Star Island week, traveling in Canada...the journey was extraordinary.
Now, your wondrous spirit remains indelible for all of us in ways which we carry on your quest to bring joy, hope, and strength to those around us -- and afar.
May his spirit smile on us, his family held tightly in great care, his impact felt for the ages -- as we try to move forward, always infused with his compassion -- giving us strength, determination, hope...
I will do what we did so many times together -- toast to the wonders of and challenges in life -- and to the generations past, and for SK's impact on our futures!
And, as he always had quite the happy-go-lucky view of life, when I told this "joke" at Star Island (2006), when we had the Kay Family join our week-long International Affairs Conference (I chaired, Sean spoke), Sean laughed so hard, he started crying.
When I came over to sit down with him after the "joke," I started crying (because we were laughing so hard at such a silly joke). You had to be there for the joke, naturally... (and have some movie history ): "Why did the chicken cross the road? To see his friend, Gregory Peck!"
So, all of you Kays -- may his blessings give you strength to forge ahead in your lives, continuing to bring joy to so many. Our deepest condolences to you (from Josh, Ellen, Sam, & Henry) to: Anna-Marie, Cria, Siobhan, Alana, and both Moms, Whom I got to know, too!
-- And, lastly, we'll try our best to keep NATO strong and Europe close to the U.S./vice-versa
All my love, SK & Family -- Josh S.