In Memory

Jay Maher



 
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02/26/18 06:40 PM #1    

Dolores Rodriguez

Today, I found out that Jay Maher passed away. It is with great sadness that I offer this remembrance of him. To me, he was the most handsome, sincere, intelligent yet humble young man. Jay was my first love. I'm reminded of us, long ago, slow dancing at our group parties and taking rides in his vintage black car to Christian Brothers Winery, even though, of course, we didn't drink wine. I remember our special time at the Senior Prom, so romantic with him in his white dinner jacket and me in my blue formal dress swaying gently to enchanting melodies. In the summer of '67, we had so many good times, including when we went  to the drive-in to watch Clint Eastwood in one his spaghetti westerns. When Jay went away to Notre Dame, on a scholarship, in the fall of that same year, I wished him, "Good luck", not "Good-bye", because I knew we would be together again soon. At Chistmas, his mother made us matching fake fur vests, like Sonny and Cher wore. I know lots of kids knew Jay as a super smart student and athlete, but I knew him as a warm, loveable gentleman. As the years have passed, I am grateful for these memories that will forever remind me of when we were young and had our whole lives ahead of us.


02/27/18 12:29 PM #2    

Scott Leonard

A gentle soul who clearly passed too soon.  Jay was a friend from 7th grade to graduation with whom I shared many an hour of smiles, deep discussion, and rebukes about my study habits.  Jay achieved his sucess as the hardest working student by far in the Napa school system whereas school came so easy for me that I fought boredom.  Jay could never understand how such differences could exist for the longest time but he finally came to just say, "Don't know how you do it," followed by "Let me show you something I want to share with you."  Off we'd go into a long discussion on whatever it happened to be.  His cueriosity unbounded and eagerness to share made him a special friend.

We never really had contact after graduation because he was off to South Bend and I moved to the Haight for the "Summer of Love" and university in San Francisco followed by a move to London, England for a number of years.  Jay , however, comes to mind often whenever I'd be in a discussion with someone and my  brain imagines, "What would Jay think about what this person is saying."  One of the smartest people I've known would I'm sure have the right answer.  Peace be with you Jay


02/27/18 12:50 PM #3    

Nevin Valentine

Dolores and Scott, Your tributes are quite touching and beautiful.

I too remember Jay with great fondness and admiration.

Nevin

 

 


02/27/18 07:47 PM #4    

Brenda Holcomb (McNeely)

Agree with what others have said about Jay and just want to add that it was always pleasant to sit next to him in class, especially in Mrs. Perry's English class. I think it was our senior year and we sat close to the back and often had some interesting discussions but it was his subtle sense of humor I remember best. One time in particular I temember making a gaffe in class after reading either Beowulf or Canterbury Tales and my attempt at correcting my mistake became so convoluted that Jay slowly shook his head putting his hand to his forehead as his chest heaved in silent laughter. I gave up and started to giggle as well and we laughed until we almost cried - actually until we were gently chastised by Mrs. Perry. This wasn't the only time Jay and I laughed in English, but it was the only time we were caught. So sad to hear the news of his passing.

Had to add after reading Jacky's tribute that Jay was indeed a nice, sweet gentleman, memorably so.


02/28/18 06:36 PM #5    

Jacky Spaulding

Jay was such a nice young man and I am sorry to hear of his passing.  I remember a Teen Club dance at St. John's. Jay asked me to dance and we spent some nice conversation time that evening. I will always remember him as a sweet gentleman.  I very much enjoyed his company.  He will be missed.


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