To JR

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lipat,

Let me begin by expressing my sadness for your loss. I want you to know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since I learned of the passing of JR.

I feel honored that you have asked me to be a part of such an important memory. It has taken me a little time to begin to think about what I wanted to say.

As I reflect back on the year JR was in kindergarten I think aobut his friendship with Andrew Snelgrove. They really were kindergarten friends, very different but very close. JR was a very sweet five year old wanting to be friends with everybody. He had the biggest smile and seemed to wear it every day.

He was dedicated to his learning and wanted to be a successful learner. He tried to do his best and showed in his work. As you had stated he wanted a talent well I think he had one and did not realize it, we did... He had the special talent to make people smile and feel good. When I look at the picture on your letter that is how I remember JR. I loved to watch him as he looked at you with that bright smile and beautiful eyes.

Again let me say thank you for including me in your lives and know that I will keep you in my prayers. The loss of a loved one is very difficult but I want you to know that God is with you an one day we will be together in his presence.

Joyous kindergartener

Often caught looking over his glasses at you

Son

Helping hand to everyone in kindergarten

Under God's presence

Always a Friend

God Bless.

Mrs. Candy Walsh

JR

Joshua Ruel was my sweet, cute, little nephew.

His sweetness will remain in my heart.

JR your cute little face is like a mountain crystal a radiant gem on my necklace

Your soft and gentle voice always asking for explanantions will remain music to my ears.

Your dark almond shaped eyes will remind me of the pureness of your soul.

Yes JR the times we spent together will always be cherished in my heart.

The memories you hold my hand while we walked on the beach together will be a sweet memories to remember

The ways you made me laugh by telling funny stories or just by putting expressions on your cute little face.

The question you keep asking "Are we there yet?" while we were driving on a long highway will be like little bells ringing into my ears.

Oh JR all the things we have had will be remember.

All of these JR and the very whole of you, I will miss

The total you my beloved nephew I will love and keep your place in my heart

It is not goodbye, but it is goodnight my sweet loved loved JR...

By: Tante Rexcy

To JR Lipat

JR, I only got to spend 3 years with you, but I just wanted to say Thank You! You showed me something that I have negleted all my life.
Matthew 18 verse 3 say's it best. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven"
JR you didn't know, but the way you showed love, compassion, and caring was a blessing for me, and everyone you came in contact with. I remember you always huged and kissed me everytime i came to visit, you don't know how much that meant to me.
You were only nine years old, but you had a heart that was bigger than most adults. Now because of your big heart. I am understanding more, and more what God's heart is like.
There's an old saying God doesn't make mistake's and that there's a reason for everything, well it's true. Meeting you changed me forever! I am a stranger Christian, my faith in God has reached new heights, I'm telling strangers about God, I am going on missionary trips, and I owe it to you, JR Lipat.

JR, I love you, I miss you, Thank you again!
I will see you in Heaven my friends! Love Josh

To my friend J.R.

I recall the first time I saw you at church, with a big smile on your faces and such a warmth inside of you tha only Jesus could give. I will never forget that you always had a big hug for Ms. Jean, because you knew I liked hugs.
also you were so respectful to people of all ages, and that really impressed me. I will never forget our valentine banquet when I had the honor of sitting at the table with you and your lovely family, and you me quickly, "Ms. Jean I will be your date." You were alwaysthinking of others.
I am so sorry you were sick and this brought an early death to you, but we will put this in the hands of God and trust him. I miss you my little one.

Love,
Jean Hodges

JR

This is how I met JR. It was in Church one Sabbath Day, He came to shake my hand and to say, "Happy Sabbath" I looked at him dressed in a neat suite, and his smile on his face. I said, "What's your name" and he answered, "JR". I was taken away a little s mine intials are 'JR'. I became to know him better, as he came to my house several times with his dad who would do some repair jobs for me. When he invited me for his Birthday Party. I told him, "I will take you to shop for a present" Unfortunately he had to wait for sometime, but he never ever complained or asked me "when do I get my present". Finally I was able to take him and he knew exactly what he wanted, we had to shop around. He was very happy and on the way home, he kept on talking aobut his present. He also told me sometime later, he liked O'Charley's Restaurant ( I wasn not familiar with this restaurant) and maybe he said, I could take him there someday. I d and let me tell you JR loved the rolls more than anything else. Because of his sweet attitufe, his love for Jesus and his family, and wanting to share his love for Jesus and because we have the same intials, JR got a place in my heart. He will always be remembered and I too hope to see him again and spend eternity with him.

So long my buddy I love you JR,
Joke Rogue

A Tribute to JR

We remember when we were invited to the Lipat's home for dinner after church on Sabbath, and there to greet us upon arrival was J.R.
Something caught my eye immediately, that still sticks to my mind, and that was how friendly and hospitable this young man was. Even though just as a youth, J.R. know how to make you feel welcome, and was not one who was short on conversation. I also noticed while his sister's were in another part of the house, J.R. never strayed far from us.

My wife recalls,that same day, that J.R. asked her to help him blow up some balloons, and they had a good time, on the floor playing catch.
She aslo recals how moved she was when she was asked by J.R. if he could call her Aunt Dot.
She says, J.R. made her feel young again.

I believe God allowed us to have J.R. for reason, to show us what true love is like. Children are not like adults, in that they have an innocence i them that doesn't allow them to take on our predudices, the reason for his early departure, but we have this hope the on Ressurrection Day, we will see him again. I comment Ruel and Luz, also the girls for raising up J.R. in the way I believe was very pleasing to God. The Bible says be their fruit, you shall know them. Your fruit, J.R. was truly God sent. God bless the Lipat Family, and we thank you all for allowing us to know such a wonderful young man
Charles and Dorothy Williams

Love Letter to JR

Dear JR.
What a remarkable person you were. In Children's Church, I grew to know and learned to love your sweet spirit. You were well behaved, gentle, loving and kind.
Never realizing the burden you were carrying, I assumed you were shy and quiet. I could see you had a wisdom beyond your young years. There were times, when I felt you look beyone me and would see directly into my heart. Quietly watching and listening to every word spoken.
What a joy you were to be around. You knew and love Jesus, it showed in your words, actions and kindness to others. I thank God for allowing you to come into my life, you were just a treasure.
Your suffering taught you compassion, understanding, and faith. How much Jesus must have loved you to give you such an important short life here. You touched the lives of everyone who knew you, including mine. Thank you.
I will look for you in Heaven, so we can sing 'Climb Sunshine Mountain' one more time.

Your teacher and friend,

Ms. Karen x0x0x00
Love you