It was the end of 2007 and I needed work. My previous employment has fallen apart after a jarring internal shake up. At the time I was in my middish 30s and I had a very sick senior dog stricken with cancer. Treatment and care was pricey and being out of work for any amount of time was not an option. I interviewed with Jeff Lysiak for an editor position on Sanibel Island, Florida. When I met Jeff he was warm, caring, affable and enthusiastic about reporting the community news. I really wanted to work for this positive, warm-hearted boss! Lo and behold he hired me several days after the interview. During the several years that I worked with Jeff I and the other fellow staff got treated to a supportive, helpful, comforting and all around caring and fun supervisor. He knew everyone on Sanibel. He understood the politics, personalities, issues and unique challenges of island life. But more important he cared. He really cared if someone was asking for publicity for their fundraiser to help a person, animal or cause. It is in this vein that I am requesting that all of you who knew and loved Jeff for his care, devotion and work ethic to please donate what you can to his beloved wife Laura. Jeff has been seriously ill and on disability for the past several years due to stage 1V kidney failure. He struggled daily to improve but with diabetes and other health issues the odds were stacked against him. The reason I am discussing his health issues so far down in the story is because Jeff did not like to “mope” as Laura said. He rallied with fierce determination and optimism. He didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. He still wouldn’t want this now even in death. But he would want Laura to not have to worry about paying for his final expenses. Fir the past year she has been his caretaker and has been unable to work. They survived on Jeff’s disability allocation. So please give what your can to help this former newsman and friend to all he met have a special send off and help Laura have some peace breathing room…… Thank you everyone! Love to you all!