A heartfelt thanks to the people of Friday Harbor:

As many of you are aware, we lost our Nikki on the 17th of October. As painful a loss as it is to lose any family member, I have to admit how much it touched my heart to see just how dear she has been to so many people.

As a parent, you always want to see your children succeed with whatever endeavor they pursue. With Nikki, that desire was always geared toward being a good mother to her young son, and a true friend to the people who filled her life, be they family or neighbor. In watching the Celebration of Life held in her honor, it was very gratifying to see that the daughter that Yvonne and I brought to the world 28 short years ago was extraordinarily successful.

Even so, what has been truly remarkable is how much the folks in your town pulled together to make our loss so much easier to bear. The generosity, kindness and genuine concern for the comfort of Yvonne’s family, as well as mine, during this time has been greatly appreciated and speaks volumes to the spirit of the people of Friday Harbor.

I’ve had the good fortune to have visited San Juan Island a number of times while spending time with Loni and Nikki, and have been consistently impressed. The community you have built here was a strong motivation for Nikki to move back here to raise Xander. I can think of nothing that could speak more volumes than that.

Whether your contribution was large or small, even for just a kind word or thought, on behalf of my family and I, please let me express our deepest thanks and gratitude to all.

Eric Fink
Proud papa to Nikki
Williamston, Mich.