Editor’s note: The Journal and SanJuanJournal.com know the author of the following submission, but are honoring the writer’s request to be anonymous. When you read this, we believe you will understand why.

As a Friday Harbor graduate, I was blessed by a full-ride scholarship provided by an anonymous donor on this island. A few years into my college education, I learned the name of the donor, as his name appeared on a college invoice.

Questioning whether or not it was an innocent accident by the college to have seen his name, I chose to keep the findings to myself, out of respect, as Jerry Inskeep Jr. requested to remain anonymous.

It is with great sorrow I learned of his passing, having not had the opportunity to thank him in person. The following letter is the least I can do, in appreciation for all that he has quietly given to me.

In Memory of Jerry Inskeep Jr., “The Quiet Giver”

It is with my greatest sympathies that I write this letter in response to the passing of “The Quiet Giver,” Jerry Inskeep Jr.

There has not been a passing day I have not walked the streets of this town, and wondered if I was staring eye to eye with the anonymous individual that gifted me with such a precious and rare opportunity of a full-ride scholarship.

As years have passed, I am still unable to find the appropriate words to express my utmost gratitude, let alone had the chance to thank this quiet giver in person.

Jerry Inskeep Jr. is a man who opened up his heart and offered life-changing opportunities for individuals, just like me, to have the chance of a college education.

So many aspects of my life would not be if it were not for this kind-hearted man, and with this it gives me great hope for this world we live in.

To his family, how blessed you have been and will continue to be, to have had known his angelic and giving spirit. May every day grow a little easier with his passing, and may you always remember that his quiet and giving acts of kindness will remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Every day of my life will be spent giving back to this wonderful community, as Jerry has quietly taught me through his gentle, giving spirit.

May his soul rest in peace, and his positive spirit live forever on.

— Anonymous
Friday Harbor, Wash.