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Kristopher Reilly Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kristopher Reilly
Sponsored by Mom and Dad as you are in our hearts for eternity.
Maya
August 24, 2025
Sweet Kit.
I went for a swim today, my first in a long time. I always think of you when I swim, because of when we took that lifeguard course at New College. It was so much fun... You were so much fun. You taught me how to do a better hand position in freestyle. I always knew that´s why you died... a lifeguard saving a life.
I´m so excited when I can see you again, share a giggle and a tall tale and one of your jokes in your voice... with the slight lisp. Love you my friend.
-Maya
Dad
June 21, 2025
I was going to ask you to look out for a friend´s son Pierce but of course I don´t know if it works that way. But if you spot him coming thru help him along. His family is just as devastated as we were when you left us.
You may have seen the avalanche. Not sure what will happen with that house. But at least everyone is safe and it´s just a thing. And as you know things aren´t permanent so we shouldn´t get too attached like we do to people. Missing you on this most difficult day of the year. Sail on I´ll catch up.
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2025
Dearest Kit,
You have been terribly missed these past 22 years. Each summer solstice brings with it a wave of sorrow.
I often find myself wondering what you would think of the world of today, You were such a dreamer, your eyes always held a sparkle of hope for this planet. You believed in beauty, in justice, in healing. The world as it stands now is in such a heartbreaking state, riddled with natural disasters, war, famine, and the cruelty of corrupt leaders. So much of what we now face would have felt unimaginable back then.
And yet, I believe in my heart that you would have found a way to contribute, to stand up, to heal , to create light. That's who you were. That's who you remain in my memory.
You are loved forever and always,
Mama
Jake
February 15, 2025
Happy birthday Kit, I think of around Valentine´s Day and summer solstice. I still think of you often. I found the bamboo flute you gave me from the Saturday market in my kids stuff. Love you forever, Jake
Jane Reilly
February 13, 2025
Dear Kit,
Happy Birthday!
Your love still lives in every breath I take. You were a beacon of kindness, of warmth, of all that was good. Your smile could soften the hardest hearts, your presence could turn darkness into light.
I know what you would think of the world today, the cruelty, the division, the pain, it would break your heart. You believed in justice and kindness.
I carry your light within me, refusing to let it fade. I honor you by holding onto hope.
Miss you beyond words, but you are in my heart for forever and always.
Mama
Dad
February 13, 2025
Happy Birthday lots of crazy things happening here on earth that fortunately you don´t have to deal with. Makes my head spin to be honest. But soon enough I´ll be in your same state - unconcerned about human machinations on tiny earth as you soar the stars. If only we could have more Kits on this planet we´d be so much better off. Sadly we seem to be over populated with the antithesis of your kindness. It´s a puzzle. Ah sail on I´ll catch up sooner rather than later.
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2024
Yep June 21st again, 21 years later. I will be thinking of you all day and gazing at the full moon tonight.
So sad I can´t be in The Netherlands watching Devin and Nicole in the Bosch Parade. I was so looking forward to it but it was not to be. Would have been an amazing time to share.
Love you so much wherever you are, always in my Mama
Dad
June 21, 2024
I´m headed to Amsterdam today to see Devin and Nicole´s artwork on parade. You surely would have enjoyed this experience and you would be retracing your European footsteps from decades ago. Sadly you are sailing elsewhere. What you experience is a mystery we won´t solve for awhile but hopefully when we do you´ll be a part of it. Sail on I´ll catch up soon enough.
Dad
February 14, 2024
Not sure what happened to my message I wrote yesterday. Perhaps it was lost in the aether or it will show up today. Who knows. Barbie and I shared thoughts of you yesterday as well. Sail on. I´ll catch up.
Dad
February 13, 2024
Another birthday. In some ways I´m glad you aren´t here to suffer the craziness that is occurring locally and worldwide. It amazes me how human beings can´t manage to get along better. It´s clear there are just too few like you in charge of too much and too many. I wonder if it will ever change. Not doing my lifetime for sure. Ah well, we will get through. Headed to the Alps to see Henry and Lucy. Wish you were here you could have shown me how to snow board. Sail on. I´ll catch up.
mama
February 13, 2024
Dear Kit,
Today would be your 45th birthday. We have all changed and the world has changed so much. Wish you were...we miss you so much.
For our joint birthdays, Lauren made me a beautiful wall hanging in tribute to you. The mango tree, as the centerpiece, is surrounded by so many symbols of your life lovingly designed and stitched by your sister. This is such a precious gift and I am so proud of my creative and talented children.
You left us full of awe and our memories keep you in our hearts forever. Happy 45th
big hugs, Mama
mama
June 21, 2023
It is so hard to process that you have been gone for 20 years, Such a long time missing you.
Your brother and I went for a hike in the mountains and saw the most gorgeous wildflowers this morning.
We are eating mangoes today, savoring luscious memories of you.
Your Uncle Guy passed away yesterday but he had a long and full life. So sad that yours was way too short and we missed out on watching you grow and mature.
forever and always,
Mama
Thank You, Chris and Topasi, warms my heart to know you hold Kit in your hearts.
I read about the observatory, sorry to hear of its fate.
Jake Theisen
June 21, 2023
Hey kit Jake here from Portland where you spent sometime. Portland has changed alot since you lived here. You´d hate it. I miss you and it still pains me of your passing. I talked to our friend Elliot yesterday. We are still in contact after all these years. I´m having a baby boy in October. I miss the connection the 3 of us had. Jake
Tapasi & Chris
June 21, 2023
Dear Kit, Came by here to tell you that although a lot is changing at the Observatory as NSF is essentially closing it down, our love and appreciation for you will stay here for as long as we live. Thank you dear friend, for positively influencing so many lives even here in just one month!
Ken
June 20, 2023
All the mangoes from Mom´s tree in the circle are gone again passersby picking them as they walk their children and dogs. Hopefully they´ve taken the seeds and planted them.
Peacock hens are trooping by with their half grown chicks in tow. Their numbers grow arithmetically each time this year. The cichlids in my pond have had babies and they are growing. Everything seems to be in abundance including the mosquitoes. I´ll have to figure out something to do about that. Sadly you aren´t here to see, smell, hear or touch any of it. Hopefully you are in an even better place. I´ll know soon enough as well. Sail on I´ll catch up
Dad
Jane Reilly
February 13, 2023
Dear Kit,
I wrote to you at sunrise this morning but I don´t see it, so I will post again. I am in Mexico escaping the cold and toasting your birthday and mine.
Whether you are out there or can receive these messages, you are always in my thoughts, in my dreams and in my heart. So I will continue to reach out and speak to you always.
Bringing you into this world forty-four years ago was an extraordinary gift.
Happy Birthday my sweet Kit.
Love, mama
Dad
February 13, 2023
Your cousin was radiant at her wedding. Your name came up several times once during the wedding ceremony itself. Later I spoke to Barbie´s trainer and learned she lost her second son in much the same way we lost you but he was trying to save a dog swept away in a rushing river. Sadness and joy at the same event. Off on another flight this evening but my flights for now are pretty pedestrian to the star hopping I suspect you do. Have fun and I will catch up one day - ever closer and happy birthday.
Dad
Jane reilly
February 13, 2023
Dear Kit,
Twenty-nine years ago I brought you into this world and what an extraordinary gift you were... So today you would be 44 years old.
I am waking up to a beautiful sunrise in Mexico this morning and I am grateful for that. It has been a bitter cold winter so I am toasting your birthday and mine on a warm and sunny beach.
All my love forever and always,
Mama
Ken Reilly
June 22, 2022
I have no idea why my first two messages to you didn´t get printed but here is a third. Your mango tree is brimming with fruit and passers by are picking and enjoying the sweetest mangos possible. It would make you smile to see. As you can see I´m still in Seattle for a couple more weeks and then finally home. Your San Juan Islands are visible from my 9 th floor room - on clear days. About one out of four this time of year. They keep the bay calm and lovely with slow moving ferries gliding between them. And a tanker sits off shore. It´s been here for days. I can see how you found the scenery inviting but all this grey makes me want to head back to sunny Miami. Home soon enough. Sail on I´ll catch up.
Mama
June 21, 2022
Dear Kit,
Another year, another summer solstice but your absence is forever constant while everything else is changing.
The other night I took a photo of the full moon and there you were smiling down at me. How perfect for you to create a smiley face for me to discover with delight. Anyone would think this was photo shopped but it had to be your playful spirit sending me a message! Thank you!
Moana came to see me, two days ago with her beautiful little boy, while visiting her sister in Denver. She brought with her some Kit memorabilia with a few things I had not seen before. What a lovely gift of bittersweet reminders of how unforgettable and loved you are...
mama
Debbie Rubin
February 15, 2022
Condolences for your forever heartache. Over these many years, I pray that all the proud and joyous memories of Kit's making a difference and being a blessing sustain and comfort you.
Debbie Rubin (Mother of Sarah and Matthew, Nottingham neighbors)
Dad
February 13, 2022
You missed the secret garden event for the Commodore Parkway. 400 people came by to see the new tropical plants, the rose garden and the fish pond with water lilies. Fragrances and flowers were everywhere. Quite a sensory experience for all. You would have thrown some mangoes in for good measure. In fact the mango tree is empty but very healthy. Some fun. Wish you had been here but you are off on other adventures. Sail on. I´ll catch up.
Mama
February 13, 2022
Happy birthday Kit
Been thinking of you all day. Went to Fairchild gardens to visit your Frangipani tree. Hard to believe you would be 43 years old today and you have been gone for 19 years. You live on in all of those who love you but miss you....
I hold your heart in my heart forever.
Mama
Lauren Keenan
July 20, 2021
It has been a fast-forward of six years from when I visited Arecibo. Today, I have two small sons of my own, growing like vines, seeking the sun. I see you sometimes in their mischievous eye twinkles, and think of that funny cow song you liked to sing, and try to recall enough verses to do it justice. I hope to help them learn your joy and kindness. You continue to inspire me and so many. Pop around sometime, if you can - there´s a hammock under the blackberry tree waiting. Sending love.
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2021
Dear Kit,
As the years go by I think of you often. I spend most of my time working in my garden where I am most peaceful. You are the butterfly dancing on my flowers and the wind rustling the Aspen leaves.
It is so comforting to know you are remembered and loved by so many. Reading the post from Sarah Sky and Jennifer Pollack was so heartwarming. Perhaps Jennifer’s Euclid experiment will be successful at tracing the evolution of the Universe.
I emailed with your friend Jake, not long ago, and learned he has a daughter. He loved you very much.
So many people have lost loved ones during the Pandemic. I am glad that you were doing what you loved, enjoying nature. It would be unbearable to watch someone suffer and not be able to be with them.
As always, thinking of you today and imagining your smile to cheer me up. I will have dinner with Lauren and Devin and of course include mangos on yet another summer solstice.
forever and always,
Mama
Dad
June 21, 2021
Had a mango from a tree planted from one of your tree’s seeds. A little later in the year than your tree’s fruit. Sweetest variety I know. And all the fruit from your tree was picked by passers by. Your reach grows. I can’t imagine how far it would have gotten had you been here all this time. Ah well you’re probably planting seeds in other dimensions.
Interesting to watch Lucy and Henry grow. They have certain threads connected to you. Most importantly they have your mango sweetness in abundance. Keep an eye on them please. Sail on. I’ll be along.
Jennifer Pollack
June 5, 2021
Dear Kit,
I didn't know you as well or much at all. But, I remember you very well and I admired you from afar. I was too shy and could only smile and say hello in our frequent passings either in the library or the Nat Sci building. The last time I saw you I managed to say something more than just hello, but it was only to wish you a great summer on the last academic day before the 2003 summer break. I wish I would have said more and had the opportunity to know you like so many other people knew you. I think, however, I knew enough without words said about your character and spirit so much that it made me super shy. :-) I am writing to you today from Paris where I am working as a research engineer at an Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology lab on a one-of-a-kind experiment called Euclid. It's a space-based telescope scheduled for launch in 2022 that is going to make one of the most detailed maps of the Universe to trace the history of it's evolution to learn more about dark energy and dark matter. I feel like I have followed somewhat in your footsteps into the vast field of astronomy. To think, you were my astronomy tutor when I was starting out from very humble beginnings as a communications-major-turned-philosopher-who-then-entered-a-sailing-program-and-then-switched-to-computer-science-followed by a change to-physics-and-finally-to-astronomy. I remember the first time I looked through a telescope. You were setting it up by the New College Bay front on a pretty decent night. I remember seeing the smile manifest on your face as you appeared to have our first object in focus: Saturn! I waited my turn to have a look and honestly, I was afraid with excitement at what I might see. And, when I looked through the telescope I remember my disbelief and awe: I was looking at Saturn and it's rings right then and there with my own eyes. It was amazing. I wasn't the best student, but thanks to my stubbornness I managed to make it through the course. From there, I went on and did two summer internships one in Mormon country at Brigham Young University and the other one in Aloha! Hawai'i. I imagine sharing experiences with you as a mentor, friend, and fellow alum astrophysicist. I wonder where you would have ended up, moving around a lot like I have, or perhaps landing a permanent position in some amazing place like Stanford, Hawaii, Australia or in Europe close by to me. Well, I am writing to you today because you made a cameo in my dream the other night and since then you have been on my mind these past two days. I want to let you and your family know that you are not forgotten even to a shy someone who could only smile and say "hello".
Jane
February 13, 2021
Hi Kit, I wrote on your legacy earlier but it has not posted so not sure if it will later? I just wanted to acknowledge your birthday and send my love. Unlike your dad I am not at the seaside but rather in he deep freeze of sub zero temperatures tonight. Memories of your kindness and beautiful smile will warm heart.
Love, mama
Dad.
February 13, 2021
Seaside thinking of you on your birthday. Henry caught a Trigger fish about as big as him! You would enjoy the gentle breezes, swaying palms and smiling fish. But then you are sailing among your beloved stars so there are lots of heavens. Enjoy and sail on. I’ll be joining soon enough.
jane
February 13, 2021
Well Kit, it has been a roller coaster of a year with a pandemic, political and social unrest, corrupt government and an assault on our democracy...It is hard to make sense of any of it.
Wish I could see the universe through your eyes. What I would give to see your smile to lighten up my world.
I treasure your perfect heart and perfect soul and miss you always.
Happy Birthday!
love, mama
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2020
Oh Kit, if only you can spread some magic dust on this turbulent world. How I long for your thoughtful and patient wisdom. I have never encountered a kinder, smarter more compassionate person in my life. I am forever grateful to be your mother. Thank you for living a life filled with love and spreading contagious joy. You are forever and always in my heart.
love mama
Dad
June 21, 2020
Hope you caught Grandad. If you did you probably met your grandmother you never knew. Im sure she was waiting for him. Its Fathers Day on this unfortunate and unforgettable day. The COVID is still with us. I doubt there are pandemics where you are, running around the stars. Sail on, Ill catch up sooner than ever.
June 20, 2020
Dear Kit,
Always in my heart and prayers. C.
May 23, 2020
Kit. Look out for Grandad Reilly. Hes coming shortly. I told him to find you so keep one of those sharp eyes peeled.
Dad
Sarah Sky
February 14, 2020
Kit. I found the message I left here in 2003, and I did those things! I started a bike project and I taught people how to fix their bikes. I bought a sailboat and I sailed from Miami to maine. I have traveled through Europe and turkey and tried to see the world, to love it.
I made my home amongst the most beautiful people I could find, I played in marching bands, circuses, and the streets. Never finished learning the mandolin, but taught myself banjo, cello, tenor saxophone.
I only changed the grip tape that you put on my bike about 5 years ago. It was time. I have still never met a single soul like you. I imagine you are in the stars, and our energy will exist again, together, maybe once the universe has collapsed and Entirety will be silent entropy. In that peace, I imagine is where you are.
I went back to college and I actually graduated this time. I'm working on becoming a physician assistant. Who knows, maybe I'll become something real. But the truth is, I feel exactly the same way about you as I did in 2003, it's broken my heart to not have you in this life. The time I got to be your roommate was too short. Time can heal some wounds, but never this one.
The sweet messages your parents have left have only helped me understand why you were the person you were. My heart goes out to y'all. Sometimes I do get the feeling that he is near, that he is looking out for me. He was my first true friend that took the time to teach me what it meant to be good. He will never be forgotten.
February 13, 2020
Happy Birthday Kit!
You had such a passion for life. I like to think of you as Raffa described you. "If there was a recipe to living the best life and being the best human being, it would yield Kit. What a delicious piece of the universe, thinking of Kit makes me want to cook and dance and play music all at once while storytelling and sailing through familiar constellations on a yellow bike eating a mango..."
That vision of you makes me smile.
love you forever, mama
Kenneth Reilly
February 13, 2020
Another birthday. Another closing argument. Wish me luck. Thinking of you but Ive got to get this done. Keep sailing. Ill catch up.
Dad
Ken Reilly
June 26, 2019
Ive written two messages that didnt make it into this guest book. My only conclusion is you intercepted them and read them on your own. You missed a beautiful underwater world swim. Maybe you make them all the time who knows.I guess Ill find out soon enough. Sail on Ill catch up.
Dad
June 21, 2019
Dear Kit, You and your family are in our hearts for ever. Love -- Tapasi & Chris
June 21, 2019
Dear Kit another summer solsticeseems so appropriate that you would pick such a sacred day of change, renewal and beginnings as you leaped into another world.
I will be in KC with family for a wedding. I hope you will be dancing in the stars with us.
I love you forever and always, miss you to the moon
mama xoxo
February 14, 2019
Dear Kit this the first time I missed writing on your legacy on your actual birthday. I can't believe you would be 40 years old. I spent the day thinking of you, reading your writings and watching the memorial service video. It was bitter sweet but I am forever grateful to be your mother. What an extraordinary person you are and how badly we need more Kit's in the world now. Hope you can spin your magic from afar and keep us safe. Happy Valentine's Love, love, love, mama
Ken Reilly
February 13, 2019
You would have enjoyed the adventure of two weeks ago. We had a 42 foot sailboat break loose of her anchorage in a storm and run aground on our beach on Cat. It took days and multiple boats to pull her to open water only to find she had a gaping hole on the port side. She was taking on water faster than the bilge pump could pump it out. And a broken rudder and running gear to boot. It would have been just the kind of project you would have loved to tackle with your creative solutions for sail boat salvage. Unfortunately you were off sailing in other waters and unavailable, so the owner scuttled her in shallow water off GunnCay and there she sits. Perhaps waiting for you to return and set her right. Id love to see that happen but I seriously doubt I will. Missing you on your birthday. Sail on. Ill catch up.
Dad
June 22, 2018
It's amazing how the years pass by, but I still remember you. I always will, and I am so glad I got to meet you.
Elizabeth
June 22, 2018
Dear Kit, A lot has changed in our life in the last 15 years. Chris has taken retirement last month and I have taken up a new job in Green Bank West Virginia. Our love and admiration for you stay the same, though. Tapasi
June 21, 2018
My darling Kit, today marks fifteen years ago you left this world. I will spend the morning on Flagstaff mountain with my volunteer group and this evening with Lauren and Devin at a Solstice party. I know you will be close by. I bought mangos at the market in remembrance of you...you are so missed...
love you forever and always...mama
June 21, 2018
Dear Kit, Thinking of you today, always remember you in my prayers. Love, C.
Ken Reilly
June 21, 2018
Took a page from Moms playbook and planted fragipanis and mango trees on Cat for all to enjoy. Every time I see them Im reminded of you. The fragrance of frangipani mixing with the night jasmine makes a delightful reason to keep your nose open and of course these are the sweetest mangos imaginable. The Bahamians know they are theirs for the picking - an experience to be shared with all just as you would do. Thinking of and missing you on this the worst day of every year.
Dad
Kit Bess
April 27, 2018
I didn't know about this great loss until the recent highschool reunion. One person I was hoping to be with again was Kit. There was always a safe place next to Kit. His generosity was such that once when we were talking over coffees about how my name (Kristin) made me uncomfortable, Kit told me I could take his nickname as well. It is the only name I answer to, and has been for 20 years, and I'm so grieved that my namesake is not with us. The angels are the lucky ones. Thank you, dear Kit.
Jane Reilly
February 13, 2018
Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. Now they are wherever we are. St John Chrysostum
On this birthday I know you will be with all of us but especially present with your friends as they are gathering at New College after 15 years and adventuring into the everglades where you all spent a memorable float trip. I hope to see Heather, Raffa and Ray in the next few days and join them in Sarasota at the end of the week. I think of you always when I am kayaking and this marker of 15 years seems so significant with the spectacular eclipse and gathering of your friends. Sometimes life seems incomplete without you but being open to your spirit makes my senses more acute; colors more vivid and sounds more sweet. We will all be listening and watching for signs from you.
love you..mama
Kenneth Reilly
February 12, 2018
Don't know if you saw the red moon the other morning. Quite beautiful. Only visible here every 150 years or so. But then you may see them all the time. Or you may be asking which moon cuz you see millions of them. And then there was the picture of MU16. You probably have a whole different name for it. Oh well some day soon I'll catch up and see what you see. Sail on and happy birthday. Yes I know I'm a day early but I'm starting trial again and might get a bit busy tomorrow.
Dad
Maya Lilly
February 1, 2018
I still love you, Kit.
August 21, 2017
Dear kit,
38 years ago you were a little over a week old and I vividly remember the day of the 1979 total eclipse. I didn't realize it was an eclipse but it was very cold and dark out and I kept putting your bassinet in front of the window wanting some sunshine. Today I will watch the eclipse and hope to connect with you. I am wearing the shorts you brought me from
Guatemala and a locket with your picture.
love you, mama
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2017
Well another summer solstice come and gone. It was a very long day missing you. Had lunch with your brother and sister and I know you were on all our minds. I have been working in my garden a lot and thought about when you helped me dig a pond in the back yard in Overland Park. It is always so rewarding to dig in the dirt and see the fruit of your labor. My garden makes me happy. What's going on in this country is so distressing, I always wonder what you would have to say about everything. I wonder where you are and if we will be together againsending you all my love through the universe.
There will be a total eclipse of the sun on Aug 21st. I remember, there was a total solar eclipse on Feb. 26, 1979 when you were barely a few weeks old, because I kept moving your bassinet around trying to figure out why the sun wasn't shining in through the window. These sky events seem to somehow connect us in some other dimension.
cosmic hugs,
mama
Dad
June 20, 2017
Well my last note came through in a pretty garbled manner. Im sure you were able to translate. This morning as I drove to work I heard the Cincinnati symphony playing the 1812 overture with the real cannons exploding in the background. It brought back the memory of you and Lauren riding in the back of the corvette with that amazing sound system in the mid 80s listening to the same piece. The two of you got so excited when the cannons would go off. Made me smile a giant smile. Perhaps you can hear it still as you travel that symphony of stars. I know it's still one day early. Days most likely don't matter to you. Sail on.
Dad.
June 16, 2017
I know it's the 16 th. Days ahead. But then do you really have 'days'. Most probably not. And here I am with the pups on Cat watching the sunset and it's so magnificent and peaceful I can't help but want to write my note to you.
The Puerto Rican stars live 100 feet from me every time I'm here. But then they are the Bahamian stars instead. Close cousins I'm sure. They remind me every time I dive that you reveled in the untamed water yet it took your life. Whenever I swim I think of your last breath. And I kick myself for not having prevented you from whatever occurred. It's a father's regret and I'm sure it will last a lifetime. But you are wherever is next and I'm anxious to see what that is. Oh not so anxious as to accelerate its natural occurrence but interested just the same. So sail on and I'll catch up. In the meantime, I'll listen to the earth breathe as the waves rush to shore.
Jane Reilly
February 13, 2017
Dear Kit,
The pain of grief and loss does subside over time but there are waves of sorrow that wash over me at unpredictable moments. I used to dread your birthday and agonize that you would never be here to celebrate again.
Heather was recently in Boulder and had dinner with us at Lauren & Lon's. I asked her if she remembered the song you wrote about peas and carrots, lyrics so whimsical and playful... so like you. I was so happy she was able to recollect and play it for Lucy and Henry. I was reminded of how lucky we were to know you through the eyes of your friends, such a rare gift.
There was a beautiful full moon last night...I can never look at the moon without thinking of you.
shine on my sweet Kit!
love, mama
August 17, 2016
A fellow NC alum who never got to meet you but I hope to someday on the other side. The next time I eat a mango, I will think of you. Love and hugs.
June 26, 2016
Dear Kit, you will always have a place in my heart, you are always in my prayers.love, C.
June 22, 2016
Good night sweet Kit, I planted a tree for you today in my new yard in Boulder and spent the evening with L & L Lucy & Henry, and Devin. I love being near your brother and sister. Life is ever changing and full of surprises. We toasted you at dinner and miss you as always. Saw the strawberry moon last night on this summer solstice...sweet dreams...mama
June 21, 2016
It's that day again. And I'm back in trial in Jacksonville thinking how much I'd rather be swimming off Cat in the Atlantic watching the sea life and thinking of Puerto Rican Stars. Last night I did get a chance to see the full moon on the summer solstice. I will never see it again. It brought a smile to my face thinking how much you would have enjoyed pointing it out to me. So sail on and I'll catch up soon enough.
Dad
Kenneth Reilly
February 14, 2016
For some reason the message I sent you yesterday didn't get printed. Ah well an earthly glitch. Perhaps it got delayed on a gravitational wave from a black hole. Maybe that's where we will meet again. Come to Cat and see the fish. Quite beautiful. Sail on.
Dad.
February 13, 2016
Happy Birthday Kit! Thinking of you and missing you.
It has been a crazy year, I will soon be embarking on a new adventure living near your sister and brother. Big hug!!
love you, mama
November 29, 2015
I visited Arecibo today. I can see why you loved it here, the wildness and overabundance of life, the kindness of the people here, match your personality so well.
I am able to better grasp now even more of what made you remarkable - the amount of courage and strength underlie your kindness and good spirit. How you made choices each day about how to treat people, how to see the world - and in those choices, there is the real joy of life, there is the real challenge. To be able to push past the thousands of little ways that one can choose to distance themselves from life and other people. You had mastered the ability to embrace, embrace, embrace - find beauty in all that came your way. I still can only strive towards such a way of being.
I am in awe of your clarity and courage at such a young age. I was younger than you when you were last in Arecibo; it is bizarre to think that I am now older, and still haven't mastered what you had down pat way back then. Sometimes I honestly have thought that you were just ... beyond this place, this life; the universe didn't have a choice but to bring you to a new place. Where I know you continue to explore and bring light and brightness wherever you go.
You touched so many people and continue to do so. You are missed and loved, always.
Laura Valenti
June 23, 2015
Thinking of you, friend Kit. Smiles from sunny Portland. Onward!
Tapasi Ghosh
June 22, 2015
You are with us, every summer, Kit.
Kenneth Reilly
June 21, 2015
Just got back from the Costa Rican rainforest. I thought of you every day and wondered how you would have described it. You have such a magical ability to report your experiences in a clear and magical way. I can't wait to hear you talk about what you've been doing for the last dozen years. Ah but that will happen soon enough.
Hope you found Ed. Look out for Oreo she's coming today. Sail on.
Dad
June 21, 2015
Yet another sad summer solstice...missing you...
A neighbor came by and asked if he could pick a few mangos from my tree in exchange for some of his varieties. He took three and came back with a basket full. I am sure that would make you smile. I always think of you when I eat a mango.
Nice to see that Jake and Laura posted on your legacy last year. You are not forgotten and so loved by all.
forever and always,
mama
June 21, 2015
Always present and in my heart.
February 13, 2015
Every year I continue the tradition of planting a tree in honor of your birthday. So far I have planted a Frangipani, Mango, Banana, Starfruit, Fig, Myer Lemon, Grapefruit, Joewood, and Lychee. This year I am gifting a cherry tree to Lauren and Lon's yard. I hope it will bare sweet cherries for us all to enjoy over the years. Your life was a burt of sweetness that we will savor forever and always...
miss you, mama
Kenneth Reilly
February 13, 2015
Happy Birthday! I have a small favor to ask. Ed's coming soon. Watch out for him please. Show him how to sail. He's a quick learner. You'll know him by his smiling mind. Thanks. Dad.
June 29, 2014
June 29, 2014
June 29, 2014
June 29, 2014
Laura Valenti Jelen
June 22, 2014
Thinking of you this weekend, old friend. Hope you are dancing in the stars :) I wrote a little blog post for you - looks like Jake posted it below. Here is the direct link: http://valentijelen.com/news/2014/6/20/photographs-as-memorials
Much love,
Laura
June 22, 2014
Here's to celebrating our old friend this weekend.
The Beauty of Impermanence
valentijelen.com
Eleven years ago, I lost a beloved friend. Kit was a brilliant, funny, creative adventurer. He made xylophones and ocarinas by hand, walked around barefoot, danced capoeira, recited Shel Silverstein's lesser-known, wonderfully obscene poems by heart.
June 22, 2014
Dear Kit, I got together with Laura a couple of weeks ago and we shared memories when we all lived together in 1998. She had amazing photos of you All of us really. You are missed dearly and will be always in my heart. Love, Jacob Theisen, Portland, OR.
June 21, 2014
Good night my sweet Kit, it was a long day but nice to be with your sister. So much has changed in our lives but you remain forever 24 and the only constant in life's unfolding of events. We can only imagine how much you would enrich our experiences if you were here... miss you terribly as always.
mama
Ken Reilly
June 21, 2014
Worst day of every year. I always have the same dream. You know it. Breaks my heart every time. Don't take the hike. Don't dive in. You can't hear me.
So now speed on. I'll catch up one day.
Dad
Dad
February 13, 2014
Happy Birthday. Hope you are swinging through the stars. Stop by yours and waive at mine. It's rainy this AM but I suspect it's perpetually sunny from a variety of stars - an infinite number actually - where you are. Sail on!!
February 13, 2014
Dear Kit, So hard to believe you would be 35 years old today and we have have missed out on so much of the joy you brought to all of us. Happy birthday wherever you are...
Missing you forever and always,
Mama
I visited your frangipani tree and these two native butterflies were flitting around. like to think it was you & Mike saying hi
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2013
It was a tough day. I walked around Fairchild for 2 hours. I grieved for you all day. I will go to bed early and be happy tomorrow. There will be a super moon out this weekend just for you on this summer solstice.
Glad to hear from Chris and Topasi.
Good night my sweet Kit
Tapasi Ghosh
June 21, 2013
Thinking of you, Kit -- our REU student for ever -- Chris and Tapasi
June 21, 2013
Ten years. Seems like a minute seems like eternity. I was reading an article the other day about our search for earth like planets circling other suns perhaps in this or other galaxies Made me think of your love of astronomy and wonder if you know more now than during your earth days.
And when I get low thinking of you I slip your cd into the player and listen to you laugh and it makes me smile and I know you are listening and smiling too.
Happy tenth
Dad
Jane Reilly
June 21, 2013
Dear kit, It is so difficult to write on your legacy this year. I am having trouble dealing with this milestone. There is such a hole in my heart and I so wish I could have watched you grow and mature over the past 10 years. I posted your email on facebook because I wanted your friends to remember your prophetic words. I will copy it to this post and print out your legacy this year. I watched your memorial tape last night. Later I will go to Fairchild. I will eat a mango from my tree today and the aching will pass. Tomorrow is another day...love forever and always, mama
June 16, 2003
Exploration of other worlds, perhaps the ultimate goal of astronomy. Other worlds abound around me, although technically speaking I have yet to leave the planet. World wind jet planes landing in tropical islands blessed with lazy leaning palm trees and voluptuous mangos. Nights filled with the singing of cookie frogs and chirping of crickets. Caves leave their mouths gaping beneath the lush of jungle and the steam of the day and waves crash relentlessly on the waiting shores of la isla.
Rhythm rushes around the highway bends and through the city streets where salsa and old san juan lay down in the flux of rock and roll and burger king and walmart and the pueblo prisons at the roadside by the vendors selling mangos and red bananas. Evidence of American kinship is readily visible the strip malls and fast food chains, just as caribbean roots burst forth in the faces of the people and the houses in the hills, the lilting rhythmic Spanish that falls out of the mouth like it was just wandering by, not terribly intent on carrying any message, no need to be on time.
High in this mystic land lies the forefront of radio science. Energy waves fall constantly upon our little planet unhindered by the often opaque atmosphere. They are so weak that all of those that have fallen on the earth in all of its four billion year history could scarcely boil a cup of water for the tea that you may like to sip while contemplating it. And yet here in a fallen hole in the earth sits a dish large enough to feed a thousand passing dinosaurs their nightly supper, connected to rooms of computers and antennas and atomic clocks sensitive enough to measure the spin of star across trillions of miles of empty space and millions of years in time. Here I sit along side nobel laureates and particle physicists sneaking glimpses at the secrets of the universe. Computer screens and data banks playing bouncing colored lines to the music of the universe, falling on the most sensitive ear in world, one larger than twenty football fields.
But to jump of the solid terrestrial surface on which we have grown and out into the free floating freedom of space doesn't require rocket engines or orbital mechanics, it only necessitates walking to edge of this island and leaping off into the great blue beyond. With the assistance of prosthetic fins and breathing apparatus one can fall into depths as alien and exotic as science fact or fiction has ever created.
Shocking blues and yellows, purples reds and oranges. Colors out of magazines and day dreams. Crayola eat your heart out. Fish and turtles, polyps, annenemas, bubbles fins and glinting sunlight bouncing through the delicate blue waters. Turning flips and loops and spins with up and down little more than a temporal suggestion offered by the brightness, but with few immediate consequences of motion. Waters part before my outstretched hands as big black flippers propel me through beautiful blue. Approaching dark clouds of undulating motion collapsed and converged around me. Consumed by a shimmering mass of moving bodies, individually smaller than my fingers, but collectively a giant that can swallow me whole and spit me out again. Swimming at the top of the water I saw them in their dark moving mass, with a few glints of turning bodies at any given moment. Big ones herding the smaller leading them to food, or finding the food themselves. And no knowledge or concern for the strange intruders in their midst. Just leading life, unaffected by awestruck observers from distant worlds.
-Kit
February 13, 2013
I just read my note from this time last year. It's ground hog day - starting another trial and it's another beautiful day. Some things seem quite constant like the number of times I think of you per day. Thanks for the reassurance the other night. It helped calm my brain and put me back on track. Sail on, I'm a year closer.
Dad
February 13, 2013
Happy Birthday Kit, thinking of you as always, missing you as always. This year for your birthday I am planting a Lychee tree. I don't have one and would like to add more fruit to my garden. My star fruit tree produced an abundant crop this year which were quite delicious, beautiful and nutritious. I think of you whenever I pick fruit. I can imagine your bright smile.
forever and always...mama
June 21, 2012
Dear Kit, on my way to Fairchild to see your Frangipani tree in bloom, as I always do on this fateful day. Last night I listened to the wonderful cd your friends created with you telling the ice cream joke and their recanting stories and singing songs about you. It makes me miss you so much but I am so thankful to hear your voice and know you were real and always a part of me. love you, love you, love you...mama
June 20, 2012
Ha, my last note on your birthday found me starting one trial and now I'm in another. These things truly are never ending. This year's summer solstice came a day early they tell me (today) so I'm writing now to say my hello. With each of these notes I keep taking steps toward being with you again. The only question is are they baby steps, giant strides or something in between? Only time will tell. By the way I did get one mango this year. Delicious!!
Dad
February 13, 2012
A BRIGHT CLEAR COOL DAY FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY. I'M STARTING ANOTHER TRIAL IN FT. LAUDERDALE. SEEMS LIKE THESE THINGS WILL NEVER END BUT AS WITH ALL OTHER THINGS OF COURSE THEY WILL. SPEED ALONG, I'LL CATCH UP ONE DAY.
DAD
February 13, 2012
Dear Kit,
This year for your birthday, I planted a Joewood tree on the nature trail at the state park. It has extremely fragrant flowers and produces berries for native wildlife. I never really understood that it is necessary to plant native plants to attract the native birds and butterflies. You awakened in me, a renewed appreciation for nature and I am in awe of how perfect it works when man does not interfere with the balance of nature.
I think of you so often but most frequently when I stare at the night sky, walk in the woods or kayak.
Happy birthday...I love you,
mama
jacob theisen
December 31, 2011
I gave that djembe drum you taught me to make to my Brother in laws nephew whos dad recently died in afhganistan even though you told me to never give away musical instruments. I told everyone at dinner the story behind making the drumwith you and of our friendship. I played it one last time before giving it away almost crying. I know you would rather have someone banging on it than it sitting in a room not being used. Love you, jake
December 30, 2011
Sent a check to New College Foundation for your scholarship fund on behalf of Mom and me. This day always makes me happy and sad. I know the good you are still working through this resource for students at New College. I just wish there had been another way it could have occured. Ah well, another year gone and a step closer to you. Sail on.
ken reilly
June 21, 2011
I was just about to write a note to you when I saw Mom's. Made me laugh since I was planning on getting just one mango from the tree in the circle and before I could someone took them all! Ah, but I'm sure they were put to good use.
Probably you've seen your neice. Baby Lu has a lot of you in her. Makes me happy to know your spirit endures through common genes. Keep her close and give her soft nudges.
Dad
June 21, 2011
Dear Kit,
I went to Fairchild this morning to sit by your Frangipani tree and take in the sweet fragrance of the flowers which are always in bloom on June 21st. I think of this legacy site as an opportunity to reflect on my memories in an open forum.
I told someone recently about the book “Flatland”, a mathematics book written in the 1800’s, and how you asked me to stop by the book store on the way to the airport. You wanted to read it on the way to Puerto Rico. As we gathered up your things from the Observatory I took it from your nightstand. That day was surreal. It took a long time for things to come into focus. Later, when I read the book, it seemed prophetic that you left the book for us to find. To me, it was like a gift from you to open up our minds to endless possibilities we are incapable of comprehending. Although I can’t see you or touch you, I believe it is my limitations of not being able to reach you in whatever dimension or level you exist. Always, you are in my heart…
Mangos are abundant this year. I have tried to embrace your philosophy that fruit is there for anyone to pick. But this year I was patiently waiting to pick a big juicy mango from my tree and the day I thought it was perfectly ripe and I would pick it for dinner someone walked by and beat me to it! I hope they enjoyed it. Your trees are doing well.
Last night I read through some of the comments, from your friends, in the books they compiled about you. They all loved you so much and their descriptions made me ache for you. I ache for you now…
Love you forever and always…miss you forever and always....mama
Carmen
May 11, 2011
I always have you in my heart.
may 11, 2011
jane reilly
February 13, 2011
Thinking of you today...as always. I bought a grapefruit tree to plant for your birthday. I will plant it in the front yard where I have a mango tree, a lemon tree, a fig tree and an orange tree. Someday I will have a heck of a fruit bowl!
Lauren, Lon & Lucy are here visiting. Lucy has a sweet, happy disposition like you. I wish you were here to play with her.
miss you, love you...mama
jacob theisen
December 28, 2010
Kit gifted me music. I met and lived with Kit for over a year in Portland, Or in 1998. I was about to sell my guitar and he told me not to ever sell musical instruments. I kept it and he taught me basic chords and I've been playing ever since. I still have a bamboo flute, pitch pipe, and clay flute he gave me. I also have a large african drum we made together. He is a dear friend to me. Big love for Kit Jacob Theisen, [email protected]
June 21, 2010
Tried to visit your Frangipani tree this evening but the garden closed before I could get there so I will go first thing in the morning to see the blossoms. Thought of you all day and missed you dearly.
forever and always,
mama
June 20, 2010
Took Belle and Johnny to the dog park today. Told them I'd be writing to you a day early. They thought it would be alright. Then they plunged in the pond and dove for a turtle. Everyone left the surface. Made me think of you. But they came up. Oh how much I wish you had too. Seems like a minute, seems like eternity.
Dad
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