Baker Academic

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Star Wars, Gratitude, and Goodbye

On November 22nd my friend and brother-in-law passed due to complications related to cancer. Travis Keenan Tiffin was among the most talented, generous, and free-spirited persons I've ever known.

Travis was a graphic artist and helped with the early design of this blog and in a number of other ways. He never wanted public recognition then so I am thanking him now.

I would also like to express my gratitude to J.J. Abrams for a tremendous and unexpected gift. Travis was an avid fan of Star Wars. Somehow (I still don't know how) Mr. Abrams heard about Travis' condition and reached out to him. I wasn't able to speak with Travis after his special viewing of The Force Awakens. But I have no doubt that it brought my friend a great deal of joy in his final days.

Travis never felt entitled to anything special. This was part of what made him so especially fun to be around. He was always genuinely surprised when something good happened. His presence made World Series games more exciting, good comedy better, and unexpected gifts more fun.

Goodbye, my friend. You are especially missed today.

-anthony

4 comments:

  1. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

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  2. Your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time, Anthony.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i become very sad to read your post.

    ReplyDelete