Today, I can't help but reflect on the loss of my good friend and this district's long time employee, Neil Easter. We laid him to rest a little less than a month ago. This has been very difficult for the district staff and myself. I know others morn as well. With a last name like "Easter," and today being "Good Friday," it seems only right to speak to this loss.
Neil worked at St. Ignatius School District for almost 30 years. He brought his family here from Ohio out of a love for Yellowstone, the West and the great landscapes of Montana (as well as its world class fly-fishing). His wife, Joyce, was the first to be employed at the District. Neil soon followed as a Title I paraprofessional.
It wasn't long before Neil became the Business Manager and Clerk of the District. He kept the District in good financial standing. He was meticulous in his duty: every "t" was crossed and every "i" dotted. Most importantly, he cared about the kids of Mission. Neil Easter was "student" centered.
One of the first people I met on my interview, four years ago, was Neil. He shook my hand and introduced himself saying "Ah Doo." He was a 71 year old Business Clerk who had just lost his wife to cancer. Having just lost my 21 year old daughter, Ashton, to tragic car accident in Wyoming, Neil and I were good medicine for one another. Medicine that I needed. We spent a number of our coffee breaks talking about our losses and the anticipation of the future. He was as much an anchor for me as I was for him.
Neil was a strong man, but he couldn't help but wipe a tear away when talking about Joyce. He was just as proud of his sons and their accomplishments. Our conversations did our hearts good. He was a man to be trusted. I moved my family here without any formal connections to anyone. Neil stepped up to make Montana a home for me and my family. He was my daughter's, Stephanie's Senior Project Adviser and so much more to my family. On Sundays, he occupied the last pew in the back of the church at St. Ignatius. I knew that whatever I needed (I mean whatever), he would be there to offer assistance. These types of things don't happen in this day and age. Neil Easter is the exception. I fondly refer to him as one of my best friends.
From the empty chair in his office, the pathetic coffee he brewed, to the desk he occupied during board meetings, I and so many others miss him. These daily reminders sadden me at times, but at the same time they warm my heart knowing that I, and so many others, are better because we had met Neil Easter.
Just this last fall we recognized Neil at the homecoming assembly for Making the Difference. We dedicated the new Student Commons to Joyce Easter after its completion three years ago. Many have suggested we include Neil's name in that dedication. One thing is for sure, his service will not go unnoticed and unrecognized by this district. A plan for such a dedication is in the making.
Happy Easter, Mr. Neil Easter: thank you for coming to Montana.
Thank you for this Bob.
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