Letters for Dec. 6, 2016

• Jon Guyett contributed much to Kauai

Jon Guyett contributed much to Kauai

At times we judge people only for their accomplishments. Overlooking who the person really is. With the passing of Jon Guyett and the celebration of his life at Black Pot Beach Park on Dec. 4, it was obvious that this man accomplished a heck of a lot and he too will be remembered for who was.

Jon tutored our children in mathematics. He related to all his students in a personable way that inspired them to do well on their own accord. Instilling a self worth that children need as they mature. He gave life to numbers and he gave life and love to a lot more than that.

He gave life to a wonderful son Eric and gave love to his most gracious wife Madeline. He also shared his love of life to all especially when he was surfing. When you shared a surf session with Jon there was a stoke that inspired you to surf with a little extra drive and speed to race across an impossible section of the wave so that Jon (who was the gatekeeper at a spot affectionately called Flat Rock) would wave us on. Jon was there to share the stoke paddle after paddle.

A few days before his passing we shared a Sunday brunch following the KLA fundraiser for ocean safety. He mentioned that we all have a certain amount of time on Earth and that we should treasure each moment like it was our last. We both did not realize the immediacy of those moments. His words and his gaze on that Sunday will remain with me for a long time.

Mahalo Jon for sharing your talents of tutoring with our family as well as just being who you were. Spreading a joy with that grin of yours … regardless of how you might have been feeling.

This man will be missed and yet his aloha lives on. Just take a look around because he saw what we should all feel.

We loved your love.

Andy Melamed, Kapaa