My dear fierce fighter. I remember when I first heard that Jeanette had moved to Whistler and found a man who loved her with reverence. I was thrilled and hopeful and I could hear the lilt in her voice when she spoke of you. And then I met you and I too fell in love with your soul. And then Mike did.

You have taught me much, my friend, regardless of the short times we have spent together. You showed me the possibility and the absolute necessity of prioritizing doing what you love with those you love. You both showed us what unconditional love and commitment looks like and you reminded me that spending a day riding rad trails with your friends can truly be “Church”. You taught me about the fierceness of hummingbirds and their beautiful tenacity of spirit. I will never see another hummingbird without thinking of you.

I am so grateful for taking care of my soul sister all these years and I am so glad she is there to take care of you now. I will be here to help take care of her.

I am trying not to be angry or sad, but I am. The world needs more D’Arcys, not less. We need more fierce, kind, quietly radiant and tenacious souls who will be there for his friends and community whenever they need him. The world needs more hummingbirds.

I love you man. I am sorry we never got to mountain bike or get matching tattoos. I will wear this one for you.

Mags.