Guestbook E-mail

We've created this memorial as a tribute to our Dad, Richard Eric Nylander. Although we lost our Dad to cancer, he will remain alive in our hearts forever. Thank your for visiting our memorial and we welcome you to view our guestbook.

Dad died as he wished, in his home in Lake Butler, Florida, surrounded by his family and friends. We are grateful to the hospice workers who provided him and the family with care and support through the difficult times.

Richard was born in Jamestown NY and retired as a dispatcher from the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. Following his retirement, he worked as a dispatcher at the Union County Sheriff's department until just before his death.

Our Dad was a warm, kind and gentle soul. He loved his three children dearly, and loved us all so unconditionally. Laurie, his oldest daughter, whom he raised from the age of three (3) years old, and proudly adopted at the age of sixteen (16); Dale, his only son, who he loved from the bottom of his heart; and Dawn, the youngest child, forever be known as his shadow, until they meet again in heaven. Our Dad was always there for every special occasion; come rain, sleet or snow, we knew that we could count on our Dad to be present. Special and memorable events include, being the Best Man at Dale's wedding in Lake Tahoe; assuming late night shift feeding for Ryan and Ashley, his grandchildren, (which always included a home baked cake that he personally baked that day); and playing the tough love role when our rebellious sister, Dawn, was experiencing "raging hormones" during her teens. Regardless, he was always so proud of his children!!

Our Dad was born in Jamestown and grew up in Frewsburg, small farming towns in upstate New York. He was an only child, however, had a very special relationship with his Aunt Margaret, and her three (3) children; Kay, Bud and Charlie. This past October, the Nylander family was able to, once again, personally meet our Dad's family in New York State, and many relationships were created and enhanced at that time. This will be a weekend that we will all cherish and remember forever! Our plan is to attend a future family gathering in New York, as our Dad would want us to carry on his family legacy, and not be forgotten.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Korean War. He loved fishing, woodworking, and working in his garden. In honor of our father, an 18" to 24" tree is being planted and cared for by the non-profit organization Trees, Water & People. Native trees including Mahagony, Cedar, Pine and fruit trees are among the varieties planted and cared for in the Magdalena protected area of El Salvador. You can view pictures and maps of the area at: http://www.yourtruenature.com.

Survivors include:

• Laurie & Rick Gabrielsen (daughter & son-in-law)
• Dale & Michele Nylander (son & daughter-in-law)
• Dawn & Gary Brewster (daughter & son-in-law)
• Ryan Ikemeier, Ashley Ikemeier, & Nichole Hernandez (grandchildren)
• Carol & Derrell SayKally (former wife & friend)
• ... and Bandit, his beloved 4-legged friend

Dad asked that we read this at his funeral: If you could see your ancestors, all standing in a row; I expect you'd find there one or two you wouldn't care to know; Because in climbing family trees, one always meets a few Who get there by irregular steps, as such folks always do. If you should meet your ancestors, all standing in a row You'd surely find there one or two whom you'd be proud to know But here's another question which requires a different view If you should meet your ancestors, WOULD THEY BE PROUD OF YOU? I think mine would. Richard Nylander 2/7/04

A friend sent us this poem after Dad died. It touched our hearts because it seemed to really capture the essence of our feelings February 7th. We thought we'd share it with everyone on his Memorial.

God saw that you were getting tired and a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Thank you for visiting Dad's Web site. For those with broadband connections, we've included a slideshow to show a little about Dad's life. Please be patient, it takes a little while to load. You are welcome to send an e-mail if you'd like to contact the family. For those who wish, contributions can be made to Hospice of North Central Florida or the National Cancer Society.

You'll Be In My Heart
by Phil Collins