| a message to Travis..... |
| I guess we all take our time here on earth for granted. You weren't here nearly long enough my friend. It's time....... ......Sandi "CandyAss" McCaslin |
| Travis, when I ride I will ride loud and proud thinking of you. When I hear thunder, I will think of it as you riding across the heavens. I thank you for letting me get to know you. Ride the wind Travis and soar where only the angels can fly. ......Carl Seeker |
| Travis, you were a great friend and an awesome coworker.!! We will miss you very much. You were an inspiration to all of us!! We all love you Travis. You will be missed!!!! ......K. Hannah, and the rest of the Warren County Jail and Sheriffs Office Staff |
| Travis, I am not real good with words but let me say this...It was always a pleasure and an honor to see you. We had talked about how we wanted our futures to turn out in our personal lives as well as powerlifting. ALWAYS know this ...you and your family will be with me every time I lay on that bench under the bar. Miss ya brother. Keep the beer cold. ......Zane McCaslin |
| We love you and we will always remember you. I will miss you greatly. I only had the privelege of meeting you once but I am still devistated by the news of your death. We think we have so long and find out very quickly that we do not. I will miss you greatly my friend. Godspeed my friend and please watch over all of us!!! We love you!! ......Amy Roberts |
| Son, you are gone but will never be forgotten. Your great strength and love will carry on in us all. The outpouring of respect, friendship, and love from your many friends gives me more strength than you can imagine. I promise to complete as many of our dreams as the Lord will allow. With great love..... ......Your Dad |
| Long before August 30, 2003 I was assigned a paper in an English class. We had to write about who we saw as our 'hero'. Travis, you were the hero I wrote about then and the one I'd write about today. I will take what I've learned from you and pass it on. I know many could benefit from your teachings. Thank you for everything..... ......Brysten Jones |
| Travis, I never really knew you that well, but from what I did know of you, you were a great person! This is pretty personal, but I want to say it anyhow... When I was younger I had a crush on you and that will always be special to me. When I heard what happened to you, I didn't take it very well.....you were and always will be very special to me! When I started lifting I wanted to be just like you, because I loved the way you looked and that inspired me! So thank you Travis, for everything. I will never forget you...NEVER! ......Allison Salerno |
| Travis, I think you already know Donni and I LOVE you like a son! Please know that we will continue to love and support Heidi and your family. I want to thank you for being a "wonderful" husband to my daughter Heidi. You were the "best" thing that ever happened to her, giving her a special gift which I will never forget. You taught her to love herself again. Please be her "guardian angel" and continue giving her strength to go on. You are ALWAYS in my heart and thoughts. Keep the "signs" coming, we all need them. I sadly miss you and will be with you again someday. With love always........ ......Ma Penni Moore |
| Travis, words cannot express how much I miss you and love you. I know I didn't always tell you, but you meant the world to me, you were my everything. These last 4 years with you were my happiest ever. I know when you died that night, a part of me died with you. Believe me, this is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through so please lend me your strength to get through this unbelievable nightmare. I will try to carry on, as I know you would want me to, and I know that you will be my guardian angel and will be watching over me and our family. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and what a great husband and person you were. I never realized how many lives you've touched in your short time on this earth. I want you to know that I am not angry with you for leaving this world, but I am angry at God for taking you away from me. How dare He take away our future and family together? But I guess He has a reason for everything. Please know that you will never be forgotten. Thank you for teaching me what true love is. Thank you for spending your life with me. Thank you for everything you've ever done for me. I love you. Your wife........ ......Heidi |
| Trav, from your family at the Sheriff's Office. We know you're still with us in spirit and always will be. It's sooo hard though without you in body. The wounds left behind from your passing are not healing, but it's a pain we welcome because it just reminds us of just how much we loved and depended on you. We're trying desperately to move on, but it's going to be a long and difficult road. We tried an after work therapy session at Huey's but it didn't help. It's going to be a while before we can even attempt that again. In life you have touched the hearts of so many people. In death that number continues to grow. God be with you always Travis! You are sadly missed!! ......Sgt. Burns and the Platoon! |
| Travis, You are my younger brother by 10 years. I never thought that I would have to see you go before me. Like Heidi, I am mad at God too for taking you so early. I know that there is supposed to be "some reason" for what happened, but it still pisses me off. I was told a few days ago that you never get over a loved one dying, you just get used to it. I still have not gotten used to it. Younger brothers are supposed to look us to their older brothers, but I looked up to you. You did so many things in your short life that I can only dream about. Matt and I miss you........... ......Bob |
| Travis, It may not have been very noticeable, but I looked up to you a lot. I miss you already and think about you all the time. I really wish I would have been able to give you a last goodbye. Your brother........ ...... Matt |
| Travis, my best friend, not a day has gone by or will go by without me thinking about you. My heart has had a hole in it since the night you left us and it will nevr be fixed. I have nothing but good memories of you and I. We had some pretty awesome times together. I just hope that you are at peace and I am sure that you are. I promise on my life to never let your memory be forgotten and to always be there for your family and your beautiful wife!! I wake up every day thankful for the time I had to spend with you. I will always remember your strength and how you taught me to be strong and always believe in myself. You are missed my friend. I know now that you are gone but you will never be forgotten! Your buddy........... ......Dave |
| I grew up with Travis at Red Oak Campground. I will never forget all the memories we had. I remember the first time I ever met Travis, I think I was like 10 or 11. He was at the pool at Red Oaks wearing speedos (what a sight) ha ha. Travis taught me how to play pool when I was around 13. He was such a great teacher, but then he kicked himself in the ass for teaching me, because I started beating him all the time. I will never forget....every time Travis walked into the gameroom at camp he always played the same two songs, "Good Friends, Good Whiskey and Damn Good Lovin" and "Cats in the Cradle". Every time I hear those songs or go to Red Oaks I will always remember Travis. We all had so much fun growing up there. Travis will always have a special place in my heart! ......Mandy (Johnson) Russo |
| Travis, your mom and I spent the weekend with great friends. I know you were there with us. Thanks for the little push when I needed it. I'll keep pushing for us both. Love........ ...... Your Dad |
| I know it has taken me a long time to sit down and write this letter. Travis, the day I got the phone call is a nightmare that will haunt me for a long time, and it will take me a long time to actually accept you not being around to joke and laugh with. Trav, after your death I had a real hard time dealing with work. It was like I gave up. I don't think a lot of people actually realized how close you and I became. You were the only one who, just by looking at me, knew that something was bothering me. You were the only one that made me actually feel like you cared. Trav, you and I had a friendship that will last a lifetime. Even though I cannot see you, I talk to you every day. Work, Trav, became too much. I left Warren and took another job, but I know that you are there watching over me. Trav, I went to see Heidi, and talking to her helped ease the pain. You became my best friend Trav and Heidi knows if she needs anything, I would drop whatever I am doing to help her. Travis, I remember our last conversation we had before you left for training and I told Heidi about it, because I thought it would make her smile. I hope it helped her to know what we talked about. Travis, the day before you left us, you looked at me before leaving the jail and told me you would be over to talk. You gave me a wink with one of your smiles. You made my day that day. I will always hold on to that day. We shared so many great times Trav. There will never be a day that goes by without you. I know the day you left, a little bit of me died with you. Someday I will see that smile again and I wil hear your laughter. You were the best partner I could have asked for. Noone, no matter where I end up will ever be able to replace you, not ever. I miss you and I will always, always love you. Your parner......... ......RAD |
| Gee, I was raking leaves today and remembered how much fun you and Vern used to have playing in them (Bob too, when he was younger). We would work for what seemed like hours to make a pile, then you guys would totally level it by jumping into it, running through it, or tackling each other in it (Jerry was often in on all of this too). You said it wasn't fun anymore when you got old enough to have to rake them, but I think you secretly smiled when you walked through a freshly raked pile of leaves. You three boys were always anxious to find the first flower in the Spring. You usually came in with my one and only Bluebell. It was always so pretty and so perfect. I planted some more Bluebells today. ......Mom |
| Travis, The holidays will soon be here. Your passing is making them very hard for us all. Most of all for Heidi and your mom. Please give them strength, let them feel your love, let them know you are near. Be with your brothers. Give Matt guidance as he looks for answers to his future. Be with Bob, where ever he is, keep him safe from danger. All I want for Christmas is to know that you are at peace and that you know how much you were loved and how much we all miss you. Missing you greatly...... ......Your Dad |
| Travis. I was recently home before Nancy and I started driving back to California. The morning that we left, mom took the traditional picture of the brothers on the couch. It was hard for me not having you there for the photo. I cried like a baby until we got to Ohio. I miss you so much. ......Bob |
| Travis, Yesterday was an awesome day. So many great people gathered in your memory to do a great thing. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we enjoyed the company of our really large family. We know you were there with us. Please use your great strength and love to watch over and protect us all. We all love and miss you. With each passing day, the time grows shorter until we are together again. Soon I will see that smile again. Love from me to you...... ...... Dad |
| Travis, Mom & I spent yesterday afternoon at the high school with the Sherrif and others doing the mock accident programs. I spoke to the entire student body afterwards about what I had done and seen in my 30 years of EMS service. Then I spoke to them about you and your many great accomplishments, and all that was going well for you. Most all of your football players and former teachers were there. Then I talked about your death and the pain we have all suffered. After the program, mom and I were greeted by so many kids, it was just overwhelming. I was out on the bike later, and kids yelled to me, thanking me for coming to talk. I healed a lot speaking to those kids, I hope and pray some good comes from it. Just like you, I want them all here with us. Loving you always, and missing you more..... ...... Dad |
| Travis, A very hard time will soon be upon us. Your birthday, the anniversary of your marriage to Heidi, a memorial ride for you, and the anniversary of your death; all in one month. Give us strength and let us feel your love. Be especially close to Heidi and your mom. They are feeling great pain and missing you very much. We went to Wendy's the other morning for breakfast, and the football players were collecting outside the door; it has bothered your mom ever since. Touch your brothers in some way also. They sure miss you. Me, I miss you more every day. It doesn't get easier, it seems to get harder. Every day I still ask why. I sure hope someday to understand. We all still love you with all our hearts and miss you so much, it always hurts. I know you're with many friends of us all, but sure wish you were here. Love .... ...... Dad |
| Gee, thanks for finding my charms in Canada. I knew if anybody could, it would be you! By the way, the bluebells bloomed this Spring. They were really pretty, and nobody picked them... It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year. People say it's supposed to get easier, but they don't know. We sure do miss you, more than words can say. Love you lots... ...... Mom |
| Well, here it is a year ago you left us. The time sometimes flies by and then sometimes stands still. As always, since you left, we all have this gaping hole in our hearts. Give Heidi, your mom, your brothers and even me a little sign to remind us that you are still with us. With each passing day, we all try to be stronger, but it does not get any easier. We still cry, and miss you very much. Be at peace, and know we will always love you... ...... Dad |
| Travis, a year has passed since your accident. Your dad has kept your memory alive each and every day. He has so many wonderful memories to share with everyone. Your mom seems to be doing pretty well for someone who has been through a hell that I cannot even begin to imagine. I just want you to know that they have so many people who love them and are right beside them if they need anyone to vent on or just cry with. We all are watching out for them Travis...and we all miss you a great deal. Rest in peace pal! ... ...... Sandi |
| Last Saturday was another great time. Many of our friends gathered together to remember you son. It was fantastic. The lifts were great, the fun was non-stop. Most of all it was our large family together doing something good in your honor. Ofcourse your dad cried as I tried to honor our friends for all they do in your name, but that's just me. Someone told me that a man's wealth is measured by the friends he has. Travis, you and I are very wealthy. Your Heidi is good and doing well, your mom and brothers are strong like you would expect. We love and miss you more every day. ... ...... Dad |
| Well here it is that time of year again. Your birthday has come and gone and the worst day of our life returns. We are always sad that you are gone, but you will never be forgotten. All is well with the family, each and every one of us. Give us strength in the time ahead and peace of mind. Give leadership and strength to your little brother if you can, a little boost of morale to your big brother, they both miss you so much as do your mom and dad. Your Heidi is well, wishing you were here with her and missing you very much, watch over her. Give all of our lifting family a little lift on that heavy bench, they all miss you too! Wishing I could see that big smile still again, loving you always... ...... Dad |
| Well , it's so hard to believe that 2 years have passed. Travis, I just wanted to let you know how amazed I am at the strength your parents have had these past 2 years. Their hearts were broken yet they manage to go on. They stay so strong at the memorial meet, where everyone comes to remember you. Your dad came up to my place the weekend of your birthday, and again...he stayed so strong. We all went out to Beaver Springs this weekend for a meet, and I took a real good look at your mom. I wanted to take a long hard look at a survivor. She is the epitome of that. Your parents are doing so well Travis. They miss you every day, but they certainly are survivors.... ...... Sandi |
| Travis, we are still missing you with all our hearts. Here are the holidays again without you. We sure remember how you so enjoyed Christmas! The past 2+ years have been some experience for us all. God willing we will never face it again. The day I had to see you at the hospital was the hardest thing I had ever done, until your funeral. Putting your urn down in the hole and covering you up was the worst, but I had to do it. Family should take care of family. Your brothers were proud to help. They sure miss you. I hope you are at rest and with peace. Be with us all, help to keep us safe. Loving you always.... ...... Dad |
| Well son, another year has come and gone since the day you left us. We spent the weekend at Red Oaks camping and looking at all the pictures in the store of you and Matt. Sure brought back memories. We still miss and love you every day... ...... Dad |
| Hey Travis, it's been nearly 4 years now ssince your tragic event. Although I have a million things I'd like to say right now, I'm going to try my best to keep it short. I wanted to let you know that I do still think of you often, even to the point of telling stories about you to some of my friends at school. I wasn't exaggerating when I said you were a true hero to me. I'm constantly reminding myself of the emphasis you placed on strength for both the mind and body. With your lessons, I've pushed hard and earned many recognitions I'm quite proud of, the most recent one being that of an Academic All-American for hockey at Penn State Behrend. Now that I'm growing up, Travis, I finally have a true opportunity ahead of me. With 2 years left at school, I've set a goal for myself...oen that involves you. By the time I graduate from college and get my MBA, I want to make an impact on some of the younger players on my hockey team like the one you made on me. You've done something for me that noone else ever has and I think it's only fair to return the favor. We really miss you, Travis. The world needs more people like you, and that's why I am going to acomplish this goal I've set.... ...... Brysten Jones |
| Well son, it's now four years since you left us. I, with the rest of your family and friends still have a very large hole in my heart. Please know you are missed by all and will never be forgotten. Watch over us and protect us all. Still loving you and missing you.... ...... Dad |
| Travis, I know that I haven't left you a message for quite a while now, but I still think about you every day...especially now that it's the holidays. It's been a long 4 years for all of us. I find myself often wondering what it would be like if we would have had a family together, as I'm sure you know that I now have a baby daughter. She has brought some hapiness and joy back into my life. I was due to give birth on August 30th, the day you were taken from me...but I ended up having her on August 15th. I know that it's more than a coincidence that she came into my world around the anniversary when you left. I know that she's not your daughter, but I hope that you will watch over her as I believe you have done for me in the past 4+ years. Thank you for continuing to keep me close to your family too. I don't know what I would do without them in my life. I miss you so much and love you with all of my heart! Yours forever and always... ...... Heidi |
| Well, as you watch over us, we will soon be adding another member to our family as Matt is getting married. He is very happy and excited. Elizabet is very pretty and very sweet. When they are together they both just glow. We are very excited for them. Mom is just grinning ear to ear like she was for you and Heidi. We are also sad that you will not be with us to enjoy this great time but know you will be there with us in our hearts and minds. This great time in the family will bring back some great happiness to us like before you passed. I will toast your brother for you. Know you are always in our hearts and minds adn we miss you always. With all my love .... ...... Dad |
| Gee, I didn't get chest pains looking at your page this time. 30 years ago today, your dad finally picked out your name. We were on our way into the hospital when I told him to make up his mind or I would have to do it. I think he picked the perfect name. I wonder what you would have done with 30 years on this earth... Vern is getting married in October and Bob will be in the wedding. Another family wedding with only 2 sons. I know you'll be there in spirit. Love you and miss you every day... .......Mom |