Obituary: Troy Mayer

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

“I knew someday you’d fly away. For love is the greatest healer to be found. So leave me if you need to, I will still remember. Angel flying too close to the ground.” Willy Nelson

I’ve sat here since October 12, 2021 trying to put into words what your death has meant for us. Something I have done many times since you were born on July 19, 1989. Being born with cerebral palsy, we tried to prepare ourselves for that day you would transition. Never did we think that afternoon, it would be then you would take your last breath.

Your dad Alan who has gone on before you and your mom Alison could not wait for you to be born. Your birthday was one that would forever be remembered as the day their “little Fighter” fought his way into the world.

You lived up to that name. Fighting every hour of every day. The simplest of things were the most difficult. But you smiled through all the pain. You had the biggest toothiest smile and the deepest giggle. The biggest blue eyes. Those are the things we will treasure the most.

Remembering back to 1990 when you came to live at Papa’s and Mum’s house, we were so uncertain of what to do with you. How to comfort you and make you happy and feel loved. We all came together to do just that. You taught us all so much about love, patience…How it really takes a village. Those doctors, nurses, therapists and teachers became part of our village and became part of our family.

You will forever be missed by this big family of yours. The cousins that looked for you to cuddle next to on your mat countless times. Or the visitors that came for Papa and Mum but always came to spend time with you too, bringing special gifts. You were a special gift to all of us. A gist of love. The world will never understand how special you are.

Surviving and mourning you are: Papa John Makela, special aunties Tarri (Joe) Funke and her boys, Tamara Bruneau and her children, Tonya (Joe) Mihelich and her children, and Laurie (Richard) Richards and her children; your mama Alison (Chuck) Brueck; sisters Alayna, Chelsey (Justin) Sims; brother Tyler (Tabitha) Yowell; and grandmas Beverly Stevens and Gayle Yowell.

Three special people became part of our village. Chris Davis who created some great memories with you for us to keep. Sue Peterson who kept your body from hurting, making sure you kept those muscles moving. And Kathy Penegor who from day one has been there for our family.

We hope that you were met at the gates of Heaven by mum Delores Makela, your dad Alan Yowell, and grandpas George Yowell and Paul Mayer, and those numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

On October 30th at 12 noon we will celebrate your life here at John Makela’s home at 13240 Liminga Road in atlantic Mine.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.