Jeff was only 46 when he died of cardiac arrest. Because he said yes, he restored the sight of a 61-year-old woman.
Jeff’s life was one that was centered around his family. As a child, he was surrounded by his large family – his parents, Delores and Russ, all of his grandparents, and lots of cousins. And from the time he was four, he was a proud big brother to his little brother, Joe. As an adult, he married a lovely woman named Dayna, and they had twin sons.
Jeff was a big guy, fun-loving and full of hugs and laughter. He was an athlete in school, and had a curious and adventurous personality. From the time he was about seven, he was an avid believer in Sasquatch. He and Joe explored the forest, looking for him. And throughout his life, he never lost that fascination. He was known for it among his family and friends, and at his funeral, a group of about 30 of his friends had Bigfoot t-shirts made to wear in his honor.
Jeff’s passing was sudden and shocking. Because they had never discussed it, none of his family knew that Jeff had registered as a donor on his driver’s license. Jeff was able to donate one cornea, which went to a 61-year-old woman in Maryland.
His mother, Delores shares, “It makes me proud and happy that somebody else can see now. Bittersweet as it is, if Jeff had to die, he would be pleased that someone else could see because of him.”
Delores encourages people to consider registering as a donor. She says, “This decision is a selfless, loving, and wonderful thing.” And remembering her son, she continues, “Jeff was just that type of person.”
