Please note, this GoFundMe request is being posted with the permission of the SIGforum administrator.

Link to Raymond's bruial expense fund.

***Goal reached, all costs covered, anything else is icing on the cake to allow my buddy an extra day or two off work for bereavement. I will be closing the GFM down shortly and transferring money to the family, thank you so much everyone!*** Edit #2

**For now I think all expenses are covered, and until I find out further, please just say a prayer for Steven, Emily, and Frankie. Should I find out that the amount raised isn't sufficient I will update the post again. At this point a prayer or good thoughts may be more helpful than money.** Edit #1

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I have known Steven for almost 25 years and been a good friend for 15. I have watched his boy (Raymond) grow into a man. He has always had troubles and been on medication the entire time I have known him, but did the best he could, given his limitations.

[***Skip to next paragraph, if you do not need/want to know the details of his passing – it is tragic, but provided for context, if needed***] Sadly last night, he decided it was too much to bear and took his own life. Even worse, Steven heard something in his room and him and his daughter rushed up to see what it was. He was not fast enough, and as he tried to save his son, he watched him lose his life. Hearing him describe the events of last night is one of the most painful things I have experienced in my life.

Steven lives paycheck to paycheck supporting his wife (unable to work due to health), daughter, and son (who has passed). They never planned to bury their 22 year-old son, and need assistance in doing so. This is where I am asking your assistance. If ever someone was deserving of a GoFundMe account and the generosity of strangers, he is. He’s the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back and then check his trunk to see if he had a back up to give you or something warmer to put over the shirt. I have never met a person in my life that was more loveable than Steven, nor have I ever once met someone who had anything but good thoughts to say about him. He may be a little ‘old school’, not using the internet or having any clue about social media, but he has the people who he has touched in his life that love him, including me.

I hope that you can help to cover the costs of his son’s final expense, and if not that you can at least say a prayer for one of the best human beings I have ever known in my life. If a prayer is all you can offer, the father’s name is Steven, wife’s is Frankie, and sister’s is Emily.

I have never cried as much as I have today. I watched that boy grow up his entire life. If nothing else, please pray for God to give this family some relief.

Testimonial from my wife: We understand Raymond and his family Steven, Frankie, and Emily are not members of our amazing SIGforum community, so I wanted to share a bit about our dear friend, Steven (the father), who could really use some relief during this tragedy. He is a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy who is humble and generous to others, even with what little he has. He lives a simple life and never asks for more. He is one of the few souls, if any, that you meet in your life that truly has got your back without expectation.

We are having difficulty getting through the day just fathoming what he must be going through, and how we can help him get through it. We are trying to take as much burden off the family’s plate by making all arrangements, donating our savings, and seeking additional contributions to cover a modest burial and memorial service. Any thoughts, donations, and prayers are truly appreciated and will be put to good use.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Skins2881,

Sorry for the loss.

Done.

Donation and prayers lifting his family in this difficult time

Just chipped in a bit for him, Jesse.

I'm in and have donated.

Donated...Sad story. Happy to help.

Done I hope I was able to help.

Prayers for all.

Done...

Done (and bumping this thread to increase momentum).

So sorry for what all of you are going through.

Donated.

Done

Prayers sent. Donation made.

You have my condolences.

Done and done

Carlos

Done and Done

Done. My condolences to all.

Done and done. I'm so sorry to hear the news. My condolences to you.

Done.

So sad. Prayer’s to your friend (and you) and his family.

A friend of a friend on SIGforum is a friend of mine. Donation sent.

Done. Never have found the words that sound truly appropriate for situations like this.