My most vivid memories of Jill and Mike are the many gatherings at the White house...like a revolving timeline...from the Stang years thru college breaks and continuing on. It was always great to arrive and unexpectedly see them up from Belize sitting around the patio table...catching up, laughing away as the night grew loud and absurd. I'm grateful to have last seen them in July in Marion -- Jill, pregnant with Bryce and gracefully consoling a tired Makayla after a long day playing with Owen at the beach -- Mike and I talking sustainability shop, sharing similar ideas, only he was making an ACTUAL impact. I wish I got to know him better. Its a cruel, painful mystery to know why they're gone...but their presence will always remain alive and well.

Jill and Mike are the only people who I have ever meet who actually gave more to this world than they took from it. There contributions to Life are enormous. If it were not for Jill and Mike a young girl would not be going to Villanova. They literally changed lives. How many of us can say we've had such a tremendous impact on a child's life. This is just one example. The loss is devastating. Words cannot express how my heart is breaking. I will always love them. DDD

We spent many evenings in high school avoiding trouble in Albany, zooming about from place to place. Mike was a great guy, and I can't think of the last time I saw him. I remembered that for some reason, I managed to steal the cutest photo from the Collins' house at some point- Mike, Paul, Kelly and family in summer bliss. Tragedy like this must mean that Mike and his family served more in 30 years than most people serve in their whole lives. My heart goes out to you all. *Aaren

My heartfelt condolences go out to all the friends and family who have to suffer such a tragic loss. Mike and Jillian were truly wonderful people who’s spirits will live forever in all the lives that they've touched.

Oh Bugger!!! not sure where to start the thoughts with you my friend...I could go on for hours about the great time we shared together... you had a special way to bring out the best in me... for some reason life seemed to make a lot more sense when I would talk to you...that being said...enough with the philosophical bullshit... my favorite memories with you are the goofy ones. .. this past summer we traveled to darien lake to see a show... obviously had a blast... but the memory i remember most happened at about 5 in the morning ...we were sleeping in a rest area and you woke me because you were stuffing your face with this fowl egg sandwich... I looked over at you and we starting hysterically laughing at how rediculous the situation was or maybe it was because we were just really happy... I love you so much bug and fu#$# hate the fact you are gone!!!!!!!!! -GINZO

This loss is so great.... it's hard to find words. It was so inspiring to hear about Mike and Jill's amazing journey since our St. Mike's days. "Did you hear Jill and Mike started a school in Belize?" ... "Did you know Jill and Mike had a baby?" Thinking to myself, they are ALIVE. Doing what so many want to but can't or won't. They spread love... kindness.. selflessness ...caring.. sincerity... inspiration. Peace and compassion to all those who have been touched by this family. My heart is breaking.... I hold my face in my two hands. No, I am not crying. I hold my face in my two hands to keep the loneliness warm - two hands protecting, two hands nourishing, two hands preventing my soul from leaving me in anger. -Thich Nhat Hanh

Words cannot express the heart-wrenching sadness I feel for this tragic loss. Such beautiful, soulful, untainted lives Jillian and Mike lived- constantly going above and beyond what they could do to give back and enrich the lives of those around them. Be it their selfless acts of kindness, their teachings, their altruistic appreciation of the earth, or their deep sense of love and loyalty to those they befriended-- they have touched a deeply special place in all of our hearts. Jillian was magical. Casey was extraordinary. My fondest memories consist of our talks. Jill, you would understand everything and make whatever the topic of conversation may be, feel like the most important thing in the world. You were so special in that way. Kindness, compassion, and gentleness seeped out of your every pore. Mike, your total goodness and love for animals strikes my memory most. And your spirit for life was contagious. Jill and Mike, you radiated such beauty, inside and out. And your beauty was exemplified in your two children. Forever I will remember you, for I have never felt so blessed as to have you as my friends. Your short lives have set the example of how to live life to the fullest, while still being able to stay close to each and every one of your friends. That is truly a gift. Your lives have inspired me. I am struggling with accepting the fact that you are gone. It is the most tragic thing I have ever experienced. I am saddened to the bone. But I find solace in remembering you, looking at your pictures, watching your progression in life from friends, to married soul mates, to exceptional parents. Your lives have now provided me a never-ending inspiration. May your souls live on, knowing that you have made an absolute difference in this world. Love always, Megan

My heart aches for Jill, Mike, their beautiful children, their families and friends. Jill and Mike were friends of mine at St. Mikes and they were always such kind and caring individuals. Their smiles always brightened everyone's day and the world has truly suffered a great loss. "Yeah we will shine like stars in the summer night, We will shine like stars in the winter night. One heart, one hope, one love."

makayla, I meant it when I said i think you and Owen are going to get married. Chris thought it was so funny that the brides family would have to pay. i guess it will have to be in Heaven. what a combination, you have the gentle presence of your mom and the same delicate hands. The stubborn drive of your dad and both their love of the outdoors. i love that you also don't like to wear shoes or clothes. you are such a good girl. Until we meet again little miss sunshine, take care of your brother. miss you already....tina

When we were in high school I knew we would be friends forever. We loved all the same things .. hanging out cruising around in my old wagon (me you tyler and alex), skiing, fishing, boating, hanging on the beach listening to tunes. When you decided to come to St Mikes (and Alex) after my freshman year I was so excited we would get to continue experiencing life together. Then you met Tina and little did I know you were going to introduce me to my future love of my life. Monty comes to join the party in Burlington and the wheels were in motion of forming a truly amazing group of people. The bond we created never waivered and when we got together felt like we were continuing just one long conversation that started in 1992. I love you and your family so much! -cw

I was lucky enough to spend time with both Mike and Jill at Saint Michael's and over the years that followed. It's the scenes from the road that keep rushing through my mind. They were each such great people to talk to...intelligent, funny, and genuine. Essential qualities for roadtrips. I remember Jill's calming presence during a particularly snowy ride from Albany to Burlington. It was 1:30 in the morning and we were the only car "brave" enough to be on Route 7 during the snowstorm. Most everyone in the car had fallen asleep, but Jill kep talking to me and making sure that I was OK to drive. I may have been driving, but she's the one who got us home. Mike and I made a non-stop cannonball run from Colorado to Albany in the Fall of 2000. Over 24 hours of driving...with a lot of Grateful Dead and inspiring conversation in between. It was on this trip that he told me about his future plans and I was blown away at how mature, confident, and wise "Bug" had become. My heart goes out to their families and closest friends. "From the land of the midnight sun where the ice blue roses grow 'long those roads of gold and silver snow Howlin' wide or moaning low So many roads I know So many roads to ease my soul"

We feel so blessed to have known this beautiful, genuine family, whom we will never forget. Although our lives crossed briefly, our cherished memories will remain with us forever. All the wonderful days of searching for sea life at Eel Pond with Makayla, "Tina", Stephen and friends; dancing at the band nights; and how could we ever forget Kids Nights on Monday nights, sipping on margaritas while watching the moon rise. Our time at the beach will never be the same. Mike, Jill, Makayla and Bryce, we love you... and miss you. Until we meet again...

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jill and Mikes family and friends. Some fond Vermont memories! They were incredible people, who lived amazing lives and seemed to touch everyone around them.