Thanks so much to Maryanne and Nick Vizzare for sponsoring a day of sanctuary in memory of their long-time friend and neighbor, Steve Olson, and in honor of Steve’s wife, Sandi Matthews.
“Steve passed away in a tragic accident on June 8, 2021. When Maryanne saw a special pair of Steve’s boots, she told his family all about Jamie and her love of boots. Steve’s family wanted Jamie to have them…they thought Steve would really enjoy them having a second life.”
Many thanks again to Maryanne and Nick for sharing your love of both Steve and Jamie, as well as Nick’s sister and our long-time chimp friend, Lisa Stuverud, for helping to coordinate this special remembrance and ensuring Jamie received these amazing boots in time for her birthday on “Jamieween“.
And very special thanks to Sandi, and your and Steve’s family, for so graciously sharing something so special of Steve’s with Jamie. Our deepest condolences to you all. These amazing boots made an appearance in a recent blog post and believe us, Jamie *loves* them! They are one of her current “boots du jour”, the ones she often asks for when we are closing up the chimp house for the night so she can put them in her night nest. That’s high praise in Jamie lingo. It touches our hearts that you thought of her, especially in such a difficult time. We hope it brings your hearts a bit of the joy you all brought hers.
Jamie!
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful gift for Jamie. I hope it helps in some way to see how much she loves them. Take care?
That was supposed to be a heart not a question mark. I’m sending some love your way!
Thank you so much Laurie.
had he ever worn those boots to CSNW, he would have likely gone home barefoot…..Jamie would have talked him right out of his boots………….
sure would have!
Tom and Paulette, that would not have been the first time people left here barefoot, either! 🙂
That would have been a sight to see! And I am pretty sure Jamie would have won!!
That would have been a sight to see. I’m pretty sure Jamie would have won thought!! ?
Oh Bless Your Heart Sandy. We LOVE those boots! Now every time we see them, we will think of Steve, and you.
Much praise to you, Katelyn, for your, eloquent, words that you used to express your gratitude, and, sympathies, in your blog, about Steve Olson’s tragic, death. Very true, that it was amazing, and, selfless, for them to think of Jamie in the midst of such a “difficult time”.
what a beautiful post …..CSNW is so fortunate to have such wonderful friends. Beautiful. thank you all.
Very touching post. Brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. What a wonderful gesture. They are amazing looking boots even before I heard the sad story behind them
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. I continue to believe the Good in People!
Condolences to your family.
Debbie
Thank you all for your kind thoughts. It means alot to me. I’m sure Steve would have been very happy to see his boots making Jamie so happy. I’m pretty sure he is smiling down at us.. Thank you again..
Sandi:sparkling_heart:
What a beautiful gesture. Thanks to all for sharing the story.