In memory of Stephen Breen

While all of the Sponsor a Days shared with the chimpanzees and bovines are so special, contributing to their lives in a myriad of ways, today we have the unique honor of reading this beautiful honoring shared by one of our own caregivers, Kelsi Breen, in memory of her dad, Stephen.

Thank you so much, Kelsi, for sharing some of your cherished memories and photos of your Dad with us. And for your heartfelt dedication in always making the chimpanzees’ and bovines’ days and lives better in every way you can. We are all so fortunate to have you in our lives, and our hearts are with you and your family today.

“This blog is in honor of my dad, Stephen Breen.

Today marks ten years that my family lost my father to cancer. A whole decade has gone by, and it’s hard not to think about all the things he has missed: my college graduation, my brother’s wedding, my wedding, and all the life transitions in between. All along the way, I wondered what advice he would have given or encouragement he might have shared.

My dad, and of course my sweet mom too, are the reason I am working in this field. In college, when I told my dad my major- Psychology and Primate Behavior & Ecology- I shared the odds of actually getting to do the job I am doing today, which was slim. My dad didn’t tell me to think about other career options. He encouraged me to work hard and take all the opportunities no matter how big or small they may be. My dad believed I could do anything, as long as I put the work in. I was lucky enough to work along side my dad for many summers to make some extra cash for college. He taught me what hard work looks like, to be dedicated, to follow through, and to be someone people can count on. He was one of the hardest working individuals I ever met. He would never tell you, but he earned an Air Medal in Vietnam by volunteering for extra assignments.  But, his hard work was only upstaged by his compassion. My dad always showed up for the people he cared for and would always lend a helping hand. Our house was filled with animals “he didn’t want,” that all loved him; classic dad. At one point we had two dogs, two cats, an iguana, a snake (which he did not like), and a salamander. The animals were obsessed with him. I think it was his calm and quiet nature that drew them to him.

In college, when I started interning at Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute at Central Washington University, my dad loved listening to stories of Tatu signing to me, like Tatu asking to smell my breath in the morning and signing “coffee”. Or if I seemed to annoy her that morning she would sign “onion” to say I have bad breath. He got such a laugh out of hearing that Tatu would sign “stupid go” to her caregiver when they couldn’t go get her cheese. He loved listening to stories about Washoe, who I had never met but read and heard so many things about. He especially enjoyed the stories of Washoe calling people “dirty” if she disapproved or wanted to make an insult. My dad thought that was soooo funny. It became an inside joke for my dad and me. We would be watching TV or be out somewhere, and he would look over and sign “dirty” to me, and we would both laugh.

My dad was a quiet person, known to be a man of few words, but he was also very mischievous. Most people didn’t expect it. So I know he would have gotten such a kick out of hearing the chimps’ antics. Like the infamous Miss Honey B, dismantling the building and getting contraband. He would have adored Jamie and her affinity with cowboy boots, construction, power tools, and her tell-it-how-it-is personality.

I miss my dad everyday, some days I feel it more than others. The grief, as I have mentioned before, ebbs and flows in my life. Often, while I walk with Jamie, after she has requested a specific boot and we begin our adventure on Young’s Hill, my mind always wanders to my dad. He would have certainly wanted to know Jamie. My dad loved John Wayne and western movies. He and Jamie have a shared love for western wear. Whenever Jamie requests cowboy boots and a walk, I think about how much he would love this and how much I wish he could be here to experience it. My dad use to tell my brother and I every time we left the house to drive somewhere, “remember, slow and easy”. My brother and I took that as a life mantra too. Life goes by so fast, and we need to remember to take a moment and enjoy the people and things we have around us. The chimp house is such a busy place, so while I walk with Jamie, I think about my dad and how excited he would be for me. And I take the walk, slow and easy.”

I think it is safe to say that Jamie would have been utterly smitten with Kelsi’s dad, Stephen, just as much as he would have been with her:

Kelsi and Jamie:

Honey B, herself:

Burrito playing with Kelsi:

Beloved Jody: