Kit P. Sutorius

Dear Kit:

It was a lifetime ago when the Sutorius family moved in next door with three boys in tow. My brother welcomed the male companionship and Sandy and I would soon learn that the incessant teasing was about to begin. Our families grew so close and a lifetime friendship was born. There were the weekend pick-up baseball games, sledding in the winter, ice skating at the park, marathon king-of-the-mountain games after dark and weekends at Bethany Beach. It was an amazing childhood. Remember when dad would take all six of us to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game? Or, the time we spent on your parents’ boat?

In the beginning, I was 10 and you were 12. Then it seems almost in no time at all, I was 16 and you were 18. You were cooler than cool with your white t-shirt, rolled up sleeves, hair slicked back with that curl in the middle of your forehead. You were the Fonz before we even knew the Fonz. I was Joanie, the cheerleader. It seemed we were worlds apart. I did appreciate your critique of my dates while you questioned the wisdom of my choice in boyfriends. It wasn’t easy having four brothers. Remember when you drove me to school every morning? We’d stop to pick up Sylvia – the love of your life. I always scooted over next to you – actually between you and Sylvia. It was just a very small act of rebellion. I told myself that it was to get even for all the teasing. Now I wonder if it was a very small act of jealousy.

Then college split us up and everything changed. We changed. In seems just like yesterday that our “secret romance” began. Although we tried to keep it to ourselves, I think our parents knew all along. That was over 50 years ago. And, here we are today – four kids and fourteen grandchildren later. You have given me a lifetime of amazing memories – backpacking, camping, climbing fourteeners, fly fishing, rafting and beautiful adventures that I will always remember.

Do you remember the trip to Costa Rica? By that time I had learned not to ask how we were getting some place. All I needed to know was when, how long we would be gone and what I needed to bring. I knew if I asked what the method of transportation would be, I never would go. Getting back to Cost Rica – as we were about to land at a jungle airstrip, the pilot says “oops” and pulls up. Although I was startled, the look on your face was priceless. I knew you were thinking, “I am going to hear about this for a long time.” And, you did.

We have shared a lifetime – good times and bad times, challenges and blessings, laughter and tears, adventures beyond compare, four beautiful children, the best grandchildren ever and a love that has strengthened and grown with all that time. I know that there are two things that I can depend on in this life – the love of God and the love of Kit. I look forward to the years ahead and if I have learned one thing for sure in all our time together – there will never be a dull moment! Just tell me when, how long and what I need to bring.

Love you forever and always,

Bea

************************************************************************************************************************

Kit Phillip Sutorius, of Longmont, passed away at his home on January 27, 2019. He was 77 years old. Visitation will be 5pm until 7pm, Friday, Febuary 1, 2019 at Howe Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will be held 1pm, Saturday, February 2, at Calvary Church, 2101 Gay St., in Longmont. Private interment will take place at Foothills Gardens of Memory.

Kit is survived by his wife, Beatrice of Longmont; children, Terri (Jim) Sanders of Roseville, CA, Kit J (Lisa) Sutorius, Jr. of Longmont, Lori (Terry) Jones of Erie and Christopher (Lisa) Sutorius of Loveland; 14 grandchildren and brothers, James of Sherman Oaks, CA and Jack of Florida.

I lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Kit's name to:

Duck's Unlimited: 1-800-453-8257: Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association: https://www.rmdsa.org/donate/ or Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education: http://inclusivehighered.org/