Eulogy from Allyn

Allyn Michalek (Jason's Tennis Coach)

We are united here today, to celebrate the extraordinary life of a courageous and gracious young man and dear friend.

A truly unique and special person who approached life on his own terms, who lived each day to the fullest - A true champion!

I had the honor and privilege to be Jason's tennis pro and occasional doubles partner from the time he was 10 through his high school years.

The three things that struck me most during our first encounter were:

• His sincere smile that grew into that memorable "full-belly-laugh.

• His warm, gentle disposition

• And especially, his confident demeanor

Jason was a true competitor and accomplished many things early in life:

• He played #1 Singles for the SYC tennis team in every age group

• He was named as the ''first-ever'' boys team captain

• He attained a high USTA ranking throughout his junior career

• While attending GHS, he excelled both in the classroom and starred for the varsity tennis team as team captain and state champion

• Jason won the Yacht Club Men's Singles Championships in 1991 at the age of 16; the youngest male ever to achieve that feat.

However, Jason's most significant athletic accomplishment was the fact that he always displayed the utmost sportsmanship, win or lose - and of course, Jason usually won.

During the summers at the Yacht Club and at Grand Slam, our friendship grew.

Jason was the kind of person who would

• teach the juniors in the morning,

• play a tough match in the afternoon

• and still have to the time to play with his family in the evening - sometimes, although not often, "he would even let his dad win."

It seemed we would always be on our way to a tennis match, playing wiffleball games during our mid-day break or heading down to Shea Stadium for a Met's game. We all enjoyed being around Jason, he could galvanize the team with his energy.

It wasn't any surprise that Jason became the person he was. He was provided with a great upbringing and rock solid foundation.

He grew up in a home filled with love, respect and admiration for others, something Ralph and Brigitte espoused in all of their children; no one could have finer parents or a better brother and sister in Cliff and Laurence.

There is one memory that sticks out more than the rest. It was in 1989 at the Tournament of Champions at Forrest Hills.

After watching the matches for several hours, it started to rain and play was postponed. I had a players pass so I invited Jason to go into the clubhouse with me. I took him upstairs. There in the locker room was Ivan Lendl. Jason's face lit up and his smile grew even bigger. They shook hands and talked tennis as though they knew each other for years. It was wonderful to see Jason so at ease with the number one player in the world - that was his personality. It was quite a thrill for Jason and something he talked about for some time.

Our lives evolve and we develop new friendships, hobbies and careers, it is important to remember those whose lives you touch and who se have touched your life. Jason touched mine deeply, as I’m sure he touched all of you.

My life was certainly enriched by knowing Jason and sharing his friendship.

I urge you all to share your memories, share your stories; that's how Jason's spirit will live on in all of us.