I MIS YOU BIG BOY

This is Tony Kraus on August 31, 2007, just two days later, on September 2, 2007, he was killed in an auto accident. I'm both broken hearted and devastated, I've been on my knee's for nearly two weeks. I have never been stricken with such grief in all my life, and I never realized just how much the young man in the picture meant to me. I know in my heart and mind that he's in a better place now, but I still can't shake it, it makes no since at this time, but I also know at some point it will become crystal clear. This was my Eulogy to Tony's family and friends at his funeral, I tried to shed a little light on who this kid was, the Eulogy falls far short of the whole story; Yolanda, Jeff and Terry, and all of Tony’s family, your since of loss is absolutely unimaginable, I’m sure of that! But take comfort in the fact that Tony was a really remarkable man. I have known Tony since he was 14 or 15 years old, I met him thru my kids, and once I did, I knew I wanted him a part of their lives and mine, and he was, I’m so grateful for that! Thanks for sharing him. Tony was electrifying and always filled a room with his exuberance. You just always wanted Tony to be around! Tony loved many and many loved Tony. Tony fit everywhere and with everyone, both young and old, he was a precious soul, he was thoughtful, kind, respectful and had a great since of honor (Good job Yolanda) Like many of us he made mistakes, but unlike so many his age, he was able to persevere and step up to the plate, like a real man. Tony not only admitted his mistakes, but did his utmost to correct them and to make amends. I know if Tony is listening right now and I were to say to him something like “now Tony why is that, why are so strong this way” he would say something like “ it’s cause I’m Mexican”! Last Saturday I was one of the luckiest people on the planet. You see I spent some of Tony’s last hours with him. My granddaughter Cyanna and I picked Tony and Chase up and made a trip to Chuckie Cheeses, after 1 quick ride together in a 4x4 kiddy ride there were only three smiling faces and none of them were Cyanna’s, This thing was rockin Chase right out of his socks, Cyanna was jumping out of the ride and Chase (the driver) was ear to ear smile, I looked at Tony and he too was ear to ear grin as well and cheering Chase on, “Go buddy go” Chase and Tony quickly dumped the old guy and the girl and were off on their own. Cyanna and I were doing girl things but as we searched around and around for more calmer things to do we would watch Tony and Chase, they were doing all the rough rides, but when it got right down to it, Tony ultimately had Chase playing games, mostly the ones where two players could play, I want everyone to know and understand of the joy and the happiness I saw in Tony’s face that day, that child was Tony’s new world and Tony was a great dad, and he knew it! A few weeks ago I had customers in from Norway and Arizona, we had a couple of my good friends and sales reps in as well, but I had one last minute cancellation. This was too bad to because I mean we had a big day planned, we had a Limousine lined up, taking us to Tiger Stadium, Greek Town and then a Dave Matthews Band concert to end the night. Guess who was with me when I got the cancellation? Yep Tony was right there and said “I can go”. Now I had to think real fast because after all these were a couple of my biggest customers, I said “Tony, I don’t know dude, these are some of my biggest hitters” and then I stopped and said to myself, wait a minute this is Kraus, he’ll own em and he will represent himself and Viking Spas well, and DID HE EVER! I have spoken to all of the out of town guest that rode in that Limo with Tony that night, and informed them of what has happened to Tony, and every single one of them had a story to tell me about Tony and the impression he had made on them, there were 13 of us total, but Tony sought them out, made his rounds and made friends that quickly with some of the most successful people in the pool and spa industry, I know reps in the business 20yrs that can’t do that. All of these successful business people had one thing in common to say about their new friend Tony, and it came from every one of them, they all said how proud Tony was of his son Chase, everyone in that Limo saw a picture of Chase Anthony that night. Tony was supposed to go to Church with me last Sunday morning, he was going to meet the Religious Education Director at my parish because he had made the decision to make his 1st Holy Communion and his Confirmation, I know he wants’ everyone here to know that, I had forgotten but I suddenly realized how important it was to him and how serious he was when he left me that night and in shaking my hand he said, I’ll see ya for church right? I said oh that’s right; just make sure you’re up in the morning big boy, he said, “I will be”. I, along with everyone else who knew Tony will miss him greatly, but I am comforted by the thought that he was looking to make a bigger commitment to God, he had the intent before God took him home, I know it my heart, I feel it, he’s there, probably cutting a deal for Chase to be able to live long and prosper. Tony, I love you, thanks for being my friend! Since the funeral, I've tried to stay busy. I am posting the following in the interest of explaining what it is I've actually been up to. Sometime this week we will have http://www.tonykraus.com/ up and running. We've started a trust fund for Tony's 31/2 yr old son Chase. Also this week we will begin selling raffle tickets for the "TK Christmas 2007 Raffle", you will actually be able to purchase raffle tickets online at his website, for the chance to win some really fabulous prizes. I'll keep you updated on the progress of the site...... Dear Potential Raffle Ticket Purchaser, On September 2, 2007 Anthony “Tony” Kraus of Grand Rapids Michigan, was tragically killed in an auto accident. Tony was a loving and dedicated father just 23 yrs old, and his son Chase was Tony’s whole world and visa versa. The Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund is an irrevocable trust that has been established for the sole benefit of Tony’s 3 1/2 yr old son Chase Anthony, who without his father’s support needs your help. Our main goal is to help with Chase’s health, education and welfare, your generous contribution and big heart, insures that security for this innocent young boy’s future needs. In addition, your purchase of each ticket enters you in the “TK 2007 Christmas Raffle” drawing to be held December 24, 2007, with a chance to win one of the fabulous leisure products listed below from the spa and hot tub industry, and with only 5000 tickets sold, your odd’s are a whole lot smarter than any other gamble I can think of. Ticket costs are $25.00 each, every ticket purchased is another entry, all proceeds from this raffle will be deposited into the Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund, this money will be invested over the next 14 plus years by a Financial Advisor named, Ronald Monchilov. Tony's Mother Yolanda Freeman has been appointed Trustee. Your check is more than welcome, please make payable to Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund, “TK Christmas 2007 Raffle” 1st Prize: Viking Supreme Spa-Viking Spas 2nd Prize: DynaQ Outdoor Kitchen Island & BBQ Grill-Dynasty Spas 3rd Prize: Cannon Pool Table-Taylor Hayes 4th Prize: 2-Person Infrared Sauna-Watson’s of Indianapolis 5th Prize: USB Tanning Bed-Watson’s of Nashville 6th Prize: Bow Flex Treadmill-Watson’s of Cincinnati In the unique and sincere form that Tony had when expressing his gratitude, “Thank you, So So much for helping me. Dude you have no idea how much this means to me”!