Friends We Have Lost
Over the years since 1997 KindTree has lost a few wonderful and loved volunteers and friends. Here are just a few of them.
See also our Scholarship Memorial Funds.
Eileen Brixey
I am grieving the cavernous loss of Eileen Brixey, my sparkulie bestie who departed from this often onerous plane on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. She was not only my dearly beloved friend but a role model for me, someone I have been trying to emulate since Michelle Gonzales brought her to Autism Rocks camp. She was a kindred spirit on KindTree's board and a fellow initiator of Goils, a glorious monthly gathering where we laugh and bitch.
Her being glowed, even in her last days, about which she never lost her sense of humor, despite the pain and fatigue she was enduring. Eileen possessed inner and outer beauty, generosity of spirit, graceful rhythm in dance, lovingness toward all, gracious inclusiveness of all, a wicked sense of humor even when things were difficult and disappointing, a resonant laugh, gracious and seemingly effortless efficiency in the Camp kitchen and helping me set up camp, her love of the finer things (except for food)... I love her so much.
On the night of her final departure, she visited me in a wonderful dream, which I need to write up separately. I like to see this dream as her loving goodbye as she gallivanted into the great beyond, about which she was so curious rather than afraid. Eileen was fearless to the end and such an intrepid soul. I miss her so much and cannot imagine life without her.
Nel Applegate
Nel dedicated over 30 years of her life to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in both Colorado and Oregon. She devoted more than 20 years to Lane County Developmental Disabilities Services in Eugene, where she played a vital role in establishing a program to support young mothers with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD), enabling them to raise their children with proper assistance.
Her finest honors were receiving the Arc of Lane County Lisl Wechter award in 2005, the Arc of Oregon Al Soenneker Memorial Award in 2006, and KindTree’s Thanks to You Award in 2007.
Driven by her gratitude for the blessings she received, Nel actively volunteered for various organizations in her community. She dedicated 20 years to KindTree – Autism Rocks, served as a Board Member for 12 years at Whitebird Clinic, and was involved with the Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center. She also held the esteemed position of an Oregon Country Fair Community Village elder.
Nel’s passion for music resonated throughout her life, finding immense joy in participating in musical groups. Her journey included singing with the Eugene Peace Choir, performing with the Jenaguru Marimba Ensemble, Mudzidzi Mbira Ensemble, and the Steel Wool Band.
Nel lived a life filled with an amazing amount of joy and cherished moments. She leaves behind a legacy of wonderful memories for her children, grandchildren, family, and friends, for which she will always be eternally grateful. She sincerely hoped she helped enough people to earn her passage and prayed that she left a positive mark on the world.
