"Dear Joslyn Family, My deepest, deepest prayers and sympathy for all of you at this time of such sorrow. I am so sorry to know of Giles passing, and I will continue to pray for all of you as the days unfold. May God surround you and hold you. "
In loving memory of
Giles Harper Joslyn
August 26, 1992 - January 5, 2012
"The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long. And you have burned so very, very brightly.."
In memoriam and in our hearts forever, Giles Harper Joslyn
GILES JOSLYN
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Giles Harper Joslyn, 19, of Muscatine, died on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at his home.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at the St. Mathias Church, 215 West Eighth Street. Con-Celebrating the Mass will be The Reverend Jason Crossen and The Reverend Joseph Sia. Casket bearers will be the Muscatine High School Cross Country Team.
Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Preucil Music School Scholarship Fund.
Giles was born on August 26, 1992, in Stillwater, Minnesota, the son of James and Pamela Harper Joslyn. In times like these we strive to remember the gifts we have been given by one so young who has left us too soon. Giles brought so much happiness to this life with a smile and kind heart that never wavered though his young life.
Where there is thoughtfulness, there was Giles, the 2 1/2 year old greeting strangers in public places by extending his hand and saying, "How do you do? My name is Giles."
Where there is music, there was Giles, singing everywhere, his voice in the children's choir resonated through the entire church which brought smiles to all.
Giles was only four when he asked to play the violin and six when he finally got the chance. Upon moving to Muscatine at the age of nine, he worked hard to master the strings and at eleven years of age, he began playing the violin at Salvatore's Restaurant, allowing him to save his first $1,000 to put towards the purchase of his first full-sized violin.
Active in school activities, Giles was a leader, a friend and a good Musician. His efforts helped to promote and support the Muscatine Symphony and MHS Orchestra and student body.
One of Giles happiest moments was his travels with the Preucil Music School to Austria in the summer of 08. The following year Giles was proud to have made Iowa All-State Orchestra and to have been nominated for and be a recipient of the Roy J. Carver Excellence in Education award and the Brenda-Garcia-VanAuken Scholarship. He was a graduate of Muscatine High School, class of 2011, and was attending Drake University as a freshman music education major, where he was very happy to have found a home with many others who shared his passion for learning and music.
He was a member of the St. Mary and St. Mathias Parish and while at Drake he was active at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Des Moines.
Those left to honor his memory include his parents, James and Pam Joslyn of Muscatine; one brother, Eli Joslyn of Muscatine; his paternal grandparents, Tom and Janis Joslyn of Clear Lake; his maternal grandparents, Joe and Rose Harper of Muscatine; three uncles, Mike Harper and wife, Peg, of Redwing, Minnesota, Paul Joslyn and wife, Theresa, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Tom Joslyn and wife, Suzie, of Kailua, Hawaii; one aunt, Jane Gruis and husband, Todd, of
Clear Lake; and 10 cousins.
Tributes
"I will always remember the first time I came in to contact with Giles. It was at the Muscatine County 4-H Fun Run, he was very friendly to me, as he was to many others. I was very blessed to get to know Giles throughout our years in 4-H together. It was in 4-H where I would learn about his love for the violin. Giles and I would often represent Muscatine County with our 4-H projects at the State Fair. My projects mostly being antique furniture I refinished and Giles would have projects related to the violin or music in general. Also, I remember the time Giles serenaded my friends and I at Salvatore's. His passion of playing always amazed me, especially for someone his age. Even though I have very few memories compared to those closest to Giles, the ones that I have will always have a place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends through these rough times. "
"Jim & Family, We are so sorry to hear of Giles passing.what a beautiful boy! You will have wonderful memories..God Bless the whole Joslyn Families."
"I cannot possibly imagine the heartache that you will have to endure when you lose one of your children!! 2011 has not been a good year for many of us! I am sure that time will allow you to summon the strength to move ahead in light of your heartbreaking tragedy! Sadly, I don't think Ann can comprehend Giles loss!"
"I will always remember the first time I ever came in to contact with Giles. It was at the Muscatine County 4-H Fun Run, he was very friendly to me, as he was to many others. I was very blessed to get to know Giles throughout our years in 4-H together. It was in 4-H where I would learn about his love for the violin. Giles and I would often represent Muscatine County with our 4-H projects at the State Fair. My projects mostly being antique furniture I would refinish and Giles would have projects related to the violin or music in general. I also remember the time Giles serenaded my friends and I at Salvatore?s. His passion of playing always amazed me, especially for someone his age. Even though there are very few, these memories I have of Giles will forever remain in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends through these rough times. "
"Jim & Pam and all the Joslyn family, I can't tell you how bad I feel for you... My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this terrible time! Hope to see you in Clear Lake sometime, Jim. From your High School class mate!"
"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Joslyn, There are no words to express my sorrow for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prays are with you and your family during this difficult time. "
"I had a privilege to be Giles' first violin teacher. He always came with his bright smile, his loving heart and unending enthusiasm for everything that came his way.. I have been looking forward to witnessing his life's journey.. I deeply mourn the loss of the most special young man and will never forget him.. My Deepest Sympathy.."
"We met Giles a number of times through Preucil events. Even with only a limited number of meetings, it was clear he was a remarkable person...intelligent, kind, well-spoken and MUSICAL. The world has grown dimmer without Giles in it...you have our prayers and deepest sympathy."
"I am deeply saddened by your family loss. The Joslyn Family are in my prayers and thoughts. May the family find Peace in the memories of Giles. "
"Mrs. Joslyn - We were very saddened to hear of Giles passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Giles was my stand partner in PSSO for one year, and I was also in Certificate Program with him. Giles was always such a joy to be around. I loved his energy and his enthusiasm. He was an extremely talented musician, and he always made everyone in the room feel at ease. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"So sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to your family."
"Joe & Rose As grandparents ourselves, we can only imagine your heartbreak. You sincerely have our sympathy."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss. "
"Pam, Jim, and Eli: I am so sorry to hear of Giles. He was a talented young man that had so much going for him. Pam, you helped me with my son in school, if there is anything I can do, please let me know. My heart bleeds as I have been somewhat in your shoes many times with my boys. God bless you and your family and Giles will light "on" with his smile!!!"
"Jim and Pam, Jim, I worked with you at the MN Pollution Control Agency. Our daughter Greta did some baby sitting for you. We are so sorry for your loss, please except our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts. Sincerely, Laura and Kim Hysjulien"
"Pam, What sorrow to read of your son's passing. Please accept my most sincere condolence. "
"Our prayers go out to the entire Joslyn family. His music, along with an always smiling face, was a joy to be around and will never be forgotten. I hope you find peace as a family and know Giles is playing for all up in heaven. God bless.... "
"Jim, Pam, and Eli. I am so very sorry. My heart aches for you all. I can not imagine your pain and hope someday you will be healed of it. Jim told the best stories about Giles at work and each one with such pride. There is no doubt he was an outstanding kid and will be missed dearly by many. With love, "
"What a tragedy! Giles was such a ray of light and so full of life! I am so sad and my heart goes out to you, Jim, Pam, and Eli. I will always remember Giles' wide smile and the sparkle in his eye no matter what he was doing or saying. What a treasure and what a loss for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Patty Clauson, St. Mary of the Lake, White Bear Lake "
"Pam, Jim, Eli, our deepest sympathies. Giles was such a wonderfully talented and caring young man who did so much for so many. So sorry for your loss. "
"Jim, Pam & Eli We were so sorry to hear about Giles. He was such a friendly , warm person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. His light will continue to shine in all that he touched. "
"My heart is aching for you, Joslyn Family. Although having crossed paths with your dear son only a few times when at Salvatore's, he was the kind of person one could never forget. His sweet face, tender smile, and gentle demeanor (along with his musical talent, of course) touched me in such a manner that I somehow felt "blessed" by his presence. I hadn't heard of his passing until my brother, who now lives in Colorado, called to ask me if I remembered that "special young boy who serenaded patrons at Salvatore's on his violin" several years back. Of course I did (we had wondered about him on occasion)...... so my brother told me about the on-line Muscatine Journal article. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. I pray that the joy he surely provided to you (and likely so many others) with his too-short of stay in this realm will continue to glow and provide you comfort in the days ahead. I can imagine him playing sweet violin music even now...... "
"Joslyn Family, i'm a Muscatine County 4H member and I always remember seeing your family around 4H events and at the fair. I didn't know Giles very well but I remember him to be a very nice, caring young man. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Dear Pam, Jim & Eli, Our hearts ache for you, as we truly understand the pain that you are going through. We are praying that Godâ??s peace and abundant love will fill your hearts as you continue to move forward in the days ahead. We cannot promise you that the journey will be easy, but we can assure you that the ache in your hearts will slowly heal with time. Continue moving forward for each otherâ?¦ and for Gilesâ?? legacyâ?¦ â?¦KEEP GILESâ?? LIGHT BURNING FOR OTHERS TO SEE. ("The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long. And you have burned so very, very brightly..") The cherished memories and the wonderful blessing of having Giles a part of your lives for 19 years is something that death cannot take away from you. Even though his life was short here on earth, he has left a beautiful legacy that will live on for many years to come and you will find comfort in this. The memorial is so fitting and will keep Gilesâ?? gift of music alive for many people to enjoy. Eli, we are especially praying for you, as we know that you not only lost your older brother but you have lost your best friend. Brothers forge a special bond that lasts a lifetime. Continue to move forward with courage in knowing that Giles was very proud of you. Pam, we remember the compassion that you showed us in 2004 and we are here for you and your family. With love & hugs, Kim, Brian, (Matt) & Sam Seligman"
"Dear Pam, Jim and Eli, We're so sorry to hear today at St. Mary's in White Bear Lake of Giles' death. We have fond memories of his beautiful smile, kind personality, and his eagerness to be helpful. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cathy and John Evans"
"Jim, Words cannot express my sadness and sympathy for your family. I cannot imagine losing my child. You all are in my prayers and my thoughts."
"I first heard Giles play at my cousin's graduation party. He amazed me with his talent and so I asked him to play at my wedding. I remember after the rehearsal, we had dinner at Salvatore's and he walked around playing and I watched as everyone looked at him in awe. Everyone loved him. He helped make my wedding so special and made my husband very proud when after, as we walked down the isle, he played the theme song from Star Wars. I didn't know him very well or for very long but I could tell that he was an amazing individual and he will surely be missed by all who had the pleasure in knowing him. My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time."
"Our son Luke was a fellow violin student of Giles' at Preucil. We are deeply grieved with you and for you. What a very, very special person Giles IS, a bright light indeed, just not with us here anymore. Love and prayers, the Seele family. "
"We remember Giles from his earlier years in White Bear Lake! He was always so loving with a wonderful eagerness and sparkle in his eyes! He was very curious, knowledgeable, and loved meeting people! Giles always had something to say, and everyone loved him! May God be with all of you during this horrible time in your lives! Giles lives on in heaven and his memories will live on with all of us! God Bless all of you! We wish we could be there with a hug! Curt, Deb, Leah, Lynae and Kayla"
"may your light shine on us all, you are in his arms now. fly free forever."
"I know there is nothing that can be said to make the pain of losing your son go away. No parent or child should have to lose someone so young. I did not know him, but from the numerious stories i heard and the number of people he has impacted he will allways live on in so many hearts. I know this next couple years will be hard, since i have just passed the 3 year since i buried my little sister. Just know him and your family are all in my prayers. "
"Mrs. Joslyn was one of the few teachers during my time at MHS that really touched me. I only met her son a few times, but he was a vibrant and loving kid, he reminded me soo much of his mother. I know it is hard to no longer have him here with us, but I like to think that he hasn't left us but in a place where he can give his family and loved ones a grand welcome when someday they get to be with him again. My sincerest condolences to the family who lost this wonderful angel. We lost a musician here on earth, but heavan gained another wonderful musician for it's choir. I will keep you in my prayers now and for the rest of my life. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for your family. This is close to home as my precious, gifted grandson took his own life when he was sixteen. We didn't see it coming. He was like Giles -- outgoing, loved people, played the violin, was a prize-winning debater, was quite helpful to everyone, and had nearly finished his Eagle in scouting. It is a mystery as to why he could not go on. I wish these youngsters could see past the moment of their pain and anguish. I will pray for comfort for you."
"I am so sorry for you'r loss. I remember a time when Giles had walked up to my booth at Salvatores and Said with a smile "I just herd that you got engaged tonight is there any thing you would like me to play for you and your soon to be husband." I can't remember what he had played that night all I remember it was a beautiful piece of music he was playing out of love from his heart. He will be greatly missed and loved by so many people he has touched so many lives. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. Words are truly inadequate to express my sadness and sympathy to Giles' family. I did not know Giles, but enjoyed his beautiful and heartafelt music at Salvatore's for years. We had many quick conversations about music and travel, and he always played my father's favorite Italian folksongs for us. Dinner at Salvatore's will never be the same; we will miss his music and his cheerful smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. "
"I have two sons around this age and am touched by the story of this talented and inspirational young man. I feel for your family. Hold onto your memories, hold onto each other and be patient with yourselves as you work through this tragedy. I am sorry for your heartache. Iowa City mom"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lives touch others in ways we shall never know or understand. Music touches all our lives. I know others in the Drake Orchestra are thinking of you+"
"Giles was the same age as my own son when God called him home, and like my own son, his winning smile and infectious laughter will ring on in my memories as long as I live. While my heart is heavy I pray his memory lights these dark days for you. Pam you and your family are of course in my prayers. Rose Howard Rose Rose Howard"
"Dear Pam, Jim & Eli, Our hearts ache for you, as we truly understand the pain that you are going through. We are praying that God?s peace and abundant love will fill your hearts as you continue to move forward in the days ahead. We cannot promise you that the journey will be easy, but we can assure you that the ache in your hearts will slowly heal with time. Continue moving forward for each other? and for Giles? legacy? ?KEEP GILES? LIGHT BURNING FOR OTHERS TO SEE. ("The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long. And you have burned so very, very brightly..") The cherished memories and the wonderful blessing of having Giles a part of your lives for 19 years is something that death cannot take away from you. Even though his life was short here on earth, he has left a beautiful legacy that will live on for many years to come and you will find comfort in this. The memorial is so fitting and will keep Giles? gift of music alive for many people to enjoy. Eli, we are especially praying for you, as we know that you not only lost your older brother but you have lost your best friend. Brothers forge a special bond that lasts a lifetime. Continue to move forward with courage in knowing that Giles was very proud of you. Pam, we remember the compassion that you showed us in 2004 and we are here for you and your family. With love & hugs, Kim, Brian, (Matt) & Sam Seligman "
"To the Joslyn family, I feel sorrow for you loss and pray that in the course of your healing that the good memories will be foremost in your hearts."
"Often it is said, that God will not burden a person with more than one can handle. However, the loss of an individual so young...... so gifted..... and so personable..... is an extreme load. May prayers, love and memories of Giles surround your hearts with strength. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Mike and Carly Duytschaver"
"Pam and Family I want to share a story I hold dear in my heart about Giles that makes me smile every time I remember it. I was directing the show, "Mousetrap" for Masquers and I thought it would be a treat to have Giles play his violin before the performance started in Friday and Saturday. I spoke to Pam first and she said Giles took care of his own performances, so I should speak to him. So I did. He was very professional for such a young age and informed me up front that he had a previous engagement at Salvatore's on Friday, but he could play on Saturday. I said that would be fine. He asked if I had a preference on selections to be played and I mentioned since the show was called "Mousetrap" I would like him to play, Three Blind Mice. He smiled at me and said," I have some other pieces I can play that are much nicer than that one. Would you like me to play those instead of Three Blind Mice?" I said I would love all of his music, but I especially wanted Three Blind Mice. He smiled and said with a twinkle in his eye," I have never played that particular piece, but by performance will have mastered it just for you." He meant it and he did. Giles' short time with us was filled with love, kindness, and compassion. His actions were a true example of Paying it Forward. Gone, but never forgotten. "
"Dear Joslyn Family, Though we don't really know you, We are Tom and Suzi's neighbors back in Pittsburg, KS. I can recall hearing stories from Tom about his family in Iowa. I am not sure, but I think that I remember you all coming to visit. We certainly remember your parents also. We once went on vacation with Tom and Suzi and the family and stayed at their vacation home in Destin. I noticed a facebook post from Elizabeth about her cousin Giles passing away. I am so sorry for your loss! You may remember that we lost our darling daughter Megan back in 2004. It is with a very heavy heart that I send our condolences for the loss of your beautiful son Giles. May God wrap you all in his arms during this very sad time. Heavenly Peace, Dr. Keith and Brenda Mallatt"
"I met Giles in the hallway of the music building at Drake before his audition last year. What a pleasant and outgoing young man. He will be missed by everyone. My deepest condolences to his family."
"I have know you ever since the 6th grade at Central. Your were one of the most kind-hearted individuals I knew. You could always put someone in a great mood just by being yourself. One of my favorite memories was being in show choir with you our sophomore year. I will miss you with all my heart and will never forget you."
"We are all gonna miss him. I don't want to believe that hes really gone. He could actually make me sound decent while playing the violin."
"Such a beautiful obituary for a special young man. I met Giles when he was taking driver's ed with my son, Owen. Giles was a very positive influence in Owen's life and I am glad that God gave us the gift of Giles. My prayers continue to be with your family during this difficult time. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that Giles did more and helped more people than some people ever do. God be with you!"
"Salvatores wont be the same without you playing there! You were an inspiration to many, and could make anyone smile just by saying hi. You will be dearly missed by the whole class of 2011.. i'll miss you buddy"
"Pam and Jim, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. He was such a kind young man and I remember all the funny things he would tell us when he was at Salvatores playing music and I was waiting tables. I remember we all always teased him to learn the song "The Devil Went Down To Gerogia" and he did and he played it for everyone. Giles was a sweet, kind and talented young man and he will be so deeply missed by everyone. "
"Jim and Family, I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God help you and bless you during this very difficult time. "
"My condolescenses go out to your family. Giles went to grade school with my son, Quinn at Bishop Hayes. I remember Giles as being so well mannered, very intelligient. A smile from ear to ear and a wonderful sound when he played his violin. He will deeply missed yet his music will play on in our hearts!"
"Hey Giles. What's up buddy? I just wanted to swing by and tell you that we love and miss you. Youre an amazing kid &youre such an amazing spirit. When you played the violin, I actually listened. Keep playing up there, buddy. We'll be glad to hear you. We love you Giles! "
"Our condolences to his family. Giles was part of our daughters wedding, he played his violin so beautifully. He was such a polite young man with a contagious smile. We will always remember him and his music will forever live in our hearts."
"There are no words of comfort for his family and friends. A young man full of life, all of a sudden left us. My most sincere condolences to his whole family and friends. I personally did not know him but do know lots of people who do, including co-workers. rest in peace Giles. You will be missed."
"Miles was such a sweet, gentle young man with an easy smile. He left a memorable impression on all that met him. Our family, along with many others were in awe of his talent. He posessed an Amazing, Amazing musical gift that he shared so effortlessly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"Giles was only in middle school when I first met him while working at Salvatores, he had an amazing musical gift with his violin, everyone enjoyed listening to him play down there, and he could play just about anything a table would request. He was a very polite, out going and smart young man. I watched him put smiles on many peoples faces and warmth in their hearts when he would walk up to a table with his violin and ask if they had a request or could play for them. He will truly be missed, the world needs more boys like Giles. God takes the best-and that is what he got. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers."
"My deepest sympathies for your loss. Pam and James, you and your family are in my prayers."
"Your entire family is in our hearts and prayers. "
"Deepest sympothy for your loss. Attending Orchestra concerts for our daughter (WMS), my husband and I always looked forward to the high school performance. We talked about him often--though we didn't know him. He had such grace and beauty on stage, and when he played we both felt goosebumps. He was mesmirizing to watch and listen to. And, if life was measured by the life lived, he has out lived most of us. "
"Giles was a delight to be around, and although I only really knew him while he played violin with the church choir, I was amazed at the music he played and the music in his soul. A gift gone too soon."
"I remember Giles fondly from my teaching days at Bishop Hayes. Giles was a wonderful young man with a bright smile and impeccable manners. My heart goes out to his entire family, I will be praying for you all."
"What beautiful obit for a wonderful young man. I lift your family up in prayer and pray God will hold you close during this difficult time. Hugs to you. Kae Rudolph & Evan and Meghan Reichert"
"He was always a ton of fun in Certificate Program at Preucil School of Music. Always drinking Red Bull and always asking if we could sing now! I will miss him very much. "
"You have our deepest sympathies."
"We loved hearing him play the violin while we were eating. You could tell how much he loved music. He was such a sweet person and we will truly miss him."
"Giles will be dearly missed! Although I only knew him for a short amount of time, he brought so much life to his Phonathon caller position here at Drake. I was always impressed by his vast knowledge of music and movies! I actually recently rented a movie Giles suggested because he swore I had not lived until I had seen it. It was an honor to know him. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "