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“Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping.” The quote from Fred Rogers’ (Mr. Rogers) was his way of helping children find comfort when something bad happens. Over the last two weeks, my family experienced the truth and beauty in Mr. Rogers’ observation that people willingly and selflessly give of themselves to help others amid a tragedy to which they are merely bystanders.

On Dec. 30, 2023, just six days shy of his four-month birthday, we unexpectedly lost our beloved grandson Kobe Lynn Zavala. The devastation of hearing that news from our daughter is something that will be with us forever. While trying to sleep on that first night, all I could think to do was honor Kobe’s short life and help Hailey and Jose with the end-of-life expenses no young parents should ever have to worry about.

I woke the next morning and poured my grief into writing Kobe’s obituary and then setup an online fundraiser to help Hailey and Jose. When I was done, I shared the fundraiser with my family who posted the link to social media.

What happened next is a tribute to this great community. Donations started pouring in from friends, family, coworkers, our children’s La Conner High School classmates, Sally’s and my LCHS classmates from the ‘80s – both from here and from across the country. We received meals, texts, cards, phone calls, flowers and all manner of support and sympathy for our loss.

To say we are humbled is an understatement. While we were navigating the worst days of our lives, helpers were everywhere around us, offering love, support and shining a light to guide us from the darkness we were feeling. I’ve said many times recently that humanity shines the brightest during tragedy. I am more convinced of that now than ever before.

To all our friends, family, coworkers and the entire La Conner and Skagit Valley community, Thank You for your generosity and for selflessly being the “helpers” Fred Rogers described and our family needed!

With much love and gratitude,

Andrew, Sally and Alec Azure

Jose, Hailey, Ellie and Kion Zavala

La Conner