Hello, my name is Kelly, Beerlympic Athlete's wife. Sorry, but I didn't know how to respond so everyone on your thread would see this, so I thought I would post this here.

The family and I are very touched by everyone's kind words and memories. One of my husband's favorite things to do was to read me the funny responses that people often posted here on Reddit. It gave him a lot of laughs - in fact, his phone is still open to Reddit, where he was reading it before surgery. I can't bear to shut it down just yet.

Thank you all again for your wonderful memories. My husband was a true gentle giant of a man, kind and warm, smart, very very funny, quick as a whip, driven to help others, and not afraid to give his heart or let others see his love for people, his family, and his community. Even our cats are grieving for him, it is so sad to see. I can't imagine how we will go on from here.

Someone from the Atlanta Reddit posted his dad's final letter to him, and in fact, he carried it in his wallet. I am sure he would want you all to remember him in the same way. Here it is, and again, thanks for the many condolences and prayers.

My dear one. You are my oldest child, my strongest and most difficult. You are smart and stubborn and hard headed, and get your feelings hurt easily. But you give great love as well, and your bright joy makes the sun jealous. You are also more like me than I ever thought possible. I love you unconditionally.

"Please don't send flowers or be sad for me, I had a great life. Instead, give yourself the gift of having joy in life. Have a steak or a couple of great tacos and a beer. Fly a kite with your child or run with the family dog. Forgive someone (or yourself) for actions that happened in the past and move on with purpose. Connect with a childhood friend. Tell a teacher how much they meant to you.

Live your life, love without fear of being hurt, and laugh every chance you get. Look for the good. Donate your time with a cause you find important. Or just look within to make things a little better inside your heart.

Don't waste time, folks. The number one complaint I see in medicine is not disease, it's loneliness - don't fall into the trap of thinking you have time to spare. Get out of the house. Put down the phone. Don't worry about "likes", replace all that with people you love. Do more, and worry less.

If you want to remember me well, do one kind thing today, whether it's a smile for a stranger, having a bit of patience for someone struggling with their day, or helping a neighbor - even if it's the head of your HOA and she's an old witch. I'll be watching. Remember, I love you, and always will - and there's not a damn thing you can do to change that."

Thank you again, r/Houston, for all the kindness,

Kelly.