Emil Joseph Relat, Sept 2, 1917 - May 25, 2009

A powerful instinct caused Emily and I to cut short our backpacking trip on the Kalalau trail in Kauai Monday afternoon, and return to our base near Hanalei yesterday. When we returned, we learned that Emil Relat, Emily's 91 year-old grandfather, had passed away. I've had the pleasure of knowing Emil for the last 7+ years, and we've had some great conversations. From what I've seen and heard he's had a long, enjoyable and successful life, exactly what all of us hope for.

Emil has been a wonderful patriarch to a great extended family that I've had the pleasure of joining. I hope you'll join me in your own way by praying, thinking positive thoughts and thanking the spirits for Emil Relat.

Here's the death notice from the Sacramento Bee