A Tribute to Jay Nodine — A Very Funny Toastmaster & An Inspiration to All
January 13th, 2012 by Steve Rosenberg
Jay's Jokes
Yesterday at our weekly Raleigh Talkmaster’s Toastmaster meeting, the jokemaster did not have a joke prepared, so she read from Jay’s Jokes. It was a funny joke.
Jay’s Jokes was written by Jay Nodine, Distinguished Toastmaster extraordinaire.
Jay passed away last month after a long battle. I feel very fortunate to have known him.
I have been in Toastmasters for over 28 years. Although Jay was maybe 4’11″, I looked up to him as a symbol of what a true Toastmaster can be.
Jay was always so positive. So warm. And so funny!
He was always ready with a joke or a wry observation. He was incredibly important to District 37 Toastmasters, being an adviser to every District Governor.
His funeral was in Concord, NC, at a Baptist Church. Trust me, I was out of my comfort zone — especially since I was wearing a jacket & tie.
The turnout for the funeral was very much a tribute to all that Jay contributed to Toastmasters. Toastmasters from all over the state, including Past International Director Pam Christopher, came to pay their respects.
The pastor used Jay’s book’s to tell stories. It was often repeated that Jay’s motto was, “If you aren’t having fun, you aren’t doing it right!” Words to live by, for sure.
I gave a brief speech about Jay at our club. I recorded it and hope to figure out how to upload it.
I hope the the book will be a living legacy and enjoyed by our club for many years.
One of the most moving parts of the service was when Bill Mintz, Jay’s long-time friend and another Toastmaster extraordinaire, delivered a poem he wrote many years ago. I have taken the liberty of copying the poem because I think it’s so powerful:
Please Don’t Grieve For Me Now That I’m Gone
Don’t grieve for me now that I’ve gone.
I’ve lived a good life, it was time for me to move along.
To my family and friends, I thank you one and all.
For all your love and kindness, ’til I answered my Maker’s call.
I beg you, don’t spend a lot of time with tears and sorrows. Just remember
Our time together, and enjoy your remaining tomorrows.
I would have like to have lingered a little longer.
Just a little while.
For just a few more hugs, another kiss, another smile.
But that was not in G-d’s master scheme, he had other plans for me.
He beckoned me come. And now at last, I’m free.
Chores unfinished must remain that way.
Perhaps to be completed by others,
Some other day.
Please don’t grieve for me;
I’m free from life’s frenzied pace.
I’ve broken the bonds of earth;
I’m now in a better place.
If I’ve failed you in any way, I hope you’ll be able to forgive.
Accept that I was imperfect,
Don’t let it take from the life you have left to live.
Rejoice with me, I’m in a place free from pain.
Let this parting not mean goodbye, just so long.
Until we meet again. Until we meet again.
William L. “Bill” Mintz, Distinguished Toastmaster
Jay will be missed, but his memory will be around as long as there are Toastmasters who enjoy laughing.