Though many of us did not know him, personally, we knew of him through articles in this paper reporting on the long, brave struggle the spunky 10-year-old Tyler Wintle fought against a brain tumor that took his life in early November.

Tyler was the only child of Scott and Sandy Wintle of Dexter, and one can only imagine the pain and sorrow of this loss.

But, even though they are grieving, Tyler’s parents are thinking of those who have helped them, and are helping them, through what must be the greatest tragedy of their lives.

Sandy Wintle e-mailed me recently with a message for all of you.

She titled her message: “Our Angel in Heaven.”

She wrote that they “used to think it could not be any harder watching Tyler go through treatments, getting better, and then have it happen again and again. We were wrong. Losing him compares nothing to that. It’s like taking your heart from you, and you’re just lost.”

But, she added, they are remembering the good times, too.

“With the compassion and love of everyone in our community, Tyler got to do more than most children do in a lifetime,” she wrote. “And that is all thanks to everyone in our community who loved him as much as we do.”

Sandy Wintle recalled the “many fund-raisers, dinners and cans in all the stores from here to Bangor over the last 21/2 years” that helped her family.

And “there were so many cards with money,” she wrote, “that made it easier for us to be with Tyler and enjoy our time” with him.

Scott and Sandy want you to know they “love you all, whether you gave money, cards or hugs.”

To those special friends, “who always came to visit and hold our hands and let us cry, it is something we will never forget,” she wrote.

Of Tyler’s two best friends, Jared and Rjay: “He lived for you,” according to his mom, “and loved you more than anything.”

To Dr. Judith Allen and Dr. Judeth McGann: “There are no words to express how we feel about you. I know that your patients always come before your family and friends, and even your pets. We are so very thankful for what you do.

“There is no better place than the eighth floor at Eastern Maine” Medical Center in Bangor.

“The nurses are just like family, and care about the kids there.”

In closing, the Wintles express their sincere “thanks for all the love and support.”

Evelyn Caruso reports Orono High School Music Parents are sponsoring a yard and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St. in Orono.

Proceeds from the sale, she wrote, will help fund an April trip to New York City for OHS students.

Donations for the sale can be dropped off 2:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the church.

For more information about this fund-raiser, call Caruso at 947-2306, or Kristin Sobolik, 866-3024.

Among local tsunami relief efforts in our area, you may have read about one being hosted by St. Vincent De Paul Knights of Columbus in Bucksport.

However, John Paul LaLonde wrote that previous notices included an incorrect date.

The Bucksport K of C Monthly Fish Fry features two servings, one at 5 p.m. and one at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the church hall on Franklin Street in Bucksport.

Proceeds benefit relief efforts for tsunami victims in East Asia.

K of C members believe “this is a great way our community can show its support for those who are in such dire need,” and they invite you to join them for fresh haddock, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and dessert.

The suggested donation is $7 for adults, $3 for children.

If you are able to donate a dessert, you are asked to call Ellen Hersey, 469-3206.

Local “celebrities” will test their basketball talent against members of the fifth- and sixth-grade Police Athletic League at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Brewer High School.

Admission is $1, and proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems.

The celebrities include a state police officer, a Brewer firefighter and local media representatives.

Concessions will be available.

For more information, call Carol Lackedy, 989-5068.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.