From Beach Haven Beach Patrol:
Summertime in Beach Haven. Thousands of people packed on to sugary white beaches. Azure blue skies, splattered with downy, cottony white clouds and light south winds. Lifeguards manning their stands. The downtown section buzzes with activity, while the more residential areas see generations, after generations reuniting and reminiscing. Children, and adults alike splash, frolic and swim in the water while on the beach others read books, take naps and play games. Suddenly the ringing, jingling of bells, similar to Santa Claus can be heard at the dune entrance.
People unfamiliar with the sound,sometimes ask if that means it's a shark warning. But those who have spent the smallest amount of time know what it means. Icecream! Starting the Saturday of Memorial Day Weeked, all the way through Chowderfest, Trevor Finnamore was there, driving his Polka Dot covered ice cream truck delivering sweet treats and good vibes. For 8 years Trevor spread happiness, joy, delight and jubilation throughout Beach Haven; literally and figuratively.
His was the first truck out and the last one to leave; he was on his route rain or shine. His work ethic was second to none, as were the innumerable positive traits Trevor was a genuinely compassionate, caring, hard working, honest person, and it is with tremendous sadness and emptiness I pass on the news of his passing.
An aspiring teacher, the kind of teacher I would want my children to have, Trevor was amazing with the children who visited his truck. When asked, children would regularly state Trevor had the best ice cream. They would often ask me as I walked past them at the dune entrances when Trevor was coming or where I last saw him. As someone who has spent over 25 years as a professional educator, of students with the most challenging behaviors at times, I can testify that to earn that kid of admiration, adoration and respect from children does not come easy. It does not come naturally to most people; it is a gift that truly reflects Trevor's warm, respectful, genuine, good natured personality that he possessed and I was fortunate to be exposed to.
People like Trevor are rare in this day and age. A generous soul who would give anything to a person in need, Trevor was very supportive of me and my staff. On busy days, when our sirens were screaming all day, he would take the time to ask if we needed anything. After witnessing confrontations or individuals perhaps being less than cooperative he would offer a myriad of words of support. The best way I can pay tribute to Trevor, is to say, to know Trevor, is to love Trevor.
Trevor was a hero. He courageously and valiantly battled his illness for three years. He fought the pain, the fatigue, the malaise, the nausea, the emotional toll it took on him, fearlessly, optimistically; without complaint, without self pity, never despondent. It is that quest for life, the positivity, the selflessness, that made Trevor so remarkable and leaves a monstrosity of a void in so many people's lives.
I spent many hours talking with Trevor over the time we had together; the whole I feel is huge. To me, Beach Haven will never be the same, nor will my job. I can't begin to even imagine what his family is feeling. So please join me in offering our deepest, sincerest condolences to his family and his fiancee. Trevor Finamore was a great man and will forever be in our thoughts.
The education system needs more Trevors, as does society in general. The world lost a prodigious person with his passing.
Rest in Peace Trevor, you are no longer in a little bit of heaven, you are in heaven looking down on all of us.
