Rafal Sebastian Baran-Baranowski

To my great friend and co-worker Rafal, who was very witty and funny. Always staying up on current events. He cherished his family and was always willing to help others. Forever in our hearts, you will truly be missed!!!!!

My dear friend Sebastian,
About 14 years ago we got to know each other running across a court after yellow fuzzy balls counting 15-30-40. What fun we had playing doubles, leagues or just casual singles matches in the SWFL heat. I guess at that time our bodies still tolerated it. For a long time we lost contact but then all of a sudden met again on the chairs located in the local Taekwondo school. Almost 4 years long, 3 times a week, we sat there watching our kids grow up learning respect, accountability, courtesy, integrity and self control. Hours and hours of conversations about the daily gossip but also deeper meanings of things made me really get to know and appreciate you. I was looking forward to these days where we just hung out after a long day of work and enjoyed to see the kids’ development of skills and mindset. And I remember the day when you told me about your first pain. Little did I know that this was the beginning of the path that eventually lead to seeing your chair empty now just 15 months later. I am heartbroken that you had to leave so early, knowing you had many more plans for them and were looking forward to see these 2 girls grow up. We all know you are in a better place now and I feel you are still watching as a guardian from up there. I really hope the last time we visited you, you felt it because that would mean a lot to me. I will never forget you and our time together and we will all be here to support your family, no matter what it takes! Godspeed, my friend Sebastian!

He was a fine man, a great friend, a dedicated employee and a proud Polish-American !!