Dear YGZ family,

     The loss of Byler has been terribly difficult on all of us. Night after night of drinking, arguing, singing, smoking, making-up, and laughing the thing I learned most from Byler was that being truly passionate for what is in your heart is one of the most important things we can do as thinkers, researchers, students, friends, and most of all family. After that first night in Xi'an when we discovered the "Cowboy" bar and drank about 7000 beers ( each  ) I knew Byler was an incredibly special person. 

     We all know that sitting on the bus in the early morning and listening to Byler dictate and analyze every little thing could be a strain on our tired ears, but now I would give anything to give Byler "that look", and listen to him talk. Share another watered down Chinese beer bought from our guy around the corner, or annoy the poor guards by staying up way too late talking and smoking. I miss all of you terribly, and YGZ memories are some of my most fond. One of these days when we reunite we will have to listen to some Irish folk music, drink a beer, and if you please, strike up a lucky. 

 Be safe and strong, and I will be seeing you around the next corner.                  ——  Mathew Fox