groomsmen
Douglas Yee
Mere acquaintances in high school, Doug and I became partners in crime during our college years. If Doug were a shape, he would be a polygon with countless facets. Whether enjoying a good read, making jokes out of nothing, mindlessly turning mundane foodstuffs into a memorable meal, being intentionally absurd to the point of side splitting laughter, making cases for faith, reason, or science that could cause even the most stalwart individual to question his own positions, Doug masters them all. His desire for mastery is not merely to become a horde knowledge, but to share his findings with those closest to him. He is a true Renaissance Man, a “Hobo”, and I’m honored to have him as my friend and partner in ministry. Doug is a programmer for Sun Trading in Chicago, IL.
John Gabel
John and I met through various U of I friends some years back and between shared affinity for things nerdy, Afghanistan, biking, and countless other stuff, have been close friends ever since. John is one of the most thoughtful guys I know; he carefully weighs all sides of a situation before saying anything about it or making a decision yet isn’t too proud to hear someone else’s opinion. John is as funny as he is wise – he’ll have you in stitches intentionally even if the situation is absolutely serious. He’s loyal, sincere, a true embodiment of the Hobo spirit, and passionate about the things and people that matter most to him. I’m proud to have him standing for me. John is a programmer for the NCSA in Urbana, IL. He will be getting married two weeks before me, so don’t forget to congratulate him!
Juan Pablo Velasco
JP and I go way back – between years of me bumming on his couch during college years, a shared and still unsatisfied love for motorcycles, adventure, and working overseas, we’ve done it all. Always insightful and thoughtful, JP has spoken more truth into my life over the years when I needed to hear it but didn’t want to than anyone outside of my family; in many ways, he’s the older brother I never had. Poet, writer, musician, military man, hobo, programmer – he’s done it all. JP is a software developer in Portland, OR.
Brian Schoenecker
Brian is my oldest cousin. An avid cyclist, outdoorsman, and reader, Brian can be found cycling in the hills around his home, sharing his latest insights on economic and political matters, enjoying a weekend in Chicago to see the Cubs play, or roaming the West’s numerous national parks seeking that elusive Rocky Mountain High. Brian and I have enjoyed vacationing over the years; he’s a great friend and an even better travel companion. He’s no-nonsense, speaks his mind, encouraging, and skillfully balances truth with tact. Brian works for Cabelas as a software development manager in Lincoln, NE.
Benjie Craig
Benjie is Sharon’s older brother. I can’t remember how long ago his parents suggested we become friends, but I do know it was some time ago. We fast found we had much in common during the last year, and spend much time discussing the latest technology happenings, business schemes, construction, home remodeling, you name it. He’s one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet. These days he spends his time with his son Peter, menagerie of pets, and wife Jessica. Benjie works as an electrician for Tri-City Electric in Fremont, CA.
Ivan Lo
Ivan is one of the infamous “Hobos”. Master of both photography and dry humor, Ivan has become one of Tim’s closest friends. He enjoys dodging photos (this one of his insides was the best we could do), writing, bantering with the boys, and finding gems of urban decay that have long since gone forgotten. Ivan is a freelance photographer in Chicago, IL.