Mayce Collard (center) and Monica Voboril assists Father Julian Cassar during the blessing of the animals Oct. 4,2005, at St. Franics de Sales Cathedral in Baker City."Mayce was a devoted altar-server and was elevated to gold belt recently, allowing her to serve the Bishop when he is here at the Cathedral," Cassar said. "There are three levels of altar-servers, brown belt, red belt and gold belt." (Photo courtesy Colleen Clark).

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From Ray Uriarte

It sure has been a year of tragedy and loss in our community. I feel a loss

of freshness of life that is biting into the core of my heart. I have been

witnessing a need with this cancer scare that has entered my life in the

last two years. It seems as though I have become hampered with problems that

should be no problem, but I make it a problem. It seems to me that when I

feel vulnerable to issues that I have no control over I have a problem, andquot;do

you ever feel that way?andquot;

I have been lucky enough to find a remedy to help me overcome the

adversities of my walk. I’m finding out that Jesus Christ our Savior is my

answer. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the wonderful

people of Baker City and community for the blessings that have been given to

me with sincerity and love.

We should open our eyes to the real facts, and act while there is time to

act, then we will see the future and reap the rewards. We should focus on

the blessings that are given to us on a daily basis, and being thankful for

another day, that we can make a difference for someone else that is hurting

worse than we are.

The community has just experienced a tragedy with the loss of Mayce Collard.

It has been a devastating loss for her parents, siblings, friends and the

community that she has touched with her warm heart and smiling personality.

I don’t know if you went to the memorial at the high school after the

funeral, but I want to tell you that the writings on the posters from her

classmates and teachers were very inspiring and gave me hope for my life.

We should all try to be a Mayce in our daily life. I want to express my

deepest gratitude to the Collard family for giving us a Mayce. Also

personally thanking her mother, Mary, for the faith, strength and courage

that she showed me in the commons at the school.

I have come to the conclusion after talking with Mary Collard that no matter

how bleak the outlook, or how desperate the situation, there is always a way

out, always a solution if we look for it hard enough. There is a power in

the universe that exists for us to help us get through our adversities and

difficulties in life. The one sure way to guarantee we are properly

positioned is with Jesus.

Just because others may not be experiencing victory in their lives does not

mean that God has not provided it. He has done everything in His power to

give his children the authority and provision needed to live triumphantly on

this earth for however short or long a time that is. Mayce Collard is an

example of a person who we should remember when we meet friends and

strangers. Let’s show the caring and love for everyone that she showed and

we will be a better community. Praise the Lord for Mayce.

Are we walking with Him? Are we talking with Him? If we are, then we are

walking in newness of life. This the victory, our faith.

From Teaonia and Chelsea Hoffman

To Mayce: We love you and miss you. You’re so beautiful and have the most

amazing eyes. You’re great at sports, cheerleading, and making people feel special. Even though not many of the kids at school are very nice to me, you always were. I’ll always remember you saying Hi-ya and you how you said it. I feel a horrible loss now that you are gone. You’re a very awesome person.

To Mayce’s family: My uncle recently went through the same thing you are going through, only it was his twin neice in Payette Idaho last month. Our hearts are breaking for you and you’re in our thoughts and prayers. No words can comfort you at this time, but just remember she’ll always be with you and looking in on you.

From Art and Silvia Kreger

Mayce will forever be in our hearts — a beautiful altar server — a beautiful girl.

Nora Rounsville

I didn’t personally know Mayce, but my nephew and neice did. (Landon and Amanda Dix). They both have made me aware of what an incredible person she was. I, at 46, would be thrilled to have the insight and love for humanity, that she did. Reading what her friends and aquaintances feel for her, makes me want to be a better person. How can a 16 year old be such a wise, loving accepting person? Well, because, she’s an old soul who knew the answer to all of the questions we have about our life on earth. Love, accept, love some more, accept, and love. I’ve known many 16 year olds, and always knew that I was sooo much smarter and knowing than they. I needed to have met Mayce. She would have rocked my world. Teaching me more than a thing or two. A teenager more informed than I? Yep, it’s true. Thank you, Mayce, who in life I never knew, but in death has taught me a lifetime of knowledge.

From Emily Christensen

I only met Mayce once – at the wedding of Kim and Janie Mahaffey (dear old friends of mine). I don’t live in Baker, so I was really amazed at how the community came together for such an event. Mayce stood out as a big part of the community. She had a big impact on me then, and I was impressed with how poised she was for her age. Her smile and laugh filled any room. Her life was certainly cut short, but I have faith that she has a higher purpose. My thoughts and prayers are with the Collard family at this time.

From Amanda McAdams

Mayce was such an inspiration to so many people. Her bright shinning face brought so much happiness to the halls at school. I have known for about 10 years, she lived right down the street from me. Mayce never said a bad word about anybody and always smiled. We will miss her lots but i cant wait for the day when we can see her again.

From Angie McVay

In cleaning up piles that have sat on my desk since Monday, I came across a quote that insantly made me think of Mayce.

andquot;There is only one happiness in life; to love and be lovedandquot; That encompasses all she was to me. She loved life and the people who surrounded her and was loved by all that knew her. Mayce will always have a special place in the hearts of the people who where blessed to have been part of her life, even though her presence here with us was brief. Mayce was one of those kids that every parent wished their child would strive to be like. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. She was caring, non-judgemental, and wasn’t affraid to let others know when she felt they were not as such. Though none of us can truly relate how much she will be missed, I believe that Mayce will continue to be a role model to her peers and will continue have a huge impact on everyone!

From Jessica Cook

My name is Jessica Cook and I was a schoolmate with Mayce. Her and I weren’t andquot;bestestandquot; friends but Mayce and I would pass each other in the Baker High hallways and say our friendly hellos. When I started to attend Baker in September, she would walk up and ask if I wanted to hang out. Then I was a little shy but I still can’t forget how she would get me smiling even when I was in the worst mood ever. Mayce was a wonderful person and she will be missed by all of us. I know she is sitting up there in heaven watching and seeing all who care about her and I know she deserved to go to heaven but not so early in her life. Everyone knows she is gone but they do not realize that she remains in our hearts each and every day. Remember to keep a smile on your face…that’s what Mayce would do. God bless Mayce!

From Katie Landers

I have never met another person in my life that is more benevolent than my Mayce. Nor have I met another person who loved life more than my Mayce. She is one of my best friends and biggest inspirations.

From her infectious laugh to her warming smile my Mayce brought joy to everyone she knew. Her love of life is what attracted people to her, but it was her heart of gold that made them love her. My Mayce was such a wonderful person, and as hard as it is for me I understand why God would prefer her there with him, I have so many memories of my Mayce. Every one of them brings a smile to my face, which I know is how Mayce would have wanted it. I’ll never forget running around hotels at 1 in the morning pretending to be spies, and hiding my sisters Barbies in a tree. It is safe to say there was never a dull moment with my Mayce.

I wish so bad that I could go back to the days of handstand contests in the living room, double dutch, and watching Goldmember on New Years with my Mayce.

My Mayce taught me so many things in the time I knew her. For example, when at Mc Donalds andquot;Drink your pop super fast so that you can get as many refills as you want before your order is in.andquot; Also never tell them you are a vegetarian that wants something with little grease, but not a salad (they will give the weirdest look). But more importantly Mayce taught me to live life to the fullest, stop sitting on the sidelines and get up and play, and not to hold grudges life if too short.

My Mayce had such a positive attitude, and put 110 percent into everything that she did. She was excellent at every sport that she played and was a real team player. It was form her I gained my love of sports.

My Mayce was a beautiful singer. I know choir would not have been the same without her. For that matter nothing really would or will be.

My Mayce was a born again believer and is now watching over us from heaven. I have no doubt she is in the arms of our Lord, but my prayers are still with her.

To her family, you meant the world to her, and I am sincerely sorry for your loss. As hard as it is for me I know it is 100 times harder for you. Remember she loves you, as do I. Mr. Bryan an Ms. Mary, you did such a wonderful job. She was absolutely beautiful inside and out. My Prayers are with you during this time of loss. Once again I love you and feel so blessed to have known Mayce.

To my Mayce, you were like a sister to me. I love and miss you so much. You will never know the impact you had on my life and my heart. I’ll never forget your squealing during the andquot;Mayce’sandquot; Thanksgiving Day Parade or singing into our hairbrushes. I cannot wait until we meet again.

Finally, I got this quote off of Mayce’s MySpace. I think it is a great testament to the way she lived her life and would want us to live ours.

Life is too short

Grudges are a waste of happiness

Laugh when you can

Apologize when you should

And let go of what you can’t change

Love deeply and forgive quickly

Take chances ,give everything

And have no regrets

Life is too short to be unhappy

You have to take the good with the bad

Smile when your sad

Love what you got

And always remember what you had

Always forgive but never forget

Learn from your mistakes bet never regret

People change and things go wrong

But always remember

Life goes on!!!!

Rest in Peace My Mayce

From Dyann McCarty

My kids have been friends with Mayce for years. My daughter said that Mayce loved and accepted everyone without question. She always had a smile on her face, and was nice to everybody. Whenever Mayce came to the house with the kids, I was impressed by how polite she was. Unusual in this day and age. At homecoming this year, she looked beautiful in her andquot;goldenandquot; gown, like a princess!

She was an angel that was with us on earth for way to short a time. She will be watching from heaven.

From Pam Moorer Keaton

My name is Pam Moorer Keaton and I went to school with Mrs. Collard in Columbia, SC. This message reached me by way of a prayer request from a co-worker.

I cannot tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. My heart breaks for you. The story in the paper was a beautiful tribute to your daughter. I remember what a wonderful person Mary was in high school, and I am sure her daughter was much the same. My prayers are with your family and I am so glad for you that you have such wonderful memories of your beautiful child.

From Julie Garchar, Baker High School Counselor

I spent Monday andquot;hanging outandquot; with Mayce’s friends, volleyball mates, cheerleading comrades, teachers, coaches, and a fellow statistician. I didn’t know Mayce well, changed a schedule or two, exchanged a friendly smile in the hall, talked about her being a reading tutor at BMS; by the end of the day I felt I knew of an exceptional young woman who graced Baker City and beyond.

Over and over I heard: andquot;she was nice to everyoneandquot;, andquot;she was so happyandquot;, andquot;she never judged others and got mad at you if you didandquot;, andquot;everyone liked Mayce,andquot; andquot;she had an easy, genuine infectious laugh, but never at the expense of others.andquot;

Special education students told me how she helped them with projects or, when in grade school, they were in gymnastics together.

Mayce spread more goodwill in her 16 years than most of us do in a lifetime.

In her memory we all need to be more like Mayce, the world will be a kinder, better place.

From William Robertson in High Point, North Carolina

I share in the heartache each of you in Baker City is experiencing. I am the North Carolina cousin of Mary Collard. And I was stunned to receive the sad news of Mayce’s death Sunday morning. Unfortunately, I was only able to meet Mayce once, when the family headed east several years ago. She was enjoying a South Carolina beach trip. I’ve heard many stories about her from her grandparents and Mary. You immediately knew this was an incredible child and one they treasured. Knowing that Mayce was Mary’s princess tells me that she could have been nothing else but special.

Some people have the rare gift to touch someone? a kind word, a smile, a hug, perhaps just the radiance one gives when they enter a room. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Mayce obviously blessed those of you who have provided support to the family in the past few days. Honor her life; go forward, assist others and experience life to the fullest, as Mayce would have done.

Brian, Mary, Addison, Harrison, Hope and Evee, we love you and wish we could be there. We continue to pray for you in this difficult time and hope you find needed strength in the days ahead.

From Mary Kreger

Such a little thing can be a HUGE inspiration … The way she lived was beautiful. I will forever admire her spirit and kindness. She will always be my angel girl.

From Rachael Livingston

What can anyone say about a girl like Mayce Collard? Bouncy, fun, outgoing, sporty, loving? I belive she was all of these things and so much more. I met Mayce when I moved to Baker in 8th grade, and that was only four years ago. She was so much fun to be around, and everyone always wanted to be her friend. How do you think she had so many? My Sophmore year, we all went to Homecoming together. I remember taking thousands of pictures out in the yard, and Mayce always insisted that we take just a couple more funny ones. Mayce was on my volleyball team this year, and it never would have been the same without her. I remember her doing impersonations of Will Ferrell, and always being loud and totally hillarious. She and I were partners for our team’s bonding trip up to Anthony Lake. She and I were tied at the hip and had a totally fun time looking to distinguish a pine needle from a spruce. (I don’t think we ever did find that out). I remember how she convinced me to jump into absolutley freezing cold water with the rest of the team just so I could experience the feeling. She never let me get out of anything fun. I loved when she called me andquot;Mama Rachandquot; and I loved being mama to her and the rest of the team. You hardly ever saw Mayce mad, and it never lasted more than an hour. I recently found a picture of us, and it’s just typical Mayce. She’s got her green boa and glasses on for pep-week, and just looks happy to be having fun. It’s a moment I will never forget. She was an amazing girl, and will be terribly missed by all who were touched in some way by her enthusiastic and loveable spirit.

I Love You Mayce!

From Anna Zimmerman

Although I did not know Mayce well, I remember her vividly. When we were in Mr. Mitchell’s Eastern World Studies history class, the class was often interrupted with a well placed comment, question or a burst of her infectious laughter. I was only privileged with her company for a semester because of our move, however, I will always remember her positive influence on all who met her. Mayce, I know that wherever you are, you are spreading your wonderful joy with all you meet.

From Patrick and Annette Garrett and our family and Fred Schmidt and his family

Unfortunately we did not get to know Mayce very well but it is comforting to read the many e-mails that are posted on the Baker City Herald Web site and realize what a wonderful footprint she has left in this world. When we read the mails it was obvious Mayce lived life to the fullest and that Mary and Bryan instilled the highest values in her life. Incredible individuals like Mayce have the ability to make incredible things happen and even though Mayce is now in heaven she has managed to make another very positive impact by bringing friends and community together. We know there is nothing either of our families can say that could possibly comfort you at this time but we just want you and Mary and the rest of your family to know that our deepest sorrows are with you. We are in Libya and are not able to attend the funeral but please know that are prayers will be with you and your family.

From Catalina Leranoz, from Buenos Aires, Argentina

I met Mayce in 2003 during my exchange year. I lived at the Collard’s house for four months that year and there they became my family and a big piece of my heart. My little host sister was so important to me; so kind always, with her patience and famous big smile. We would spend hours in her dreamed bedroom doing our girls stuff, which she even gave up for hosting my real family when they were visiting. Mayce was a great friend, who I saw became a wonderful little woman from the distance. I already missed her very much and will miss her a lot more.

I Love You Mayce, Cata

From Lisa Chong

When I think of my favorite memories of Mayce it’s hard to choose what to write about.

I loved watching her compete at gymnastics meets; what beauty and grace.

I loved that she would stay with us when she was young if her parents needed to go out of town. It only took me once or twice of serving her a meal with any form of meat in it and seeing andquot;that faceandquot; before I learned not to do that again:)

I loved watching her perform in andquot;Annie.andquot;

I loved watching she and my daughter Krista when they were 6th graders and we went to Portland to a Britney Spears concert. They stood, screamed and danced through both warm-up bands and Britney herself four hours straight!!

Mayce put herself so completely into whatever she was doing, oblivious to the world around her. She fully lived in the moment. We should all live our lives like that. Thank you, Mayce, for the gift of knowing you.

From Tara Harris and Katie, Rachel and Jonathan Landers

I have read so many things the last couple of days regarding Mayce. I too want to echo what everyone else has said. There was never a time that I didn’t see Mayce smiling or laughing at something. She was a true testimony of living life to the fullest. I am so glad that we had the priviledge of knowing her. Even though we moved away,everytime I would call to talk to Mary, Mayce would always take a second to ask how I was doing. Brian and Mary you have done a wonderful job raising Mayce. What a fantastic young woman she was. She will be missed. I am sure she is up in heaven filling everyones ears with her infectious laugher and beautiful spirit. May our Lord cradle you in his arms at this most difficult time.

From Dana Driggers:

My first memory of Mayce was when my daughter Keri introduced us. Instantly I received arms wrapped around my neck, insisting that we andquot;need to sit down on the bleachers, we have a lot of catching up to do about Keri.andquot; At that moment I knew that not only Mayce was unique, but she possessed a spirit that you see in the most sagacious souls. My most recent encounter was at a basketball game this year. I found out Mayce was the one bouncing around in a very hot mascot suit. I went up and gently pinched her mascot nose and even though I could not see it, I felt that unforgettable smile and warmth. Now I want to believe that if we try hard enough we can feel that smile and warmth always?

From Lynn andquot;Bunandquot; Connor Summer

I watched Mary (Mayce’s mother) grow up in our hometown. I am very sorry about their loss. Mayce sounds like she has a lot of her mother’s wonderful qualities. Please pass on my deepest sympathy to them and know that Mayce has touched other lives at Brookland-Cayce High School (her mother’s high school). I have read your tribute to her; she is an example to others even now! What a difference she made in such a short time here on this earth. I always say that God wants young beautiful angels in heaven also. THANK-YOU FOR SHARING THIS (HER LIFE) WITH US.

You are UNIQUE andamp; VALUABLE

therefore, You must ACT Unique andamp; Valuable!

From Kenny Keister

The Collard family has always been like a second family to me growing up, from shooting glass bottles with Harrison to Christmas parties at there home. But most of all Mayce made an unforgetable impact in my life. So many people were touched by her. Mayce was the type of girl that when you walked into a room, you always new if she was there or not. She always had some kind of a spot light on here. She was always in a great mood with a giant smile on her face. Mayce never had an individual group of friends…she fit in with just about anybody. Mayce accomplished so much while she was with us, with gymnastics, singing in church, being a big sister to all the children that the Collards took in all the time and much much more. Mayce will always be remembered by everyone who ever met her, but mostly by her family and close friends. I will always remember Mayce as my little sister that wasnt really mine. Jacquelyn Mayce Collard will always be in our hearts, our minds, our prayers!

I LOVE YOU MAYCE…YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!

From Dean Teig and family

We are so deeply sadden by your loss. There are no words to express the grief and loss felt by us and so many. We remember Mayce and her shining smile as if she was standing here with us today. What a beautiful young lady the sweet little 5 year old, we knew, turned into. Please know our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Our hearts hurt with you and we shed tears for you and your family during this very difficult time.

I cannot imagine the hurt you are feeling and do not pretend to. I just pray that God’s love can be felt through the hugs and prayers of those around you. We love you, Collard family!

Sincerely and deepest sympathy for your enormous loss,

Dean Teig and family

From Jerry Boyd

Mayce and her family usually sat two pews in front of my family and I in Church. I remember her almost constant smile. I suspect that radiant smile will now shine down from Above and will be seen and felt by many, even many who did not know her on this earth. Rest in Peace.

From Jamey Hardy

Mayce had one of those infectious smiles that could make even the unhappiest of people smile and instantly brighten up any room. I met Mayce and her family when they moved to Baker and began attending the Catholic Church. Even at a young age, Mayce had a way about her that just made you feel happy. I had the pleasure of andquot;babysittingandquot; the Collard kids several years ago when Brian and Mary had to be out of town. At that time, Hope and Evee were living with the Collards. Mayce was so helpful with the little girls and they looked up to her with such admiration. When Mayce was in 8th grade, I began substitute teaching in the district. Every time I saw Mayce, she always greeted me with her signature smile and a friendly andquot;Hi, Jamey.andquot; The same question was always soon to follow: andquot;who are you subbing for today?andquot; The same friendly greeting and question continued as she entered High School and I continued subbing there, as well. She was always a great joy to see around the halls and always, always with a big smile on her face.

From Max and Taylor McAdams

An Angel on Earth, and now an Angel in Heaven.

That smile….always that beautiful, infectious smile.

We will miss you, Mayce.

From Bonnie Dunn

I only met Mayce once and she was a delightful young lady to talk to; very personable and friendly. Her Mom was my CASA at one time and was truly a remarkable, warm presence when I needed her the most! I am sure Mayce was following in Mary’s footsteps and would someday be a CASA and/or CASA director just like Mom! Our hearts go out to the Collard family; we know how much it hurts to lose a precious child!

Mary and Bryan, you can rest assured Mayce is up there in Heaven with her arms wrapped tight around all those little people and making sure they are happy and taken care of!

We love you and God be with you at this sad time!

From Krista Birkmaier

Mayce was a truly amazing person, beautiful inside and out, and she touched all of us in some way. I can still remember all of our memories back from when we were attatched at the hip the 6th and 7th grade to our recent talks and time spent together. I have so many memories of her, it’s hard to just pick one, so I have a couple. In 6th grade, Mayce’s mom would occassionally go out of town and when they did, the only house she would stay at was mine. Mayce was very close to Mary and would usually get homesick, so one day we decided to make a scrapbook of the two of us to try and get her mind off of things. I’m so glad that I still have it, it will be treasured in my heart forever. Another of my favorites was right before she left for South Carolina last summer, and the morning of the day of her flight we met up and had granita’s at the coffee corral. She convinced me to try the andquot;Gold Rushandquot; granita, and she was right, it was andquot;delish.andquot; We sat there and talked quite a while after we finished and vowed that when she returned that we would get together more often. The more I think about the big memories, the more I realize that the little things are what made mayce. For instance how she hated pink and red together, how we would always have to be prepared to be hassled if we ever even talked about meat in front of her, how she used to love mary-kate and ashley olsen and we’d always play the olsen twins friendship connection game when we little, how she always knew she’s be famous, how she would stay up in her bright pink room until every hair on her head was in perfect place, how she always managed to have a smile on her face, and most importantly how she loved everyone. I’ll miss seeing that big, gorgeous smile in the halls and her loud, obnoxious laugh which will never be forgotten. I feel so blessed to have known such a unique person, whom always seemed to shine even when she was a little girl, always caring, and always loving.

I miss and love you Mayce. I know you’re in a better place now, and even through all of my tears, I fully understand why God wanted you.

From Gail Rogers

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Mayce only once and that was this past summer. Her mother, Mary, and I have been childhood friends for 40 years in South Carolina. Mary called and said she was in town visiting her mom. I was so excited to hear that she was in town and couldn’t wait to see her after many years and to meet her kids that I had heard so much about. We spent the day by the pool with Mayce, her two sisters, and friend, Cassidie, swimming while her mother and I caught up. Mayce was so excited to be visiting SC. Cassidie had never been to the ocean before and they had taken a trip there while here. She talked of Baker City and jokingly laughed about the quaintness of the town compared to where we live.

She was such a sweet and good child, as are all of Mary and Bryan’s children. She had an infectious laugh and smile and is not someone you soon forget. I am honored and thankful to have met her this summer.

From Bill Hatfield

I do not know Mayce, but I am a fellow Rotarian with her Grandfather Charles MacNeill. I am so sorry for the lost of Mayce, thoughts and prayers are with Charles and his family.

From Richard and Jennifer Baldwin

This past summer Mayce came to our church in West Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting her grandparents. She joined our youth group for a bowling outing and proved to be a pretty good bowler. Mayce was a delightful young lady and her visits to SC will be missed. As evident from the story posted on Baker City Herald website, Mayce touched many people – even those of us literally across the country. She was truly one of God’s special pearls. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends. May God provide us all with his peace and comfort during this tragic time.