I lost my friend Jeff.
Here's a start, as I try to put this very incredible friend into words:  

Jeff was a great friend to me.  I am so happy to have known him.  Just a wonderful and kind soul and brilliant person who made my days brighter whenever I saw him or wrote to him.  He had a way about him that made people feel at ease.  His kindness eased my soul for as long as I knew him.  He will be in my heart forever.