Our beloved leader, mentor, friend, and man with the biggest heart we've ever met passed away on Thanksgiving.  He died of stomach cancer, though he only let very few people know, so it came as quite a shock to everyone at the firm and almost everyone (other than close family and one or two business associates).  I thought we were handling it pretty well, save for a lot of tears on Monday when we were given the news.  He was just 36 years old.  He leaves a hole in the lives of many, many people, though I guess fortunately no children - but he would have been such a great dad.  I'm sorry he never knew that joy.  But on three separate occasions today we went to pick up the phone to call him - and realized he wasn't there to answer anymore.  Gary, in particular, is not handling this very well because they were very close.  He was one of the three partners of our firm, but he was the driving force of the small firm.  We don't know what happens from here, though everyone bravely continues on.

His passing leaves a hole in our hearts as big as an iceberg - and just as cold.  We have the warmth of our memories, but on days like today it provides little comfort.

At our Christmas party last year, I couldn't tell anything was wrong.  But Gary knew, somehow, that something was wrong.  I thought he was nuts.  But because he only let so few people in on his fight, it came as a shock to so many of us.  Perhaps that's what is making it so much harder.  

Len - you were very loved, and we miss you like crazy.

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I wouldn't expect any of you to write anything in his guestbook, not having known him and not really knowing us yet.  But I'd really appreciate a few vibes or prayers for his family, friends, and co-workers - so many for whom this came as a total shock, because Len didn't want anyone to know he was battling that illness.  It's just so "him" to be so brave.   [smiley=heart.gif]

Thanksgiving will never be the same.

Thanks for listening,

Laurie   :'(  :'(  :'(

Gary on the left, Len on the right.  Last year's Christmas party.

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Always smiling.  That was our Len.

Laurie

So sorry. :'( :'( :'(

I am sorry for yours and Gary's loss Laurie. :(

Laurie, People from up here in the Midwest have a lot of heart! Leonard C. Demers from Woodbury (only a 20 min drive from my home) is a prime example of selflessness that all of us should and could take a lesson from. Rolo... :(

ditto what Jimi said :(

Sometimes fate has it's own agenda unknown to us.  Believe that.

And try to find hope that this is a message that is meant to teach, rather than a loss to be mourned.

My instict tells me this, and there is a lesson in this that must be passed on.

I just had to say what this said to me, and please forgive me if I'm out of place.

[smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] :'(

Guiseppi

I'm so sorry, Laurie. My deepest sympathies to you, Gary,  Len's family and all those who knew and loved him.

Loss is difficult....may your fond memories ease some of the pain.  He will live in your hearts forever.

Much Love,
Jackie

I'm so very sorry.  I know words mean little right now, but know that I'll be praying for you and Len's family.

Jerry

It hurts like heck to lose friends but I am so glad to know you had such a special person like this in your life....even if it was for a short time.

Celebrate his life and smile when you think of him.  He seems like the kind of man that would have wanted it this way.

My thoughts are with you.

Thank you all so much.  I'm crying all over again.  It's just SO SAD!



Redd wrote on Dec 5^th, 2008 at 11:07pm:

Sometimes fate has it's own agenda unknown to us.  Believe that. And try to find hope that this is a message that is meant to teach, rather than a loss to be mourned. My instict tells me this, and there is a lesson in this that must be passed on. I just had to say what this said to me, and please forgive me if I'm out of place.

There IS a lesson!  Stomach cancer is SO TREATABLE these days!  If you think something's not right - don't pass it off as indigestion or something.  GO SEE A DOCTOR.  If Len had gotten his big-hearted butt treated sooner, he'd probably still be here with us.  So I love the man to pieces, but I also find there's a part of me that's pissed, and that upsets me even more!

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) to you all,

Laurie

BTW, crying doesn't help Gary's clusters at all. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Laurie

It's okay to be pissed and royally pissed to boot.  If you didn't really care for him, you wouldn't be pissed off and missing him so much.

Nope, crying does NOT help clusters (or any other vascular headache for that matter).

Wishing you, Gary and Len's family peace and comfort.

Carolyn~aka~'darlin

so sorry for your loss... this young man definately died too young.  He was lucky to have you as friends...

love ree

I have no words of wisdom to give you but I will say a prayer for you, your family and your friends family.
TomM

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( Len, ya big lug, we really miss you.  

Thank you all again and again.  It feels better "talking" about it and knowing there are so many people out there thinkin' about him and his family.

Laurie

I'm so sorry Laurie.  It's tough to lose a friend, especially one so young.

All you can do at this time is to hold tight to the good memories and I'm sure you and Gary both have lots of those.

Carol

So sorry for your and Gary's loss, Laurie.    I will you keep you both and Len's family in my prayers.

Hugs,

Jeannie

I send all the Brightest and Best of Blessings to you and all who this tragedy has touched.

Sorry to hear this Laurie.

I wish I had something profound to say but I don't. All I can say is that I'm sorry.

Charlie