MR. LEN

      "Mr. Len" died on Friday.  He was 93.  He embodied a way to live life that I hope to emulate when I 'grow up'.

     'Hero' is a much used and abused designation in our society.  However, I nominate him as a bona fide.
He served with distinction for many years in the U.S. Navy and was 'there' on June 6, 1944, for the Normandy invasion.  A couple of years ago, our D-2 (second daughter) ran a marathon to raise the funds that enabled Len and another Veteran to fly to Washington to see the Veteran's Memorial. But, the Hero status is more than his military service.

     A raconteur  par excellence, 'Mr. Len' always 'spiced' the stories with his droll New England wit and the 'twinkling eye'.  He and his wife of 70+ years continued to visit relatives in New Hampshire.  Recently, he was telling my wife of their upcoming drive there from North Carolina.
She innocently asked why not fly and rent an automobile at the airport.  He mischievously commented that  Auto Rental Companies considered him 'too old' to rent a car, so they, consequently, would drive the distance.  And , they did. Earlier, a mutual friend told me of having followed Len on the Interstate out of Winston-Salem, N.C., during 'rush hour' and marveled that a '90-something' was undaunted. Now, Winston-Salem hardly has Boston or New York City's congestion.  But, it isn't Mayberry either.

   (Apropos of nothing other than the 'small world' phenomenon, their New Hampshire brother-in-law had knee replacement surgery several years ago.  His surgeon was my brother now retired as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Manchester, N.H.)

    Len and Betty have been faithful members of the local Presbyterian Church where I first met them 8 or so years ago.  I particularly enjoyed our verbal repartee at church picnics. He was keen. Have you ever played the game 'Cornhole' ?  Kind of like 'horseshoes'.  Something of a game of skill.  He was a formidable opponent at those times.

   He was 'gifted' with a good mind, a kind spirit, and an ability to remain engaged until the end...We are grateful for a life well lived and that touched so many in good ways.

     Requiem Aeternam dona ei, Domine; et lux
perpetuam luceat ei.  Rest eternal grant him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him.

    Satchel