31.12.08

A Few Memories From 2008



We could write epic volumes about this year. It has held some of the most challenging, disappointing, and frightening moments for us as a family, but, as these pictures show, these emotions have been punctuated by joy, beauty and routine.

Maybe when we catch our breath, we'll write the sort of long holiday missive we're (in)famous for, but here's a brief (?) imagistic take on 2008.

We miss you. We hope to see more of you in the New Year.

29.12.08

A time to weep and a time to mourn...

My dad has died.

I'm not ready to say much more of substance right now. I'm finding my constantly evolving emotions difficult to pin down with words. My dad's death has dramatically re-shaped my life, and I'm sure it will continue to do so. He was a gregarious man who reveled in life as he understood it and shared it with many others.

Until I have more words, here is his obituary. It's concise,without a lot of 'posturing' language, just like he would have wanted it.

COSHOCTON - Garry G. Leindecker, 63, of Fresno, gained heavenly healing at11:35 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at Coshocton Memorial Hospital.

Born April 6, 1945, in Coshocton, he was the son of the late Myron Henry andCora Catherine Zimmerman Leindecker. A 1963 graduate of West Lafayette HighSchool, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1965 to 1971. A lifelongfarmer, he was an employee and bus driver for Ridgewood School District,retiring June 30, 2008. Garry was an active member of Fresno Bible Church,serving in numerous leadership roles throughout his life time. He served onthe board of Tennessee Mountain Mission Ministries, was a member of theCoshocton County Farm B ureau and a Ridgewood sports fan. Garry enjoyed theoutdoors and sharing activities with his grandchildren. He was known for hisvivacious and positive outlook on life.

Surviving are his wife, Helen I. Erman, whom he married June 16, 1967; adaughter, Lynn L. (Andrew) Rudd of North Canton; a son, Brian E. (Kristen)Leindecker of Fresno; four grandchildren, Keith and Marcus Leindecker ofFresno and Jaelyn and Addison Rudd of North Canton; twin brother, Larry L.(Sally) Leindecker of Coshocton; two sisters, Maxine (Tom) Geese and MaryEllen (Sam) Wyler of Fresno; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Garry was preceded in death by an infantbrother, Myron Edward Leindecker.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Free FuneralHome.
Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at the Fresno BibleChurch, with Pastors Chris Cutshall and Max McCullough officiating. Burialwill follow in South Lawn Cemetery.

Memoriums may be made to the TMM Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 455, Dayton,Tenn., 37321-0455 or the Fresno Bible Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 67,Fresno, Ohio 43824. Envelopes will be available at Free Funeral Home andFresno Bible Church.