It was a pleasure working with you. I still can't believe this. I know your light continues to shine bright. 

Hi Christopher DREW lienonen! I have never met you but I have read a lot about you. You were a very loving CARING humorous person with a great personality. You and Juan your husband to be was perfect you both were so happy. I'm so sorry this happened to you. Drew IT BROKE MY HEART TO FIND THIS OUT ON THE NEWS ABOUT YOU. broke my heart. Would have loved to have met you. You will never ever be forgotten. God bless you Juan your beautiful mom your friends and Juans family friends amen. R.I.P. DREW, JUAN!!

I didn't know you but you are almost the same age as my son Danny and I cried watching your mom on TV. You were an amazing son from what she said and a huge loss to all that knew you. I would have loved knowing you and your mom. 
Hugs 
Patti Boman 
A pflag mom

Drew have been blessed to have known you. I will remember you as one of the kindest souls I ever met. Sweet dreams. Cara

IF ONLY I KNEW
If I ew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I saw you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare and extra minute
to stop and say "I Love You,"
instead of assuming you would KNEW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be able to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say, "I Love You,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much "I Love You"
And hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
Young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be there last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Think about you every day, Christine. Stay strong and keep fighting. We all stand with you. Christopher will always be in our hearts

Your light and love shines on and you didn't die in vain. Deep and sincere condolences to your grieving mother. Shine on, young man.. ❤

Dear Christine, All the way from us, here in Michigan, to you and your son's friends, know that you will never be forgotten, always in our hearts. I pray for you everyday. I pray that you will find strength and courage. When my family experienced our tragic loss, we felt desperate. But with patience and love, I found that I could only deal with one day at a time. Dear friend, it's ok to feel sad. It's ok to cry. It's ok to take all the time in the future, to find your way. As you, I also, struggled with WHY?  I never found the answer, but I walked into my own calm space very slowly, and found the inner peace that helped me begin to believe in all the good things that he believed in. It calmed my soul, to connect with him on my terms, by myself.  That was the time, I knew how to think of the positive legacy left behind for me to pursue. No one else had any answers, solutions, remedies. I didn't think they understood. But, I needed to understand, just me. Please know, I share with you, in every moment. You were blessed to give birth to a joyous, wonderful, son, only you!!! Live through his eyes and heart. Feel his soul. You will find your way, I know you are strong. All of these loving kind people send you sincere love and kindness. I will continue to pray for your spirit, health and inspiration.  You have helped so many of us, tonight, at the DNC. You will realize that in the future. You were very courageous and genuine and I thank you for that. We all love you and your son's friends equally. Peace be with you all. Love from Michigan. Fran Garrigus

I didn't know Drew, but was very touched and overwhelmed reading about him on the social media and elsewhere. Such a FINE SOUL! So compassionate, helpful, so full of zest, LOVEthe list looks endless! As in life, in death too, he has left a profound & positive impact on so many people, which can be seen in the many posts about him, left in the wake of his passing!  In his very TRAGIC death, Drew has opened up his Life to countless souls all over the world, seemingly prodding them to get the best out of their LIVES!!! TO LIVE GOOD, TO LIVE HAPPY and TO ENJOY LIFE to its FULLEST! THIS IS HIS EVER LASTING LEGACY, which will be a guiding light, giving hope to many in the times to come! For this, he will be dearly remembered, not just by his family and friends, but even many others like me who did not know him in person, all across the globe!!! His mother and his closest friends were truly gifted to have him in their lives. 

He & Juan personified true LOVE! My heartfelt prayers, for them both to find eternal happiness together and for God to give strength to all their close ones, especially Christine, to bear this huge loss and cherish the very fond and happy memories forever!!! God Bless!!

I felt compelled to send this note of condolence.  As a 55 year old semi retired gay man, I had the time to read all that was provided by the media on this solemn event.  I was so touched by the love, care and concern that the Orlando community expressed.  In particular, you, Ms. Christine had so much taken from you and, in turn, provided through social media, an  avenue to know who your son is.  You opened your heart and revealed a very beautiful man.  In my entire life, based on what I have read, and seen on the instagram platform, never have I had the pleasure of seeing someone so completely balanced in all areas- family, social outlets, love, and career.  Christopher strikes me as a one a million man.  I would have loved to have known him personally.  Ms. Christine, you do get some of the credit too.  From what I can glean, you are a great mother.  I am sure that all who have  come in contact with him are blessed. He has a lot of the care concern, and love that you have, based on the interview I watched.  Juan, his fiance, is a lucky man. Although I do not know any of you personally, I do feel that  I have gotten to know all of you somewhat through the social media avenues that you provided.  I thank you for that opportunity. I do want you to know that I suspect the bright light of love, family, friendship, care and concern that I believe he possesses shall never diminish.  Energy cannot be destroyed, and neither can memories.  His light, as well as Juan's and the other men and women shall shine on forever in all of our hearts, minds, and bodies.  As a former middle manager for the NYC gay pride rally and parade, we honored all of you in Orlando, and we shall keep all of you in our hearts and prayers. I do know that all of us  shall meet some day. Physically, I will come to Orlando in the near future to honor those bright lights in person.  Ms. Christine, may God continue to provide you with strength, guidance and peace.  When in doubt, look up, God and Christopher will guide you.  May you and your loved ones continue to be richly blessed and comforted in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.  With warmest regards.

To Drew's mom:
I don't know you, and didn't personally know Drew, but please know that my heart weeps for you and your family. I watched your impassioned pleas on the television, trying to find your son, and wished I could hug you. As a mom, I can only imagine... I am so sorry for your loss. 
My son, Jesse, worked with Drew for a period of time at Lakeside. They were both assessors. He told me he how much he enjoyed Drew's wit and sense of humor, as well as his professionalism.
I also want to tell you that my son, daughter, another friend, and I were outside of St. Luke's during Drew's service. The boys joined with the angels guarding and protecting your family with Orlando's incredible love. This was so important to Jesse's friend, Hiro, that fact he's a paraplegic, making travel very difficult didn't matter.  He rode his wheelchair over a mile to the bus stop, and took the bus across town to be there in support. One of my daughters and I prayed for you out front. We were only a tiny drop of the overwhelming support there. I share this with you because I saw first-hand that Drew's memory and legacy have touched so many - he will never be forgotten.  May God bless you and keep you always... and give you peace. Much love, Jen

Don't stand on my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there; I did not die.

Such a handsome young man. Sending love from Canada.

I didn't know you but you seem to touch so many live unclueding mine I am so sorry for the loss may you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers to your mother and family!!!! R.I.P.

A loving tribute to your life. May your loved ones find peace and comfort during this troubled time. God bless you all. RIP Christopher.

You seemed to have lived a happy life, you knew many friends,  your name and memories will be talked of many times, I hope you and your partner live in love for eternity, always together. Peace brother.

My deepest condolences to the family.Please be comforted  knowing that God is there for you as a refuge during this sad time.

I did not know you, but from what I've seen you were the type of person that everyone wanted to meet in life, the kind of person who made the lives of everyone better. You and the 49 victims will NEVER be forgotten, and we will continue to fight for equality for ALL!! Rest In Sweet Peace!!

Rest in peace! I'm praying for your family and everyone else. We will never forget you and Juan and the 47 others.

Rest in Peace... Beautiful Angel. I never knew you, but I pray for your mother and your friends and family.

The world is a slightly less beautiful place now that you are gone. I wish you could see just how loved you are.

Hello, My name is Taylor Smith, I am also an Aetna employee and I want the family to know how much Drew meant to us.  I know you have been in contact with Nancy Kusinski and Nora (Social Workers from Aetna Life Insurance).  If you need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to Aetna as we are committed to helping everyone and anyone who needs our help.

RIP Christopher Drew Leinonen......You are way too soon to go at 32 years old......RIP dude bro.....deepest condolences.....

My hearts hurt for you and your family. Sending our love and prayers from Las Vegas.

I have been terribly affected by the deaths of Drew and Juan.   i certainly didn't know them but their is a special spirit that I feel emanating from the pictures of these two young men who wanted only to help people and be a light in the world.

May they rest in peace together for eternity and may the memory of them give solace and comfort to their families and friends.

I still fill with tears when I think about them or see their pictures.

Lorenzo Montoya
Oakland CA

May your Son rest in peace, my deepest sympathies
Laura Herzog
Vancouver, Canada

Precious Christopher....our hearts are shattered.  You will never be forgotten.  The special loving bond you shared with your Mother will
 live on always in your hearts.  So many beautiful tributes and wonderful words are being said to describe you.  You left a beautiful legacy upon this earth.  Please know I am praying for you and your family.  You were so LOVED.

My heart sank when I first saw Drews mom on tv, desperately trying to locate him...I can't tell your how utterly heartbroken I am for him his bf, their family, friends,..I wanted to do something..I didn't know what. I can draw a bit so I put my hands at that...Their love was is truly evident in their photos. May their love be eternal.

My partner Mark and I are grieving.  We never knew you or Juan but see so much of us in you and Juan's eyes.  We know how special you two were together.  Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family, Juan and his family and all your friends.  Your time was way too short on Earth.  We have no choice but to find some degree of comfort knowing Juan is right there by your side for an eternity.  True soul mates you are.  Me and Mark look forward to the day we meet you and Juan can give you guys a big hug.  You will never be forgotten.  Rest in peace, Rest in pride.

You will not be forgotten .. Sending love and strength to your mom

One thing I know for sure, every single day I will think of Drew, and every time I do, I'll smile.  I might have to wipe away a tear or two, but I'll smile.  For that, I'm grateful.  My heart is broken, but there are so many memories full of laughter and joy.   Drew -- you will never, ever be forgotten.  Rest in peace with Juan by your side.  I love you.

Words cant express the pain and suffering the world is feeling without you here.Your welcome smile and laugh,kind words and encouragement will be missed by everyone.
 May your Mom find peace knowing your with God and in a safe place.
Rest in peace my friend.

He was an amazing young man who was so full of life and love.  May he rest in peace.

Can anyone tell me where and when the visitation will be? Funeral time and date?  Place of Interment? Did the funeral occur already?

Prayers for you at this difficult time... God Bless you and keep your memories of Drew close... Love and Hugs

Dear Christopher - I wanted to say thank you for taking a stand at such a young age to bring gay and straight people together.  You made a difference in the lives of so many, and everyone in the LGBTQ community morns over you and the other victims.  Your legacy will live on through us!!  The first thing I heard about the shooting was a video clip of your mother looking for information on you. This broke my heart! However,  her most recent interview with Anderson Cooper filled my heart with so much comfort and happiness! The love you both shared for each other was evident by the big smile on your mothers face.  

To the Leinonen Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you all and the entire LGBTQ community is here for you!  Sending love to each of you!

Drew will be missed. May we find solace in knowing that one day we will meet again in the shelter of our loving God Almighty.

my prayers are with your family and your brave mother . I will miss you and the possibility of our growing friendship . Prayers always Drew xoxo

A Memorial Prayer of Thanks


Father, we thank you so much for the life of Christopher Andrew Leinonen. Today we celebrate all that he has given us and the legacy of his life on earth.

Thank you for what a good son he has been. We remember how he always supported us through the difficult seasons and rejoiced with us in the good times. 

Thank for the ways in which Christopher has given to our society. We think about what a kind neighbour Christopher has been, and his love for community life. May his many acts of service be a lasting light to us all. 

We praise you Lord for the working life of Christopher. We bring to mind some of his many achievements and thank you for the countless blessings that he left behind. 

Finally Lord, we are so grateful for Christopher. We will always deeply treasure him in our hearts and give thanks for everything he had given us.

Amen.

Read more: http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/times/funeral_prayers.html#ixzz4BrVM6f9R

I am a friend to 2 of Drew's co-workers.  They were referred to as the "Three Muskateers!"  I've never had the pleasure of meeting Drew but have learned what truly an amazing person he was.  My deepest condolences to his family and friends.  Much love & light!

Christine,

I know words, however kind, cannot mend your heartache, but I hope they at least console you. May the comfort of knowing that Chris is resting in the arms of Jesus comfort you in your time of sorrow. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.

Christine, Though we never knew your wonderful son personally, we are heartbroken.  I hope all of us can find the peace from love which you so beautifully demonstrate.  It is the finest way to honor him, Juan, and the many others;  you and they will always be in our hearts. Respectfully and with our sincere condolences,
Eric & Tom

Drew, You and Juan will forever be together in God's arms. Your mother, Christine is a strong woman who will not soon be forgotten for her compassion and love. You will be missed. Rest in peace for all eternity. ❤

Christine,
My heart goes out to you in this tragic loss. I saw you on TV in Arizona and my heart has been mourning along with you and the many other families affected by this senseless tragedy ever since. I pray for peace in your hearts, healing for your souls, mercy for the days that seem unbearably difficult and for love to surround you in the moments when you feel overwhelmed with sadness. Just breath, take one day at a time ... and embrace the memories.  May you find comfort and peace in the words penned at 1 Thessalonians 4:14

My daughter, Leana, is a friend of Drew's friend Catherine. I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a remarkable young man. I'm fighting for mass killing control.

may you rest in peace big guy . Much love from Dallas Tx .

Christine...I saw you on the news and since that day I cannot stop thinking of you and your son. I was saddened to see that he had passed but angered that this even happened to him at all. I too am the mother of a gay man. I cannot stop crying over the thought of the world losing any of these people. Your son's pictures almost remind me of my own son, Shaun. I hope your son and Juan continue to love in paradise as they did here on earth. I know we don't know each other, but God be with you and hold you in His arms through this time. God bless

My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you today and always. Your son seems like an incredible person who has positively affected the lives of so many. May his legacy live on. God Bless you and may He continue to give you strength. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to get to know Drew better. I am so very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry about the loss of your son, Christopher. From what I had read about him in the media, and photos I had seen of him at various events in his life, I could tell that he was a wonderful person. I wish that I could have known him. Cherish those memories that you had with him. I will cherish him, too.

To the Leinonen family,
My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of Chris. My heart and prayers are truly with you.

Kimberly M
Winston Salem, NC

Drew, I will always remember your smile. You have touched so many people personally and professionally. You will truly be missed. May your soul rest in the peace of the Lord. May your family find comfort and strength during this time.

Sending thoughts and endless prayers to this young man and the family he has left behind. May you find strength to get through this very tough time and peace knowing that your son was loved and adored by so many. I am so very sorry that this happened. Rest in peace.

I reside . . . with the one crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.Isaiah 57:15.

Dear Mark:
I'm so sorry for your loss. Let me know if you need anything during the coming days...

So very sorry for your loss, I can't imagine your anguish over the senseless murder of your son.  My name is Jennifer Leinonen Hodge and have a gay son age 34 named Michael Christopher Hodge. I worry about him every day of my life.  I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.  My grandparents were immigrants from Finland and  settled in Michigan many years ago.  Your son was a beautiful man inside and out.

RIP Dear Heart, your mother will miss you forever

Chris -- the boy I got to know in the nineties thanks to mom, Christine---we lived in close proximity and we did things like swim, go to beach on July 4, go to the $1 movies to watch Clint Eastwood....he always was willing to show people how to use his computer.....he was always pleasant and smiling....he was a blessed child...

So sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the special memories.

RIP, beautiful angel. I pray God comforts those who miss you immensely.


The Neeley's (Orlando,FL)

My prayers are going up to you all......RIP

Prayers, strength and heartfelt caring thoughts to your mom, family and friends. God Bless you guardian angel in heaven. RIP in paradise

Prayers of comfort, strength, and peace to the family. Rest in paradise Christopher.

Christine, 

I am so saddened by the tragic loss of your beautiful son Christopher.  I was his 7th and 8th grade English teacher at Bemis Jr. High.  He was a wonderful boy who, with your love and guidance, grew up to be an intelligent, responsible, and compassionate young man.  I am heartbroken for you and your family, and am lifting all of you up in prayer.  May you find comfort in knowing that he impacted so many people, myself included, in his short life. He will never be forgotten.

Prayers and Strength to your family.  You will not be forgotten.

As a fellow psychologist who happens to be gay, I pray your and your family find peace. Sending you and yours light and love.

Christine, No one can really understand the pain that you are going through unless they have experienced the hurt and pain themselves. Jehovah has experienced just such pain when his son was brutally put to death and laid in a grave for three days. He understands your pain and lovingly invites you to draw close to him. (James4:8)

Christine - I saw you on the news and couldn't stop thinking of you, your son and your family.  My deepest prayers are with all of you.  I'm so very sorry for the loss of a wonderful young man. (Maureen - Boston)

sorry for your loss.May you have peace and comfort during this most difficult time in your life.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Christopher. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that He cares. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Christine, words cannot express my sorrow for the loss of such a fine young man you raised. Without knowing you, I am confident that his qualities of being a wonderful human being came from you as his mother. Your unconditional love for your son, were with him all his life.Your acceptance of his partner, Juan, made them love you so much. There is no formula to help you get over this terrible loss. But, please find comfort in knowing that you had an amazing relationship in your sons life. I wish I had the opportunity to know this "perfect" son you had. Since you are planning a funeral instead of a wedding, find comfort they are together in eternity!!God bless ...

I am so very sorry for the senseless murder of your beautiful son Christopher. May God wrap you in his arms and hold you tight as you continue on...

Sending love and heart-felt sympathy to Christopher's family and friends ... holding all of you close in my thoughts and prayers.

Please accept our sincere sympathy in the tragic and senseless loss of your amazing loved one.  Palm Springs is grieving with you and will not forget your loss.

I'll never forget working at MHNet beside Drew.  We worked together for a year. Drew was a super smart guy that worked well with his customer base. He was a Star Wars fan. I had serious troubles learning the computer system and it was like he knew everything. He dedicated himself to helping others as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He was well-liked by his peer group. He could be counted on to do his work in an efficient manner. The world will lose a great soul that was here to help others along the way. Rest in Peace Drew.

Christine,

Since I saw you on tv Sunday morning, I have been checking online praying  that Christopher's name would be among the survivors. I am deeply saddened to learn otherwise. I felt the need to reach out to you and let you now the profound effect your interview had on total strangers. Your unconditional love for your son was very obvious and your raw emotions and grief are things people need to see to fully understand the effect of something like this. My words are inadequate but I am very sorry for your loss. Christopher sounds like someone I would have loved to have met.

Christine...I am so very sorry for the senseless loss of your son.  Your courage to share your pain of the agonizing hours of waiting to hear his fate touched me deeply.  I am holding you, Christopher, Juan,and all who have been touched by this tragedy close in my heart.

Christine, 
You are a very strong woman and your TV message was courageous! My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your beautiful son rest in peace. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Christopher, may your soul rest in peace as you and your loved one are now in heaven together, for the love you both share will be forever as soul mates! You are both now wrapped in the loving hands of the angels!  Sending you love and light...One Love - One Heart!
Mary Ann - Orlando

So sorry for your loss, may god be with you & your family.

I'm so terribly sorry for your inconceivable loss. Your son was a beautiful, amazing man. I suspect if I'd had the pleasure of knowing him, we'd have certainly been friends. We share the same high school alma mater and I'm currently working on becoming a psychologist. I will work that much harder to honor all that he achieved and had yet to achieve. He will never be forgotten. May God bless you and ease your suffering.

My deepest condolences are with the family of this young man and his boyfriend I seen  Christine leinonen on FB yesterday and she stuck with me I kept checking the list and hoping and praying he was alive and in the hospital being tended too, it really saddens me to hear of his passing. Listening to this mom talk about her son was heart wrenching I will keep her and all the families dealing with this tragedy in prayer God bless you all.

Sympathy for you and your family.  Your loss is felt throughout the world!!  You will be kept in my prayers!!

RIP Christopher! I am so sorry for your loss

My heart was breaking as you searched for your son...but it shattered when I saw his name among the victims. I cried for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have been thinking of you and your son all day.  I too have a young, handsome gay son and I love him as much as you love Christopher.  Your  interview touched my heart.  I am very proud of the fact that you let him be who he was born to be and fully supported him.
My heart breaks for you and your family.

OBITUARY

Christopher A. "Drew" Leinonen

1 June, 1984 – 12 June, 2016

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