Leland Alan Williams

-Proverbs 20:7

Good-bye! A kind good-bye,

I bid you now, my friend,

And though ‘tis sad to speak the word,

To destiny I bend

And though it be decreed by Fate

That we ne’er meet again,

Your image, graven on my heart,

Forever shall remain.

Aye, in my heart thoult have a place,

Among the friends held dear,-

Nor shall the hand of Time efface

The memories written there.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens

(Mark Twain)

Today we say goodbye to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A biography of facts and a timeline of his life experiences would not convey the sense of who he was as a man, nor would it do justice to our memory of him. He was truly a great man, and we honor his greatness today.

Great. Such a small word that carries so much meaning:

Adj. 1. Comparatively large in size. Physically no, but Lee’s heart and mind, yes.

2. Exceptional, notable, dignified, first-rate, extraordinary, outstanding, distinguished, noble.

Lee was all these things and so much more.

Just as a biography could never describe the depth of his character, a list of lofty adjectives will never be enough to tell us who he truly was. You simply had to know the man.

To know Lee, you would have realized he was an avid arms collector and enthusiast. From the time he was a boy, admiring heroes like Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, and Hopalong Cassidy, Lee’s fascination with all things “cowboy” followed him well into adulthood and it only grew with time.

To know Lee, you would have appreciated that he was a talented and determined craftsman. Following in his own father’s footsteps, Lee expressed his creativity through woodworking and whittling. Overcoming his handicap (which he would never refer to as such), he worked tirelessly with one hand to produce beautiful pieces of art, many of which he generously gifted to loved ones and friends.

To know Lee, you would have recognized his appetite for knowledge which he obtained through his large collection of books which he consumed voraciously while listening to the soothing sounds of his favorite composers and musicians. He loved to share his knowledge and wisdom. If you were willing to listen, you would be privileged to receive a comprehensive lesson on many a subject!

To know Lee, you would have observed the overwhelming adoration he had for his grandsons, Augie and Zander. He would stare at them in awe as they performed the most rudimentary tasks and you knew, by the look in his eyes and how they would tear up, that his heart was bursting with pride.

To know Lee, you would have witnessed his strong, yet gentle, manner with which he cared for his children, Michael and Laurie. They looked to him for sage advice and guidance which he gave expertly, all while leading by example to ensure their own successes in life. When his children married, Lee embraced their spouses, Brandon and Diana, with a welcoming arm and he loved them as if they were his own.

To know Lee, you would have seen the tender, yet ardent, love he shared with his wife of nearly 55 years, Marty. Theirs was a love founded on a solid friendship which blossomed into a beautiful romance. As college sweethearts, Lee and Marty married promptly after graduating and their marriage endured due to mutual respect, shared values, patience, selflessness, forgiveness…and joy! His devotion to her, and hers to him, was rare and glorious. It was to be revered and emulated. It was a testament to his character and who he truly was.

To know Lee was an honor, a privilege. His image is graven on all our hearts and time shall never efface the memories written there.

Please join us at an Open House Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 27, 1-4 p.m. in the Saguaro Room at Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes.