Yesterday marked one year since we lost our beloved grandfather. They say that time heals all wounds, but I feel that those that loved you dearly will always feel that there is something missing in their lives. However, I firmly believe that we did not say goodbye to you one year ago, but instead we should say see you soon when we are all reunited with our father in heaven. Until then, we love you Pop pop, and I will revisit you in the many memories I have of you until we meet again.

Daddy, Hard to believe a year has gone since you passed on to heaven. I find it difficult to put into words how blessed I feel to have you as my Dad. You have left a legacy of love, laughter, kindness, hard work and tenacity that no one could ever surpass. Sending you one of those big hugs we shared so many times! Love and kisses, Tara

Well Dad, here we are; 
It has been 1 year since your passing. 
We have gone through our first Easter, Father's Day, 4th of July, Birthdays, Christmas and New Year without you being here with us. 
It has been hard not being able to, pick up the phone and tell you things that are going on; it looks like Tyler has gotten his first job in the field he went to school for, Sean is now driving “a street car”, Colton is doing well back here in New Jersey etc. and I know it's been hard on the boys not being able to talk to   you too.
I know you are seeing everything we are up to, smiling down on us, sometimes shaking your head. I just wish we could reach back out to you, hear your voice or give you a hug. I hope you are enjoying yourself and watching the show that is your family. 
Sending you our love, hugs and kisses now and for always!

Your loving daughter! oxoxox


Happy Anniversary Daddy! 
We celebrated with Mom yesterday in honor of all you both have given to us through your marriage and dedication to family. She looked beautiful as she opened the tree of life necklace we gave her. 

You've always provided a safe and loving home for us passing to us  the same values from your parents. We are so blessed to be given the gift of a loving dedicated family. The parents and adult's we've become are thanks to you and.Mom. 

Thanks for showing you are still here watching over us. Your visit to Mom in January while she was in the hospital appearing in your colorful welding cap hoses hanging over your shoulder coming to hug her with her parents and family in the distance. That visit meant so much. 

Then your visit to Lora reminder to Lora reminding her not to stress over everything was just what she needed to hear as they were building their new house.

Your ingenuity was passed to us all Reed emulates those qualities and steps in to help us girls and Mom in your absence.

We miss you Daddy but comfort comes in knowing you are pain free having all those big adventures with those we've loved and lost. Send them all our love we will all be together again when our time comes. Your loving daughter.

Happy anniversary Dad,
Everyone went to Moms to spead time with her on this day. But you 
already know that:)  I am sure today was difficult for her. Wish you were her to spend it with her.
I will always be smiling up at you!  Thinking of all the wonderful memories you and Mom have given me.    Oxoxox

I know what it is like to miss loved ones during the year, but holidays we feel our loss even greater.  We go on with our lives and daily routines, but our hearts still grieve. So our loved ones live in our hearts forever.

OXOX Merry Christmas Daddy! Missing you and wishing you were here OXOX,

Happy Birthday to a wonderful man who is loved and missed sooooo much by his family! Hope your having the best Birthday ever in our heavenly home, we'll join you there one day. Love you Daddy XOXO

oxoxoxox  Happy Birthday  oxoxoxox
       To the Man of my life,  My Hero,  
       My Iron man,  My Superman,  
         oxox  To My Father!   oxoxo

I have been reading all the messages that your children have been sending you.  I know that you have been a good dad and gave them all much love.  Look down and see what amazing things they have all accomplished because of you.  They all loved you and miss you.  I, myself haved missed knowing you.  May you be happy in Gods hands.

Celebrating Dad today in loving memories...miss  you.

Father's Day:
No card to send, No package to mail, No phone call to make.......

How do I celebrate a man who has always been there for me and my family? But one, who is no longer with us......

A man who was a great father? But one, I can no longer hug......

A father, who was a great teacher and friend? But one, I can no longer hear his contagious laugh......

Dad, I will celebrate you every day of my life! By thinking of all the wonderful memories you have given me......

                                  Happy Father's Day
                     Your Loving Daughter  OXOXOXOX

My father gave us the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in us. 

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,
 And a time to die;
A time to plant,
 And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
 And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
 And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
 And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
 And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
 And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
 And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
 And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
 And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
 And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
 And a time to speak;
A time to love,
 And a time to hate;
A time of war,
 And a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Thank you everyone for your kind words, lovely memories, and prayers. Miss you Pop

Although I know he is with us as we live our lives each day..I long for a time when we are all together again in the here and now. I know Pop was happy the night they arrived home, we surrounded him, most of his kids, their spouses, grandkids and even some great grandkids. That little (well not so little we're a lg grp) gathering to welcome Mom & Dad turned out to be more special than anyone could have anticipated. We long for more.of those times when we are together. Miss you a lot Ironman, our Dad.

Pop, flying, and his never stop approach to learning:

Pop was an avid pilot.  Much of the time we spent together was at airports around Northern NJ.  For me it all started at Trinca airport in rural Sussex county NJ.  Pop would take me there while he worked with Pete Billow to hone his piloting skills.  They would practice MCA's, banked turns, touch and go's, as Pop worked his way up to an airplane large enough to carry the whole family.  I loved those times.  After helping remove the pitot cover, aileron lock, cowl blocks and tie downs, I was free to run around the airport.  J3 Cubs, Stearmans, airport cats and corn fields were my playground.  Trinca was a tranquil and beautiful little grass strip made richer by Pete and Roxanne, the people who ran it. 
   
Took my first flight with Pop, truth is I learned how to fly long before I learned to drive.  Once in the air Pop would give me the controls while he checked the charts, EGT's, wind correction, etc..  He taught me how to use the yoke to control altitude and role.  All before I could even see over the panel or reach the rudder pedals.  Knowingly or not, Pop was preparing me for unusual attitude recovery.  Pete Billow would be my first flight instructor.  Pete was a tough teacher, and he taught Dad well.  Remind me to tell you a short story of just how tough Pete was.

Shooting approaches, yes, we did many of them.  Once Pop mastered VFR flight, he began upgrading planes and instruments.  By the time I was able to see over the dash panel, he was shooting approaches and working on his instrument rating.  ILS, localizer, glide slope, weather ceiling, and on and on.  It was an alphabet soup that I barely understood.  Instead of Unicom's, Pop traded in the grass field of Trinca for the pavement and control towers of Northern NJ.  He didn't stop there.  Pop's insatiable appetite for learning kept on going all the way through his multi-engine and commercial ratings.  

When he moved over to Sussex airport, I remember flying with Pop and Frank Kirchoff.  These two characters that always seemed to be comparing to each other.  Pop's “Mix-Master” against Frank's Mooney.  Who had the best climb, cruise and fuel burn?  It was the way they perfected their piloting.

Pop was occasionally a speed demon.  He used to get the Skymaster 20 feet off the runway, retract the gear, build speed and as the end of runway filled our windscreen, whoosh, Pop pulled back on the controls.  We were pinned back in the seat and all we saw was blue sky and puffy clouds as my stomach sank.  When he finally pushed the controls forward we were still going fast enough to get weightless.  For a young boy, it was the coolest thing ever!  The sensation of speed was rooted in my mind for life.  

What was next?  Was there anything Pop hadn't learned about flying?  He wasn't done yet;  Pop's next big challenge was to fly on water.  He traded in the pavement of Sussex Airport for the rivers of New Jersey.  Pop's next great flying adventure was with seaplanes.  First time watching Pop taxi a plane down into a river, it was then I realized it was as much about Sailing as is was flying.  The river's current quickly took over.  After Pop's seaplane certification he picked up a Lake amphibian and our journeys took on true adventure status.  Places like the Long Island sound, and Barnegat bay became our runways.  It allowed Pop to mix two of his favorite loves, boating and flying.

The many trips our family took to New Hampshire, Florida to see Grandma and Grandpa, fly-ins to meet the Kirchhoff's, the Jersey shore for summers, Tennessee to see Lorraine or Tara.  Many destinations made better by the mode of transport.  Pop's love for flying enriched our lives with memories few can claim.

In what only seems like the end, I can assure you Pop is up there right now “square rooting” it.  This time he's traded in the grass, pavement and water runways of New Jersey for the light of Heaven.  

Thank you for the wonderful memories.

I knew Olaf Linae Spinnanger simply as "Uncle Lenny" and sometimes as "Crazy Uncle Lenny."  My favorite memory of him is the time he brought up a bunch of fireworks from Florida (where they are legal) to NJ (where they are illegal) for the 4th of July.  He stood out right in the middle of the street lighting off fireworks for his grandkids and nephews and to be honest I don't know who was grinning bigger--him or the kids.  Then the cops showed up and all the kids ran, but Uncle Lenny just struck up a conversation with them and feigned ignorance.  "Oh? Fireworks are illegal in NJ? I had no idea! I'm from Florida, you see..."  He tried to talk the cops into letting him set off all the fireworks at once rather than having the cops confiscate them, but it was no deal. Still, his friendliness paid off and the cops didn't give him a citation--they just took the bag of fireworks with them and left. Of course all of the kids were bummed... until Uncle Lenny took a second bag of fireworks out of the car and walked us all up to the beach to light them off!

We'll miss you Uncle Lenny.  I can't think of you without smiling and I'm happy to read that's how most people posting on this guestbook will remember you as well.  Thanks for being a bright part of all our lives.

As my son had his first graduation service yesterday, my heart smiled a little, I could feel your presence, watching over my sweet, innocent little boy as he received his first diploma, ever. In my head I could picture that proud smile across your face. That big-hearted smile that I've looked up to for 24 years. My mind floods with so many wonderful memories with you and Mor-Mor, over all the years. Unexpectedly, you were taken away from us...to serve as our own personal angel. I cherish the memories & many years I did get to spend with you. And from here I know it's not good-bye, it's until we meet again in heaven, please keep a good eye over our beautiful family. Love you, Pop.

Cousin Joan.  I am so sorry to hear the news of your husband, Len.  After many years it was so good to see the two of you at our recent family reunion.  He will be surly missed by your family.  After reading the many stories, I missed out in knowing this great man.  He was very special to your family.  God give you strength and love during this difficult time.  Love Carol Anne

My Dad was the “Man of Steel”, the super hero in my life rescued me on many occasions, never judging, always willing to listen, and whether he shared a Strong Opinion or Words of Wisdom, he accepted us unconditionally.

Dad was an explorer, always seeking new adventures and new ideas. He shared that love of knowledge with everyone and enriched all our lives. As children he took us to the sky, so we could view the patchwork quilt of our lives, all the parts and pieces that make us who we are. Through the clouds, over colorful fields and towns, through storms and over mountains, he took us east to Long Beach Island and the great Atlantic Ocean.  

At the shore we enjoyed the salty breeze, sun glistening on the never-ending waves breaking on the shore, the sand washed over our feet until they were enveloped, as we were with love and security. He gave us the great joy of living a block from the Ocean, two blocks from our Great Grandmother's, and across the street from our beloved Nan and Hon. Spending summers together with four generations showed us the importance of family and shared experience that endures time. 

Though you left us too soon, your strength, wisdom, love and immense dedication to your family and friends, will forever live in our hearts.  

Eternally Your First Born and Loving Daughter, Lorraine

Uncle Len always had a special way of always making me feel like I was the only one in the room. I have so many wonderful memories of him (most from the Sparta House) and find myself describing him as my "fun" uncle to my children. I really wish that they could have met him and witnessed his Larger than Life personality for themselves. I am truly gonna miss him and so very glad that he was a part of my life.

     Len was my cousin and my friend and I join with so many others in saying that his passing is a great loss to his family and those who love him. He had a bigger than life personality and was truly a force to all who knew him. He had an amazing intellect, joyful sense of humor and possessed the wisdom of the ages. But most of all I will always remember his personal warmth and generosity of spirit. 
     One of the many memories that lingers is when he and Joan visited us in California in 1965 and were “snowed in” during a visit to Lake Tahoe with my parents, Len's Aunt Louise and Uncle Norman. Because of the storm, their return trip home was delayed by several days, but my parents loved every minute of the extended visit. My mother always referred to Lenny as her “first son” and describes how she and her sister, Ruth, “shared him” when he was born. My mother loved being Auntie Weeze. 
        
     I am so happy to have been privileged to spend time with those members of Len and Joan's family who have ventured to California and spent time with us. I hope there will be more time for us to visit with each other in the future.

"A man's most 
lasting influence
on the world
is seen in the faces
of his family...
in the light in their eyes
when they talk about him...
in the love they'll hold onto forever.
Here's to a good man,
the life he lived,
the hearts he touched,
the legacy he left behind"

Joan,  so sorry to here about Len.  It was so good seeing you and Len at the reunion. I am glad I was able to go.  My prayers are with you and the children. All My Love In-Jesus-Name Aunt Angie

Pop, Books, and Spirituality:

Few people who knew Pop would have accused him of being overly spiritual.  If you were ever fortunate enough to listen to the many counterpoint conversations Pop and Grandma (Ruthe) had (yes, I jest), it was evident.  

Unlikely as it may seem, my experience in our time together was frequented by an undercurrent of the eternal.   Just like Pop was constantly learning new trades and skills, he also seemed to be searching for answers that transcend.  It spanned the simple messages of motivation and success for all, to the complex and esoteric keys of understanding, cause, affect, and creation.

For me, it all started when Pop introduced me to the author Richard Bach as a pre-teen in the 70's.  I thought it was just interesting stories about flying and that he was trying to motivate me to read more.  From Jonathan, through Illusions, A Bridge, and to One, it was about far more than just flying.  The many beautiful journeys we've taken and the enduring spirit in every one of them.  Pop started me on a path.

Seemingly small contributions that Pop gave me from Napoleon Hill and Stuart Wilde in the 80's.  There was always a message in there.  Some were subtle, some not so much ;-).  What we thought, what we believed, and why it mattered.  Far more was written about then just the title or subject.

When Pop gave me a couple Jane Roberts books in the 90's, I was unable to grasp them.  Each sentence  caught me still.  Two decades since, I am starting to understand.  The Nature of Personal Reality is one of my favorite books.  The responsibility we all have for ourselves and what we create is sobering.

Over time, Pop has handed me many books from many authors.  He was the first person to introduce me to Eckhart Tolle in 2000's.  From the Power of Now, to Stillness Speaks and A New Earth I learned who “I” really was.  Each time my interest started to wane, Pop was right there with another book.

Ultimately the last great written work Pop introduced me too was A Course In Miracles.  Eight years since, I'm rereading or listening to it nearly daily.  When digging through Pop's books a few years ago, I found an early hardcover copy of the course.  He was ahead of his time.  If anyone finds that copy, I would love to have it as a keepsake.

So, what was this man, my father, trying to tell me?  How could he speak so atheistically yet consistently be searching for meaning and understanding?  I think his mission here was to reach us, give us what we needed most, and nudge us a little further along the path. 
 
Thanks to Pop, here is a reoccurring truth found in the books he gave me.  Although there is no universal theology, there is indeed a universal experience.  That regardless of how we perceive the world, the labels and symbols that speak to each person in every time, we are all connected, as one, with our creator, always.

With love from a grateful son, Reed.

Richard & I will miss Len's great sense of humor, his infectious grin & contagious laughter, his remarkable knowledge of & insights about current events, politics, economics, you name it, he had read a book on the subject!.   He was really one of the  "good guys" & will be greatly missed!  My son John commented the other day, that not only he & his brother, Jared  had grown up with Uncle Len in their lives, but that I too I had "grown up" with him! -- And he was right.  I've known Lenny since I was 13 years old! -- when you two were just 'going steady!  Our prayers are with you, sis, and your family.   All my love, H&K's too! -- Barbara Joy

One story I have been told since I can remember is how when I was a baby my Uncle Len was the very first person to make me laugh, ever. He did that by leaning over me and dropping a cassette tape out of his pocket and onto my head. Other than that, I will probably never forget his voice, so much like my dad's but with more of that Jersey accent. He meant a lot to my dad, myself and all of us, I loved my Uncle Len and I will always miss him.

My fondest memories ...LBI. How special Len and Joan are to my family. I grew up with you and your children. What a blessing it was to have Uncle Len as part of my life and the memories will always be treasured. Love, Lisa Dell'Armo - Kosmala

He will be very much missed ,had so many great times with him if not at the thousand islands or down the jersey shore or all the way back to the sparta house , He was a big part of my kids life karins and mine ,it wont be the same with out him here . all our love to you joan.

May you find Comfort in Remembering your Father: "Memories of those we love live forever in our hearts."

Lorraine, 
  Your father.. you'll see his reflection and hear his voice echo in the things he left behind-- in the memories that will touch you when you least expect them.. in the stories he shared.. the family traits he passed down.. in the love that will keep him close to your heart forever. 

With Sympathy at This Sad Time,

Pop-pop was the only grandfather I ever knew; and was the funnest person to spend the summer with. There's so many memories I have with him, but my favorite memory is when I was little he told me he got kicked out of the 3rd grade for not shaving, and since he was my poppop of course I believed him, for yrs I believed him until one day a cousin of mine told me he was joking and I remember being so surprised. He always made the people around him laugh and was the rock for all of the women in our family. I love you Pop & I know I'll see you sooner than later. <3 x0x0

My brother was also my best friend.My world is very much diminished by this
loss. He was much loved by all of us. I will miss him forever.My condolence to
Joan and all his children,grand-children,great grand-children. I loved him very much. Love Uncle David

Trying to find the words to say about a man who will be so deeply missed just brings me to tears. My Pop was such a great man, grandpa and great grandpa. He had the greatest smile and laugh, I can hear it now. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren so much. He used to always say "Children are what it's all about, they make life worth living". He was meant to be a grandpa. I only have good memories of him. So many in fact it is hard to choose ones to share. I fondly remember our summers in FL and at the shore in NJ with both Pop and Mor Mor. Whether it was trips to McDonald's or “Mickey D's” as he always called it, the book store, toys-r-us, going up in his plane or to the beach, we always had fun. He would drive crazy, zig zagging just to make us laugh, we would give him “tickets” for his driving and not wearing his seat belt.  The one trip that stands out the most to me was one I took from FL to NJ, just me and Pop in his little pickup truck with no AC. It was an adventure, we stopped at “South of the Border” in SC to see the big Sombrero Tower, he made sure I had fun. I was also lucky enough to spend time with Pop and Mor Mor when Joey and I lived in FL for a year, it was nice having them close by. Pop always lit up when he saw Hailey, I am so glad he got to take her for the very special “bookstore” trip, not only once but twice. As he always did with us kids he let her pick out any book she wanted and as she grabs an Elmo doll and a star magic wand he said “She can get those too, anything she wants”. That's just how he always was, so loving and fun. I am so thankful to have had him in my life for as long as I did, I will keep him in my heart forever. Lora, Joey and Hailey Sergen

As long as I can remember, Mormor and Poppop have always been there. Even though our families lived far apart, our families would always make the effort to spend time together. Growing up, my grandparents lived far away, which is uncommon in the south, but I never felt like our bond was lessened because of this. Mormor and Poppop have always gone out of their way to see us grandkids. I remember many summers spent with them as a child. I so appreciate all of the family members that made this a possibility. If not for them, I would not have the awesome memories of Poppop that I cherish now that he is gone. We love you Mormor and think of you daily.

Dear Family and Friends,
Our children and I are still having sad moments but it helps to hear all the wonderful messages of how Len touched so many lives. 
Len's mother Ruthe says it so well in her poem "Pebbles" (it is on the Memorial site). It is an observation on how, without even thinking about it, in so many small ways, we affect other people and Len certainly did that. 
Time and the prayers of so many who care are helping us through this sorrow.
Thank you,

    "PEBBLES" 
       by 
Ruthe T. Spinnanger



The silent circles
multiply 
by word or pebble
thought or dream
and who can tell
from pebbles cast
into the pools
of life or stream
upon what shores 
the rippling circles 
rest.

I remember, many years ago, when I was a young boy, I was staying with Nan and Hon on Long Beach Island.  Uncle Lenny and Aunt Joan were visiting at the time and for some reason or another I was by myself.  With a big smile on his face, Uncle Len asked me if I wanted to go to breakfast and I took him up on the offer.  I remember heading north into Surf City where we went to a little café.  While we ate Aunt Joan and Uncle Len asked me all about how I was doing in school and what I was interested in, catching up with me.  It was a great morning, full of laughs, and it really made my day.  I honestly don't ever remember seeing Uncle Len without a smile on his face and it was never too long between laughs.  Thanks for the great memories Uncle Len.  My condolences to the Spinnanger family.

1957 Kinderkamack Road, Hillsdale, my friend Joan brought Lenny to meet me.  Much to the surprise of all, we met through his fried Bill Zuidefliet a year or so before.  Joan, Lenny and I had a laugh.  A laugh is how I remember Lenny the last time we were together.  May we remember the joy because joy shared is twice the joy.  And my wish for the entire Spinnanger Family is the the sorrow I share in the news of his passing will make half the sorrow for you.  Love to you all.

When I was little he had a way of saying things to help me feel better...like "anyone ever tell you you're beautiful". I'd say "yeah you!" He would take us out for our birthday just you and him. He would let you get anything you wanted, one time for me it was a gerbil..as I got older I would choose jewlery! Dad had many interests which allowed us to experience a lot of things growing up. Not every family had a summer home on Long Beach Island and an airplane to fly to the Danburry Fair or live in a huge house with 25 rooms. Dad Was a good father, a great provider and loved his family very much. Before he retired he would take summers off and be with Mom and all the Grandkids (sometimes 5 or 6 of them at a time) in Florida those kids had the best time down there and great memories of our larger than life Dad. I'm a lucky girl! Dad we miss you.

THE BEST BROYHER-IN-LAW EVER. ALWAYS FULL OF FUN AND HIS CRAZY WISDOM.WHICH I YEARS LATER FOUND OUT TO BE TRUE. ALWAYS AHEAD OF HIS TIME. I AM HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AND HAVE HAD HIM IN MY LIFE. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM-

Tara,
I was so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I didn't know him well, but I do remember him as a very nice man. My deepest condolances to all of you.
Merrill Keenan

As a child growing up Lenny was a free spirit fun loving person in my memories.....I am so very sorry for your loss.....you are all in my thoughts and prayers....

What a man. Good to his family, loyal to his friends, welcoming to everyone. Lenny was a guy with strong opinions on everything but his warm nature kept disagreements from becoming disagreeable. He loved the give-and-take more than he needed to be right. I've had the privilege of being welcomed into the extended Spinnanger family and know that we are all stunned and saddened by the loss of this indestructible influence on our lives. Lenny was one of those rare people who we measure ourselves by. Though he is gone all those who knew him will carry his example with them for the rest of their lives. He will be sorely missed.

Pop, i found my self grabbing my phone today and scrolling to your name to call you like i usually do when i have some time to kill and realized i couldn't, i will always love and miss you pop and i will never forget everything you taught me about life and all of the laughs and good times i always had with you. i love you pop

A fond childhood memory of mine is Len trying to ride a skateboard down my parents very steep driveway.    I can still remember that deep hearty contagious laugh. 
Joan,  my families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Yeah Len I miss you,
I'm so glad we had time together last summer. You were one of the people I loved to be with. 
Love to all Len's dear ones,
Richard

dear joan  so sorry to hear the news of lenny passing.. I am at a loss for words. I am glad I had the chance to see you both at the reunion,  My thoughts and prayers are with you all, love Aunt Anna

Dear Dad,
I don't know how to say good-by.....
Where do I find the words to explain just how much I love you and how much you will be missed.  
Normally when we part, I am left with a warm tight hug and the promise of seeing you again. 
I could not have asked for a better father and I am grateful for the time we had.   But; I long for more.....
You have left me with great memories that I will hold onto, tightly throughout my years to come.
Since I can not say good-by.....
 I leave you with the promise of seeing you again.......
                                                                                              Your loving Daughter......

Dear Joan & Family

So sorry for your loss.

Caryle Dell'Armo

   I was so very sorry to learn of Uncle Lin's passing. I'm sure I don't have to tell you the special place we all hold in our hearts for him. I'm equally sure, however, that it won't surprise you to learn that shock and sadness at hearing of his loss are at least partially offset by fond memories that have flooded my mind and heart today.
    If you'll indulge me a few, I would first offer that my recollections of your dad are bracketed by childhood images of the larger than life character who used to stand on his head and more recently of the caring brother who dropped everything to be with my father and mother following dad's stroke.
  In the middle are countless stories of flat tires flying past welding rigs on the Tappan Zee (I think) bridge, of misguided motorists competing for parking in Manhattan with that same welding rig, of tailgating Oradell policemen, BB guns, the real reason for my father's bald spot and why I don't need to skydive; of old pilots versus crazy pilots and the simple, pure joy of stick and rudder flying.  
  All of these great memories, many of which are largely about how he told the stories as much as the events themselves, frame a man who lived life to its fullest, and maybe even a step or so beyond! 
  Almost exactly 25 years ago he put a book in my hand and took my on a glider ride that ultimately put me in the Air Force! In recent years, time and geography were erased with phone calls and trend trading tips, an occasional story about my dad--who I've learned was bit of rapscallion in his own right-- and two cherished cups of coffee; one after midnight near my home and one in my parents kitchen. 

In closing, I would offer what I hope are both words of encouragement and maybe something of a descriptor for how your father lived life:
Philippeans 3:13-14--Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Our blessings and prayers are with you, your mother and all who today are saddened by his passing, but also are remembering fondly Lin, dad, Uncle Lin, pop pop, and a few other nicknames I've heard that make me smile but which I ought not close with!
Love, Jeff 
.

Dad is my personal hero. Our family is saddened by his passing. His spirit is ever present in our hearts.

We were to saddened to hear Lenny passed away. Remember spending time with you all in Wanaque and Sparta when the kids were little..many years ago...I know Frank and Lenny had a special bond with many common interests. I hope you find comfort in good memories. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Love Frank and Mary

just heard we lost my uncle lenny. I have many wonderful memories of the whole family. Lenny will be missed.

I Love & miss you soo much pop but I just know you're lookin down on all of us & are in a better place now.

One of the best parts of living a long life is having the pleasure of a long friendship with someone, who lived life to the fullest like dear Len. Blessings and love to Joan, Lorraine, Tara, Karen, Reed and their families. My thoughts are with you.  Carmen Caro

Sorry for your loss Joan. It was fun knowing you Lenny. We will miss you. Love Cathy and Jerry Waters

OBITUARY

Olaf Linae Spinnanger

September 8, 1938 – April 29, 2013

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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