Lea and Louise LITTLE

      • Lea’s Story 1967

        LEA’S STORY 1967


        Taken from this out of print book: Mel Larson, “114 Ways to the Mission Field: Testimonies of Evangelical Free Church Missionaries” (Minneapolis, Minnesota: Free Church Publications, 1967), 138–41.

        TWO YEARS UNDER THE COMMUNISTS


        A missionary call to Rev. Lea Little, now serving in Japan, is just one aspect of a basic call to discipleship. He phrases it as follows:

        "The call to follow Christ as His disciple is a lifetime call, an unchanging call. The Holy Spirit directs in a specific ministry and place. That may change, but there should always be the deep, abiding assurance that 'I am here doing this in the will of God.' My call has not been spectacular but it has been deep and abiding. I have never doubted my call during trying experiences. These include two years under the Communists in West China, four years of separation from my fiancée during the China upheaval, evacuation and closing of the door to China, language difficulties in Japan, sickness both personal and in the family, frustration in the work of evangelism and the necessity of changing mission boards. The assurance of being in God's will is a bulwark against discouragement during the most difficult experiences.”

        Lea Little's grandfather was a pioneer farmer in Northwest Canada, coming by covered wagon and settling 300 miles past any railroad. As a boy Lea thrilled with the pioneer stories of the Indians, fording rivers, walking 80 miles for supplies, sleeping out in 10 below weather, etc. There was no positive Christian influence in the home, although his mother was a nominal Christian at the time. His father is as yet unconverted. The family attended a modernistic church and Sunday school and were under its influence until Lea was 12. During his teen years Lea was influenced strongly by an atheistic, Communistic high school teacher in their village school. His life centered on sports, movies and the dance hall.

        Two experiences turned him toward God before his actual decision. The first was the sudden conversion of an older brother. Their grandfather had been converted as a young man in Missouri but had backslidden through the pioneer isolation and the influence of a liberal church. He came back to the Lord when he was 60 years of age and invited students from a Bible school to hold a summer Gospel ministry in that area.

        Lea's brother was converted through these Bible school students. It brought an abrupt change in his life. Lea continued to be antagonistic to the Gospel but he could not help but see the change in the life of his brother. He concluded his brother had something he did not have, even as he realized a need for it.

        A second experience came when he faced death. During the winter of 1942 he was employed by an oil company on the Alcan highway to Alaska. In a dynamite explosion he saw four or five firemen burned to death. He narrowly escaped. He for the first time sensed a deep fear of death and a conviction of sin, knowing he was not prepared to meet God.

        His conversion came one summer after he returned to the farm. Six local Christians held cottage prayer meetings and one time the group was invited to their home by his brother. Lea tried to escape being present, but God had arranged things so he was forced to attend. He saw real Christians on their knees praying for the first time. Deeply convicted, he attended an evangelism service in the back of an old village garage and heard the Gospel preached by a Bible school student. After the meeting Lea sought out the evangelist and professed his faith in a brief, faltering prayer. He was …(?)

        His call to missionary service came when about 20. He was operating his father's large grain farm. Because he wished to learn he enrolled in a Moody Bible Institute correspondence course. After long hours of outside work he often fell asleep over the lessons at night. This desire to study and the frustration of trying to do it at night, made him anxious to attend Bible school. He hired men to run the farm and entered Bible school during the winter. His older brother, upon his conversion, sold his farm, went into training and into the ministry.

        Three things influenced him toward the field: First, the presentation of missions in Bible school courses. Second, missionary literature such as magazines, biographies like Borden of Yale. Third, missionary contacts and missionary conferences. The main factor that led him to the China Inland Mission staff in his early years was their literature. He made his first contact with the mission a year before graduation. The Word of God indicated he should go to the field. Circumstances indicated he should go. Other than a feeling of personal inadequacy there was no hindrance in the way of his going. He was physically able.

        Though his unconverted father was disappointed in such a move, he did not oppose it. Finally, the conviction of the Holy Spirit made him know "This is the way. Walk ye in it." He had a growing burden for China. Each major step taken was accompanied by peace of heart. He graduated from Bible school in the spring and by fall sailed for China under the China Inland Mission. He later transferred to the board of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

        Lea Little adds these concluding words,

        "I've noticed that God reaffirms His call to me during each furlough. As I'm getting older there is a stronger temptation to covet the ease and security of the homeland. This is of course the delusion of the devil. It is not easier, nor is it more secure to serve at home. Nonetheless, the temptation is there. it is more accurate to say that the Holy Spirit faithfully recommissions me on each furlough and sends me back again fully assured that it is the will of God to serve again in Japan."

        That is where he is today.
      • Louise’s Story 1967

        LOUISE’S STORY 1967

        Taken from this out of print book: Mel Larson, “114 Ways to the Mission Field: Testimonies of Evangelical Free Church Missionaries” (Minneapolis, Minnesota: Free Church Publications, 1967), 141–42.

        CHINA .. HONG KONG .. JAPAN


        The door to China opened for her to go without a young man in whom she was interested. They put God first and she went to China alone. A few years later he followed. By that time her area was under Communist control. Her husband-to-be's missionary group had fled. It was two more years before they met in Hong Kong. They were married there.

        Today Mrs. Lea (Louise Davis) Little is serving in Japan.

        They had been unable to get back into China. In their first terms they were affiliated with the China Inland Mission but later transferred to the Evangelical Free Church of America.

        Mrs. Little was reared in a Christian home in Peace River, Alberta. She made a stand for Christ at the age of 15, but later backslid. When she began teaching school she left her Christian home and lived more and more in the world until she could no longer be recognized as a follower of Christ. At 22 she married an unconverted man. Nine months later he died of cancer which developed as the result of a war injury. This all happened in a short time. To her it meant a sad ending to all she had planned for her life.

        "Mother and father never ceased to pray for me," she relates. "God was working in His own way to answer their prayers. That same summer a friend invited me to attend Riverside Bible Camp. Rev. David Enarson was preaching. Matthew 6:24 was emphasized frequently and I was made to see that I could not serve two masters. On the second night of camp the Holy Spirit worked in my heart. As I made my way down the sawdust trail to the altar I turned my life completely over to God. I covenanted with Him to go to Bible school and then to any mission field He would choose for me. Heaven was very real that night and God so close that those hours have never been erased from my memory."

        A few years later, Bible school days over, she headed for China under the China Inland Mission. Those were exceedingly difficult days in China, but God saw her through and brought her and her fiancé, Lea Little, safely out of China to Hong Kong where their wedding took place. Now at the beginning of their fourth term they are again experiencing the faithfulness of God. She explains, "We have a responsibility toward our own four children and toward the Japanese people. Through God we shall endeavor to meet the challenge of both. God has been faithful, even as He promised He would."
      • Louise’s Story 2012

        LOUISE’S STORY 2012


        As told by her children at her memorial service on April 18, 2012. Louise lived a full and vibrant 94 years, November 28, 1917 – April 10, 2012.

        Louise Little was born November 28, 1917 in Sedley, Saskatchewan, to William and Bessie Davis. She was the middle child and had two sisters--elder sister Marjorie and younger sister Ella. When Louise was 12, the family moved to Peace River, Alberta. Her father worked for the railway and her mother was a homemaker. Louise often spoke of her junior high and high school years in Peace River, the fun she had with school friends, and the close relationship she shared with her two sisters.

        At age 19, Louise moved to Camrose, Alberta, to complete teachers’ training, and from age 20 to 28, she taught in various rural Alberta communities in one room schools with all grades of students, lodging with local families. At age 28, she married Ronald Thomas and was widowed within the year. Although Mom rarely spoke of this period, she considered this sorrow at such a young age to be a turning point in her life. The summer of Ronald’s death she attended Riverside Bible Camp where one evening she recommitted her life to God with a renewed openness to his purpose for her and an emerging desire to go to the mission field. In her own words, “Heaven was very real that night and God so close that those hours have never been erased from my memory.” She subsequently entered Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith, Alberta, where she studied for two years.

        In her second year, she met Lea Little, who had grown up in northern British Columbia as the child of farmers, had experienced his own conversion and call to the mission field, and had also decided to attend Peace River Bible Institute. They began to get to know one another during this year and, when Louise left for China with the China Inland Mission in 1947 at age 29, they had an understanding of their commitment to one another. Lea also joined the China Inland Mission and went to China two years later as part of the 49ers, the last group of missionaries to enter China before the Communist takeover. Louise was stationed in eastern China (Anwhei) while Lea was stationed in western China (Chungking). Lea arranged for an engagement ring to be delivered to Louise through a mission representative.

        Due to the Communist takeover in China, Louise was placed under house arrest. Louise had many stories to tell of the challenges and adventures she experienced during these years, such as digging holes in the back yard to hide money for food, frightening incidents with local authorities and police, harsh living conditions and experiences with physical illnesses such as dysentery. All of these stories speak to her resilience, strength of character, ability to tolerate uncertainty and fear, and strong commitment to God’s call on her life. In spite of difficult circumstances, Louise’s stories of these years were filled with the optimism of one involved in an exciting and fulfilling adventure.

        Louise and Lea did not see each other for four years because of travel restrictions, but communicated by correspondence when able. The Communist takeover forced an exodus of missionaries from China, and in 1951 at the age of 33 she became one of the final missionaries to flee from China to Hong Kong where she was reunited with Lea who had escaped earlier. When she arrived at the bridge connecting mainland China to Hong Kong, she didn’t recognize Lea and walked right past him because he had lost so much weight during his two years in China! They decided that they had waited long enough to be together and so immediately began planning their wedding. Within a few weeks, they were married in Hong Kong and enjoyed their honeymoon as they sailed by ship back to Canada. The boat they sailed on stopped in a few Japanese ports and they began to think about continuing their missionary work in Japan now that the doors to China were closed.

        The next two years were spent on furlough in Canada in the Peace River area so Louise and Lea could be close to their extended families as they consolidated their future plans. In 1952, their eldest son Phil was born. Louise told the story that, during this difficult birth, she had a near death experience where she felt herself moving towards a wonderful place filled with light and love. She had such a longing to continue into this place but saw a large hand that lifted her up and placed her back on earth. She heard a voice say, “No Louise, it’s not your time to come home yet. I still have work for you to do.” This was another affirmation for Louise that God was calling her and Lea to continue missionary work and to pursue their plans to go to Japan.

        In 1953, Louise (age 36), Lea, and son Phil sailed for Japan with the Overseas Missionary Fellowship mission (formerly China Inland Mission). They began language study in Karuizawa, where their son Dale was born in 1954. With two small children in tow, they moved to Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan to continue language study and work in Aomori city, and then in Hachinohe, a fishing town. They lived in this area for 4 years, and at age 38 Louise gave birth to daughter Lynne, and then at age 40 her youngest daughter Lorraine was born. Louise talked of these early years fondly in spite of the challenges of sparse living conditions, difficult language study, and reaching out to the local community while raising 4 children under the age of 6. She spoke often of her gratitude for the household help provided by their mission agency, which freed her to devote herself to learning the language.

        In 1958, Louise and Lea and the four children set sail again for a year furlough in Peace River, Alberta where they and the children could spend some time getting to know extended family and cousins they rarely saw. In 1959, they sailed back to Japan and again settled in northern Japan in Hachinohe. Their eldest son, Phil, was sent to the Overseas Missionary Fellowship boarding school in Sendai city, and Dale followed Phil a year later. The following year Louise and Lea moved to Sendai as well and, for the next three years, they ran this mission school, overseeing, teaching and being house parents to missionary children who were away from home. Louise and Lea enjoyed those busy years of helping parent and school missionary children, and often spoke about their positive experiences. Louise seemed to thrive in her role as organizer, houseparent, teacher and encourager. She and Lea were a productive team together, each with their own set of skills and talents that complemented one another.

        One of the highlights for Louise and the whole family during these years was their $50.00 shared acquisition with another missionary family of a 100 year old cliff-top cabin overlooking a beach in the seaside community of Takayama near Sendai. All through Louise’s years in Japan, the family spent a few weeks each summer at this cabin. Louise was able to escape the stifling heat of the city, spend time with family, swim in the sea, read and relax, and find time to sit and oil paint, one of her favourite pastimes.

        In 1964, there was another furlough to Canada for two years, settling in Dawson Creek, where Lea’s extended family lived. They were now serving with the Evangelical Free Church Mission. During this furlough, Lea travelled for the mission and Louise worked as a substitute teacher in the local schools. The family enjoyed spending time with cousins and extended family. When Louise was 48, the family returned to Japan and settled in Mukonoso city in the Osaka Prefecture area of central Japan. Louise and Lea started a church plant in their home while the four children commuted each day to an international school about an hour away. Louise often spoke of these years in Mukonoso as one of her favourite periods in life. Her four children were all at home, she enjoyed the busyness of her missionary work, and she excelled at reaching out to the neighbourhood women, holding cooking classes, English language classes and Bible studies in her home. The church plant that started with a few converts grew and, when Louise and Lea left the area four years later and handed over their church plant to a Japanese pastor, they probably had no idea that this church would eventually grow to a present day congregation of 300 with a few of its own church plants.

        When Louise was 53, the family went back to Canada to Dawson Creek for a year of furlough, where she again worked as a substitute teacher.
        At this time, Phil left home to attend university, and the following year, Dale also left to pursue post-secondary education. When the family went back to Japan in 1971, they settled in Kyoto for the next four years, where Lea took a leadership position as director of the Evangelical Free Church Mission in Japan. Lynne and Lorraine attended boarding school in Tokyo during these years, coming home for holidays. Lynne left Japan for college in Canada in 1974, and when Louise was 57 years old, they came back for another furlough and settled in Abbotsford where Lorraine finished her senior year in high school.

        During this year, Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer and she and Lea faced the difficult decision of whether to return to the mission field. They decided to stay in Canada, and from 1977 until retirement in 1989, Lea continued to work in missions as the founding director of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada Mission.

        During these years, Louise and Lea moved from Abbotsford to Mission where Louise started to look for work because supplemental income was necessary. She seemed to take this on with as much optimism and sense of adventure as she put into her missionary work overseas. While in Mission, at age 61, Louise applied for a job as a child and youth care worker in the local junior high, and in spite of other candidates having more appropriate educational qualifications, Louise was given the position due to her extensive life experience and the acquired wisdom that came with this. She worked in that position until 65 when Louise and Lea moved again to Abbotsford and then eventually retired to White Rock, B.C.

        Louise spent the last decades of her life spending time with Lea, enjoying her family and grandchildren, pursuing hobbies such as oil painting, walking in nature and by the sea, reading, occasional vacations with Lea in Hawaii, and going on numerous adventures into Vancouver and surrounding area. We would often hear of her adventures, such as one of her beach walks around the bay where she had sat with a family of bald eagles for a few hours and just couldn’t bring herself to get up and leave. At age 90, she was still taking the bus, on her own, into Vancouver to shop at Pacific Centre. Louise always loved fashion, sewed for herself and her children in their younger years, and her interest in fashion continued into her last weeks of life when she advised us that she would likely be entering heaven wearing something purple. She was a life-long learner, curious and always eager to learn new things and tell others of what she was learning and discovering. She was a strong independent woman who had a spirited and optimistic nature and a great sense of humour. She was a sociable and out-going woman who sometimes valued her emotional privacy. She loved her family and deeply loved her husband Lea.

        What stands out predominantly, however, as one of Louise’s greatest fulfillments and joys throughout her life, was her involvement in the local church community. Her women’s work in Japan was foundational for planting churches. In addition, she and Lea enjoyed immensely their involvement in the Abbotsford and Mission Evangelical Free Church congregations during their years there, and then their years as part of the White Rock Community Church. This involvement provided Louise and Lea with purpose and meaning, a chance to share their time and talents, and continue serving God, which was Louise’s foundational life desire. Louise spoke often of her friends in the church, the various activities she attended; even in these last weeks of her life, Louise lamented one day while looking at the church bulletin that she wasn’t going to be around to participate in so many new things happening in the church. She spoke often of how much she loved the music in church, and a few weeks ago said that, if she could attend church again, she would raise her hands up high and sing loudly, not caring what anyone around her thought. We reminded her that soon she would be in the church of all churches and singing in the choir of all choirs.

        Louise had cancer surgery at age 93 and survived to live one more year. We were blessed to have this last year with her.

        In February, Louise was admitted into the hospital and spent her final weeks in palliative care at Peace Arch Hospital where she was lovingly cared for by staff and family. She appreciated all the visitors who came to provide encouragement. During these weeks, she moved from talking about her journey towards heaven in an indirect manner to talking more openly about her life coming to an end here on earth and her longing to be in heaven. While she was disappointed that earth had such a pull on her and wasn’t letting her go, she also thought that maybe she still had something to learn so needed to stay a bit longer. She told us that God would let her know when it was time to go, that when she went, she didn’t want us to be sad, but to be happy and sing hymns. She spoke often of a beautiful green forest with a gate at the far end. She advised us that, when it was her time to go, she would go through that gate into God’s presence. On Easter Sunday, two days before her death, she talked of this forest and murmured over and over again “Only God,” “Only God,” “Only God.”

        Louise: wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend. We will miss you greatly but know that it was your time to walk through that gate towards God, the giver of eternal life. Thank you for sharing your indomitable spirit and life with us. We love you and will forever be grateful for your presence in our lives.
      • Lea’s Story 2017

        LEA’S STORY 2017


        As told by his children at his memorial service on February 15, 2017. Lea lived July 1, 1924 – February 6, 2017, a full 92 years and gentle right up to the end.

        Dad was born in Rolla, British Columbia, to Rachel and Norman Little, and grew up on the homestead with his 2 brothers Del and Bernard, and his sister Vi, losing two brothers, Harold and Everett, to polio, when he was very young. Dad wrote about his early life:

        “I have always counted it a privilege to have been raised in the pioneer farming community of Rolla. My childhood was happy though I was not unmindful of the struggles and sacrifices of my parents – the long hours of labour on the land and in the home, the distance from the hospital, dad’s absence on the Spirit River trail, the polio tragedy that hit our home taking the lives of two brothers…”

        Dad also spent time during these years doing things he enjoyed, liked fishing, hunting and sports. He often won medals during competitions and excelled at pole vaulting and running. Dad grew up playing the game of crokinole and talked about how his dad would sometimes plan tournaments between families in the area. Dad still loved the game even up to a few days before he passed away.

        After graduating from high school, dad ran the farm for a few years when his parents were away in New Brunswick. At age 19 he had a life altering experience working for an oil company on the Alcan Highway to Alaska. He narrowly escaped a dynamite explosion where he witnessed the death of four firefighters. That crystallized for him the reality that life is short and in his words “that we all must stand before a holy God someday.” This experience, and the example and testimony of his brother Del, soon culminated in dad dedicating his life to God through a local evangelism service. He wrote that:

        “Christian growth came slowly at first but I have never regretted my decision –in fact, as I get older, the spiritual aspect of life becomes more meaningful.”

        Dad studied at Peace River Bible Institute, where he met and fell in love with our mother Louise, and both felt called into missionary service with the China Inland Mission. Mom left for eastern China 2 years before dad. They managed to squeeze in a few dates and had an understanding before they parted ways. Dad was part of the last group of missionaries to enter west China before the Communist take-over. Both were placed under house arrest in different parts of China, with travel restrictions so that they did not see each other for four years. They wrote letters when able, and dad arranged for an engagement ring to be delivered to mom through a mission representative.

        Dad often told stories about the group of men he shared the compound with in China. There were pressures related to shortage of food, and they apparently found it difficult to focus on language study, so played jokes on one another, and rigged up ropes for volleyball tournaments. He also said there were lots of personality clashes, and he was often involved in helping resolve and sort out conflicts between them. Dad became very ill with dysentery during this time which he contracted through eating watermelon infused with water, in order to increase its weight so it would sell for more at the local market. Another life-long characteristic of dad is evident from these years, and that is the meticulous record keeping, letters, and journaling he did – noting daily events, thoughts and feelings, reflecting on his spiritual struggles and growth. This kind of detail and organization was a major strength for dad, reflected throughout his entire missionary and family life, and continued into his final years, as he continuously wrote notes to himself as reminders.

        The communist take-over forced an exodus of missionaries from China in 1951, and after many months of seeking exit visas, dad was able to get out of China first, while mom was one of the final missionaries to flee China. Dad did not know the day mom might get out of China but every day he went to the bridge connecting mainland China to Hong Kong, waiting for her. Mom says she walked right past him because he had lost so much weight from dysentery. They were married in Hong Kong and, on their way back to Canada, their boat stopped in a few Japanese ports. They began to think about missionary work in Japan now that the doors to China were closed.

        Their eldest son Phil was born in Canada, and in 1953 they sailed for Japan to learn yet another Asian language, this time Japanese. While still learning the language, they started their missionary work in a northern Japanese fishing village, while also raising 4 young children as three more children (Dale, Lynne and Lorraine)were added to the family. They spent a few years running the Overseas Missionary Fellowship School for missionary children in northern Japan. Some special memories of our growing up years took place at our summer cabin by the ocean where dad seemed to totally relax and spend time with his children with no outside obligations, planning crab hunting outings at night and organizing track meets on the beach for all the kids, The bulk of mom and dad’s work was in church planting with the Evangelical Free Church in central Japan, where the church they started in their living room continues to thrive, with a congregation of over 300, and a few of its own church plants. Dad spent his last years as director of the Evangelical Free Church Mission in Japan.

        During all of dad’s years on the mission field, he was highly respected by fellow missionaries, Japanese nationals, and members of his church congregations. He solved problems and mediated conflicts with a measured calmness, holding firm convictions but showing thoughtfulness and compassion in his expression of those convictions. The strength, commitment, and love mom and dad had towards on another was evident throughout their missionary career. They worked as a productive team, each with their own set of skills and talents that complemented one another.

        While on furlough in 1975, dad and mom decided not to return to Japan due to mom’s health. This transition was very difficult. Dad continued his mission work as founding director of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada Mission, while mom worked as a child-care worker in the local public school. On retirement, they moved to White Rock. During these years, mom and dad were actively involved in the Mission, Abbotsford, and White Rock Evangelical Free churches. Both in Japan and in Canada, dad was dedicated to the work and mission of the local church, spending hours in committee work, mentoring others in leadership, and appreciating the friendships he formed through this work.

        In mom and dad’s retirement years in White Rock, they enjoyed a full life – get-togethers with family, regular walks by the sea, breakfasts at White Spot, occasional trips to Hawaii and back to Japan, trips down the Oregon coast, and for dad, bird watching with his binoculars. Mom and dad moved to Evergreen Baptist Care Home in 2008, first into independent living, and then after mom’s passing 5 years ago, dad moved into complex care. Reflecting on his life, dad wrote:

        “The older one gets the more sobering the thought of leaving this brief life and entering the next which is eternal. I will always be grateful for the Christian influences in my family and in the Rolla community which brought me as a young man to faith in Jesus Christ. That faith alone is the basis of my hope of spending eternity in heaven. It is also the basis for a satisfying life style.”

        Dad was a principled man, a hard worker who took seriously his life’s work and his life, while at the same time managing not to take himself too seriously – he was humble, would brush away compliments, and had a great sense of humor, often making a joke when he was praised by others.

        In the last few decades, as dad moved into his mid-70’s and 80’s, he often reflected on his life, sharing thoughts and feelings about his early life, his missionary career, his faith, and his family. As dad’s Alzheimer’s progressed in more recent years, some of his childhood stories took an interesting twist, but even through his cognitive changes, what always remained consistent was his caring attitude, his kindness and generosity, and his sensitive approach to others. He had a gentle spirit and staff from Evergreen would often remark to us how much they loved him, how kind and thoughtful he was, and most recently, saying how much they would miss his presence there.

        When mom passed away 5 years ago, dad struggled with her loss, and was always asking about her and looking for her. Their love and partnership was a rock and grounding point for him during their long life together. Without her, he always seemed a bit lost and spoke often to us of how his strong faith in God, the knowledge they would be reunited someday, and the love and constancy of his family helped him manage his loneliness and grief.

        In spite of the loss of mom, dad had many favorite pastimes in recent years. He loved going to Crescent Beach, to sit on a bench, eat fish and chips and use his binoculars to see what he could see. Anytime he was asked where he would like to go for lunch, it was always White Spot. After White Spot, the routine was to stop by Purdy’s where he would pick up some treats for himself for the week and insist on buying a treat for whoever was with him. As many of you know, he also loved playing crokinole, and we spent many hours with him at Evergreen, doing this in recent years. He often seemed the least anxious and most engaged while playing this game with his family. He loved the regular visits from his children and grand-children and after each visit, he would walk us to the elevator, tell us how much he appreciated us coming to see him, waving until the elevator doors closed. Dad often talked about how important his family was to him.....and during his final years our weekly visits became a very vital part of his life.

        Lea: husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We will miss you greatly but know that it was your time to move into the arms of Jesus Christ. It gives us comfort to know you are finally reunited with our mother, your beloved wife, and other family members who have gone on before. Thank you for sharing your loving spirit and life with us. We love you and will be forever grateful for your presence in our lives.