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Celebration of Life: A Book of Grace and Gratitude Lenny and Esmee Schultz

June 15, 2018

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Table of Contents

1. Don & Diana Chapman

2. Rountree family

3. Patsy Burgess

4. Don and Helen Sells

5. Joan Blair-Henry

6. Joe and Thala Duteau

7. Sue Heishman

8. Roxann McCormick

9. Linda Hensley and Nicole Hensley

10. Rev. Walter and Paulette Monroe

11. Pastor Lois Barnum Phelps

12. Barbara Blanton

13. Rev. Bob and Bev Martin

14. Dorie Klippel

15. Bob Klippel

16. Donna Kless

17. Chester “Chet” Klinger

18. Rodney & Martha Akers

19. Oswald Sands

20. Jeannine A Grubb

21. Oswald Collymore

22. Sarah Converse

23. Maria Converse

24. Wanda Rosignol

25. Jelf & Lucia Wilkins

26. Anita Campbell

27. George & Dee Hoagland

28. Carla VanNess

29. Pastor Eddie Fulford

30. Tracey Francis

31. Ruby & Roy Stewart

32. James and Deloris Starling

33. Marilyn Winograd

34. Alice Williams

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From: Don and Diana Chapman

Lenny & Esmee became our close friends in 2003 as members of the Hernando United Meth-odist Church. Since that time, our friendship and fellowship together has grown as brothers and sisters serving where needed in ministry for Christ. Lenny was a mentor to me and others for serving at the Florida United Methodist Church Conference, District and Local Church level. Lenny’s faithfulness and dedication of time, energy and resources serving in his church, the Hernando United Methodist Church was inspiring to others and a labor of love that will be missed. Enjoyed hearing both Lenny and Esmee’s singing in the choir as we put on Christ-mas and Easter Cantatas. I’m sure their voices are being heard in the heavenly realm today.

They both were involved with the Salty Service Ministries always doing visitation for the sick or just helping others with projects in their neigh-borhood and around the church. Only God knows the number of lives they have touched.

Lenny helped to construct the lighted cross next to the church which was a gift from his heart to the church. In our home, all our fans and electri-cal lighting needs were installed or repaired by Lenny. We will miss the calls from Esmee to Diana asking if she was okay and the times of fellowship when we drove them to and from the airport. It was always special to know Lenny

was there to call and discuss any concerns you might have. He’d often share how he’d been hours on the phone at night helping give consul to various members of his own family in faraway places around the world. He had a blessed com-mon sense way of making the hardest problems seem simple. I loved it when he’d always end our phone conversation with “Say hello to your princess Diana.” In fact, he said it in a cell phone call coming back from Maryland on that final day.

Lenny & Esmee, well done thou good and faith-ful servants as you are welcomed into the King-dom of God. You will live forever in our hearts.

We thank God for allowing you both to cross our pathway in this life and look forward to see-ing you again in Heaven.

Don & Diana Chapman

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From: The Rountree Family

Lenny and Esmee Schultz will be missed as they were hard workers at HUMC.

Mr. Lenny as we called him was willing to climb ladders, move tables and be a much loved story teller for VBS. No matter if he was Noah, Moses or someone else in the story, the kids always called him Mr. Lenny and that would make him laugh so hard. He was a whirlwind of ideas, work, and the gift of gab with words you might need to look up. Esmee, what a lady, with her dry humor and wisdom and the ability to do anything from crafts, singing and cooking the best food ev-er!! My family and especially my granddaugh-ter Kiana will miss them. Mr. Lenny held her in one hand after she was born and encour-aged her so much. Even talked her into shar-ing her cookie with him, even though it was a tiny bit. Esmee was such a joy to be around and go get fresh vegetables and shop at Wal-Mart’s too!! Esmee and Lenny did so much for the church and all their friends. A bright light od joy and love will be in our memories forever.

Many thanks from the Rountree family for years of friendship at Hernando UMC.

From: Patsy Burgess

I could write a book about Lenny since knowing them since 2000. Lenny would tell me this story over and over, nearly every time he saw me. Lenny said that when he came to HUMC and Pastor Al McGowen was our Pastor, that Pastor Al, every Sunday would say, "We need to pray hard for Patsy, she's not doing well at all." Even though Lenny hadn't met me yet, he said he would pray for Patsy all the time. Then when I got out of hospital and we finally met, Lenny told me every time he saw me, it was proof of God's miracle and that I was a walking testimony! So whenever I would miss a Sunday or a Share, Praise, and Fellowship meeting, Lenny said that Esmee would tell him to call Patsy and see if eve-rything was ok. Both Lenny and Esmee cared about me and my family. I was so blessed to have them as friends! Lenny was also such a faithful servant to God and to HUMC. Lenny kept the Share, Praise, and Fellowship ministry going on, even if some nights it would only be Lenny, Esmee and me there. We still sang (Esmee leading us with her beautiful voice), tell jokes, and share how God had been so good to us! But the one thing I will remember about Lenny was that he was such a good and faithful Ding a Ling for HUMC ringing bells for Salvation Ar-my. Since moving to the Lecanto Walmart, Lenny told me to call him if ever I needed someone to cover a shift. Lenny would go day or night and by himself and ring bells, not only helping me with getting volunteers, but to also help Salvation Ar-my help our community! Lenny and Esmee will be greatly missed, I know by my family we will!

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Romans 12:10-11

10 Be devoted to one another

in love. Honor one another

above yourselves. 11 Never be

lacking in zeal, but keep

your spiritual fervor, serving

the Lord.

From: Helen and Don Sells

Lenny and Esmee's sudden passing has not only left a hole in our hearts but a huge gaping hole in the church. We remember the first day they came to church. Would you say that they integrated our church? I would. They gave a true meaning to what Je-sus told us to do. Love everyone. Lenny and Esmee prac-ticed what He preached.

Lenny with Don's help , for about 10 years put up the tables and took them down. Lenny and Esmee served on committees and sang in the choir their entire time they were here. I worked with Esmee in crafts, VBS, UMW, Flea markets and last but not least on Connections: feed-ing the homeless. Esmee made delicious rice and beans. Lenny planted a Loquat tree that Don had given him. It turned out to be a beautiful tree with abundant fruit from which Esmee made delicious jelly. Lenny was proud of that tree.

As we come into Vacation Bible School time, we will miss seeing Lenny , dressed in robes telling bible stories to the children and Esmee teaching them crafts. This couple has touched so many lives that I'm sure they will never be forgotten, from the Florida Conference down to the last little classroom.

I know for sure we and our family will never forget them. God bless you dear friends. We love you.

Don and Helen Sells

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I will sing of the LORD’s great

love forever;

with my mouth I will make

your faithfulness known

through all generations.

Psalm 89:1

From: Joan Blair-Henry

When my parents moved to Citrus Hills, my father, Vincent McFayden, was unable to obtain a driver's license, as his vision was impaired by glaucoma. Accustomed to going to church from a very young age, my father would not be deterred. He went to the Yellow Pages, got the number for a church which he thought was the nearby Lutheran church and called to request a ride to the Sunday service. Actually, he had called HUMC. Lennie was asked and happily agreed to pick up my parents for church that next Sunday morning. Thereby began a friendship that lasted some 15 years until my father passed away. Lennie and his devoted wife Esmie became an extension of the McFayden clan. The two men shared memories of life in England and the Caribbean and their love of God and the church. They started a bible study and prayer meeting at the church, sometimes just the two of them present. They argued points of scripture, sometimes agreeing to disagree, but still remaining fast friends. After my father's passing, Lennie as-sumed responsibility for my mother, always calling to check on her wellbeing, making sure Mrs. Mac - 'his girl' was all right. We knew, that there were other 'girl's and 'boy's as well that he always looked

out for as well. Whatever their needs, Lennie was happily there to assist. He loved God, the church and its people with a pure heart and great devo-tion. He especially loved children, always had candy in his pockets for them and staunchly supported and promoted the UMC children's home. Always upbeat, with a smile for all. Never carried a grudge and if someone was upset with him, he would take the initiative to go to him or her and cajole and tease until the other person responded and all was forgiven. Lennie was the same person in church, with his family and friends, in his community and where ever in the world he happened to be at any given time. He loved his wife, Esmie, dearly and she supported him fully in all his activities, often just waiting patiently while he made the rounds. She was quietly devoted to the choir, the crafters and the women's group. A woman of worth in the care she took of her husband and her home and like the seller of purple in the marketplace. Esmie was Len-nie's anchor and helpmate; thoughtful and kind. We mourn their passing, we suffer their loss , we will always love and miss them, but we rejoice with them as they find rest with their Lord and Saviour in that heavenly realm of glory.

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From: Joe and Thala Duteau

Lenny and Esmee you were such great friends to Joe and I. We all started attending the church about the same time. We sang in the choir together for many years and always took part in the special programs.

I always kidded Esmee that I was going to take her out on these back roads and teach her to drive. We would share vegetables with you and you would share persimmons and loquats with us. Each time Lenny would go on a trip he would always bring back some weird hot sauce for Joe. Esmee would make a special hot sauce from peppers and bring it to Joe.

Lenny, you and I served on many committees togeth-er. When we were on SPRC years ago the Pastor decided to have a foot washing service and I washed your feet.

Esmee, we worked in crafts together for years. You did such beautiful work and you were always ready to help in the kitchen. Lenny always helped Joe with the fish fry.

You had a special bond with our son Larry Duteau at Ace Hardware, you thought he could fix anything you couldn't.

This is just a short summary of all the years of friend-ship. I could go on forever. You will always be missed in our lives, but always be remembered in our hearts.

Missing you,

Joe and Thala Duteau

From: Sue Heishman Don and I have wonderful memories of Lennie and Esmee from all the times we were together at the United Methodist Men’s and Couple’s Retreat at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park, Fl. I never saw either of these two God loving people that they did not have a beautiful smile on their face and a kind word to say. Our hearts are sad because we won’t see them on this earth again but as all Christians know: We don’t say goodbye, we simply say ‘see you later” because we know that we will indeed be together again someday and it will be forever and forever. In my mind’s eye I can see them both in their new bodies singing and praising the LORD they have worshipped for so long. To the family and the church I say: “Hold on, some day we will see them again.” Blessings,

Sue Heishman

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,

this only do I seek: that I may dwell in

the house of the Lord all the days of my

life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord

and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

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From: Roxann McCormick

Lenny was one of the most gen-erous men I have ever met. He was always lending a hand to help others at our church and would reach out to anyone who was in need. Lenny watched every nail and board being put in when our church was being built: to make sure they were doing it right. He continued to make any necessary repairs when it was needed. I have entered the church many times and saw Lenny on our high-est ladder fixing the ceiling lights or adjusting them or doing any repair work necessary. I remember the first time I met Lenny; he made me feel so wel-come and comfortable in the choir. We continued to work together and became the best of friends. I am at a loss for words to tell you how much he will be missed.

There was no one in this world like Esmee. She was very special, caring and selfless in her na-ture. She was a true friend and someone who was there to help when needed: ready to bake or cook, ready to lend a hand and always with a smile on her face. I will always remember the spe-cial times I spent with Esmee; in choir, at UM Womens meetings, every Tuesday at crafters, and at our annual conference. She was one of my closest and dearest friends. Her kindness was conta-gious and her memory will live in my heart forever. My Prayers to all their family, Roxann McCormick

Do everything with so much love in your heart

that you would never want to do it any other way.

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not

be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be

with you wherever you go”

Joshua 1:9-10 NIV

From: Linda Hensley and Nicole Hensley

Hello I am Linda Hensley and my daughter Nicole Hensley and I are members at HUMC. We met Lenny and Esmee after church one day and he immediately struck up a conversa-tion with us. We bonded over our Adult bible studies and Nicole and I grew very fond of them both. We went to the open house at Children's home society with them and we got "lost" via his GPS and laughed as only Lenny could do in such a situation. We made his required stop at Russell Stover's on our way home and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the candy and sat down for an im-promptu ice cream social. Needless to say they will be missed for many reasons and we will continue to pray for all of their family during this long healing process and we will always miss those stories of his and her sweet smile and laugh at all of his antics.

From: Rev. Walter and Paulette Monroe

Lenny and his wife Esmee crossed our path many year ago, as he served as a District Lay leader. I found it interesting that he would stop in passing through the years to greet my husband and I during Annual Conference; his words of encouragements will always remain in our hearts. They were 2 beautiful spirited people and we will miss the dearly.

Rev. Walter and Paulette Monroe

From: Pastor Lois Barnum Phelps

Please share with the beautiful people of Hernando UMC my deep sympathy. Lenny and Esmee were intentional encouragers and faithful servants of Christ. How heart rending this is for all. As y’allove forward, carry Lenny’s can do, will do spirit with you.

Pastor Lois Phelps

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From Barbara Blanton

Lenny and I were Leaders for the North Central District and traveled to Ocala to the meetings. I parked my car at the Church and rode with Len-ny to Ocala.

As you all know, Lenny was not an early riser. Esmee had to get him up early to attend the meetings. She always cautioned him, “Now don’t scare Barbara”.

Lenny told me this, and told me also that he drove in Guyana, England and New York and this was the way he had to drive. We laughed about

it a lot, and how Esmee always coun-seled him.

Lenny was a true man of God. Esmee was love, she loved God, her Church and everyone she met. They were an amazing couple and there is a big hole in our Church, but we know that they are in good hands now. Our Lord needed them and called them Home.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spir-itual beings having a human experi-ence.

From Rev. Bob & Bev Martin

Beverly and “Brother Bob” Martin met Lenny and Esmee in 2001. We were new to the area and to the church. Lenny was the Lay Leader; Esmee was totally involved in the congregation with the congregation. She greeted people, knew their situation and reached out to them. They both made themselves available to anyone who needed them. As disciples of Christ thy demonstrated this in all walks of life. Although Lenny had a particular way of dealing with the Bible he made it a point to be a part of a Bible Study that I have led over the past 12 years. The Apostle Paul states this Romans 8: “For all who are moved by the Spirit of God are sons and daughters of God.”

Rev. Bob and Bev Martin

No eye has seen no

ear has heard, and

no mind has im-

agined what God

has prepared for

those who love

him:

1 Corinthians 2:9b

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From Dorie Klippel

What can I say about Lenny and Esmee, such wonderful people. Six years ago when we first came to HUMC, they were two of many who wel-comed us into the fold like we were here for years.

A few years ago, Lenny started calling me " the Queen ", so every Sunday I would be greeted by " hi Queeny " and I would bow down to him. What a joker he was! I always told him how good his aftershave was. If I forgot to tell him, he'd stand there with his hands on his hips until I did. Then I'd say to him: " Lenny, get in the choir room, they're waiting for you. "

Esmee was my dear, dear friend, so quite spo-ken. She taught me patience, which was so hard for me. She helped me make those beautiful flowers made out of knee-high stockings. Over and over she showed me and I think I finally got it! Then when we had ' sit-n-sew ', Esmee taught me to sew tiny tiny stitches. I still can't get them like she could.

When Bob and I had them for Easter dinner, Esmee was the first to help clear the table and put the food away. Boy, am I going to miss this woman. We never got into our cars without tell-ing each other " I love you ".

Fondly, Dorie Klippel

From Bob Klippel

Lenny and Esmee were such a wonderful, dedicat-ed, Christian couple. Always a pleasure to be around, whether during church service, Share, Praise and Fellowship which Lenny lead twice a month, and always made it an informal, joyful, fun time, or other church activities.

Lenny quite frequently was the last member to arrive in the choir room before the Sunday ser-vice, but it really wasn't a ' big deal 'because the men and Esmee always reminded him what music we were singing. If we 'teased' him, he would sometimes simply say: " I was out evangelizing, man "! Such a great sense of humor. It was an honor and pleasure to sit next to him in the choir.

I always enjoyed his reminiscing about his work in Manhattan with the ' tall building ' elevators. Be-ing so knowledgeable and likeable, he mentioned a rich Jewish lady, who owned a number of high-rise buildings, who would never desire anyone but Lenny to supervise any maintenance or repairs of any of her elevators.

Esmee was such a sweet, soft spoken, loveable lady, who was always concerned about Dorie's and my health. She called the day before they flew to L.A. to see their daughter and grandchildren, just to wish us a safe trip back home to central N.Y. and tell us that they would be looking for-ward to seeing us again in December. They will both be so dearly missed by so many many people. God Bless the family!

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From Donna Kless

I am Donna Kless, the HUMC organist/ pianist/choir director.

Every Sunday, Lenny would say, "Good Morning Mrs. Keyboardist and how are you today?" He'd smile big and ask "Where's the man?" Then he would hurriedly look for my husband, Richard, and shake his hand and say a few words and move to the next per-son. Esmee would be waiting in the choir room, usually the first person to arrive, and be busy preparing her music for the ser-vice. She had a lovely voice and would be willing sing anything I wanted her to sing. I really miss these wonderful people, but I know they are in a better place and someday we'll meet again.

From Chester “Chet” Klinger

How did you know Lenny and Esemee? I met them when Lenny served on the Florida Conference Board of Lay Ministries when I served. I believe I also met them at Florida Annual Conferences or some other Methodist Conference.

What would you like to share?

So sad. Such noble people. Even these words are not enough to ex-press how I feel about. I should know they are in the loving arms of Jesus. Yet for us left behind, the pain of their sudden loss is still great.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

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From Rodney & Martha Akers

How did you know Lenny and Esemee?

I knew Lenny through the Board of Lay Minis-try and Leesburg UM Men's retreats.

What would you like to share?

It was a Blessing just to have known and worked with Lenny over the years on the Board of lay Ministry. We never missed see-ing each other at Annual Conference. The last time we saw of Lenny & Esmee was at Dee Hoagland birthday and their daughter made a photo of Lenny and I talking which George sent me. I now have a keep sake of Lenny. They were fine Christian friends.

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you

trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power

of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

From Oswald Sands

Lenny and I connected some years ago. He was truly a man of God. His thoughts and our dedication to the human race were somewhat the same. Sharing with everyone was his motto. Although we served in different areas as District Lay Leaders- he was in the North and I was in the South- we jelled in our thoughts and actions. Our commitment was to win all people to Jesus Christ. Our goals were to put personal beliefs in actions, regardless of the situation we may face.

Rest my brother. Enjoy your reward along with your beautiful wife. My prayers are with you Sister and your family members.

God bless,

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From Jeannine A Grubb

Lenny and Esmee were my neighbor since I moved to the neighbor-hood 3 years ago. They were always very kind to me and I enjoyed talking with Lenny in the yard. He and Esmeee always brought me over fresh fruit from there trees and Esmees wonderful preserves. Lenny was always bringing me by some fruit that he had available. I always looked for him outside and Lenny was a great friend of my Dog Baxter. Baxter and Lenny made each other happy. I always looked for Lenny when I went out to the back yard to play with Bax-ter and I still can not go out my back door with out looking for Lenny. I do Know that he is there is spirit. He will be greatly missed by us.

I hope that all of Esmee and Lennys family can find peace in the fact that they had so many friends and a part of them is in all of us so they are still here all around Lecanto. There spirit is still alive in many of us.

From Oswald Collymore

We met Lenny and Esmee Schultz in 2012. Being from the same country, Guyana, a bond was formed. We can remember enjoying birthday dinner with filet mignon with them and they spending a few hours with us at Christmas. On Sun-days after church we exchange views on Guyana politics. We also have plants such as peppers, sorrel and Guyana callaoo to remember them by. We will miss them. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not con-

sumed, for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

lamentations 3:22-23

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Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present

help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth

give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with

their surging.

From Maria Converse

I started working at HUMC in July 2010 as the Administrative Assistant and still remember Lenny and Esmee welcoming me with such Love and acceptance. Lenny took an interested in my family always asking about my children and helping them during fundraisers and was so encouraging to them. I enjoyed our lunch dates and always looked forward to the fruits and vegetable he would bring to my office. I will miss the jingling of his key letting me know that it was him coming into the church and our conversations and of course we can’t forget all his stories. I will miss seeing Esmee’s smile and my hug on Tuesday at the Crafters. They both were always available in helping with folding the monthly newsletters and bulletins. If I needed a bulb changed Lenny was the first one to make sure it was done. He loved this church and it’s people. They both will be deeply missed, but I find comfort in knowing that I will see them again.

From Sarah Converse

I met Esmee and Lenny through my moms job at

HUMC. I had the pleasure of working with them

at VBS. Esmee was always smiling and loved

hugs. Lenny would always ask “how's my girl

doing”. He enjoyed taking pictures and was a

great story teller. Both were full of life and you

could see that they loved Jesus and their church.

I will miss them both.

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From Wanda Rosignol

I knew Lenny and Esmee for over 13 years. Met them at church. I sang in the choir with Lenny for several years, when I stopped singing in the choir he always was telling me I should be in the choir. (In fact, last time I talked to hi he said we need you in the choir.) He was always encourag-ing people. We used to sing duets at Praise, Hymn, and Fellowship on Sunday nights. If it wasn’t for Esmee and Lenny this program would have been disperses long ago. We had a lot of good time at Praise Hymn, and fellowship.

The last time I went to the Children’s Home with Esmee and Lenny (which was another of Lenny’s favorite missions) he was leading the way. I was in a different car following. Lenny was using his

GPS which took us an hour out of our way! (We wondered how he was going ) When we finally got there he laughed and said he thought he was going to end up in Miami. It was a fun day.

I count my blessings and Thank God that he put Esmee and Lenny in my path. You could see the love of God radiating from both of them. You always seen a smile on Esmee’s face and she was willing to help where ever needed. Lenny always made your day whether you felt like laughing or not, you would end up laughing with him.

I will miss both of them very much and there will be an empty space in our church. We were all blessed and better for knowing them.

From Jelf & Lucia Wilkins

Lucia and I met Lenny and Esmee in 2002. They were two of the most loving people who showed Christian love. Lenny was a true friend closer than some brother. He was always dependable, someone you could count on. A person may hear and not listen A person may speak and not un-derstand Lenny was a friend who listened and understood . He and Esmee will be greatly missed.

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From Anita Campbell

I met Lenny and Esmee when I presented the message at HUMC around 10 years ago. (I was the Development Director of the FLUM Children's Home at the time and was invited to speak about the Home.)

My memories of Lenny and Esmee are as vivid today as they were the day I met them. I have al-ways spoken highly of HUMC and it's "radical" brand of hospitality. In my job with FUMCH, I got to visit many, many churches and can say only a handful of churches across the conference ever offered that quality level of friendliness and Christian love to every individual that walked in the door. Hernando was at the top of my list. Why? I'm sure there are several reasons but the two most striking reasons were Lenny and Esmee. That day, I was greeted in the parking area by a won-derful volunteer who immediately welcomed me with open arms and ushered me into the church. There, he immediately found Lenny and introduced us. Can you imagine my delight? Two off-the-scale extroverts that both love life, love the Lord and love church in equal amounts... It was love at first sight! Ever since, whenever I would go to Annual Conference, I would inevitably run into one or both of them. It was like finding my long-lost friends after months of searching... To simply say that I am saddened by this news does not give it justice. I am devastated and still in shock... Although I know they are with Jesus, our Father in heaven, it does not make it any easier for me. For now, I am praying steadfastly for their biological family and for their church family (and I imagine there are many, many other "families" in the Hernando area and throughout Florida that are grieving, as well.) I know they covet our thoughts, love and your prayers. I can only imagine what this loss will mean to so many. My pain and loss still sting, but I am going to think more about these beautiful souls that have gone up to heaven... leaving a trail of wonder-ful memories. Their love for us, for each other, and for our Lord will shine brightly through that trail and in our hearts. In Grace and Peace, Anita Campbell

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From George & Dee Hoagland

We have sorrow in our hearts and miss these fine people. Lenny was the fist person we contacted when we moved to this area. They have been our support. Never a day went by that they would not greet us at church. They showed compassion and care toward us. Being members of the choir with us was an added experience of getting to know them. We are overwhelmed of having their lives tak-en from us so suddenly.

May God bless the families of these two special people in their time of need.

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From Carla VanNess

Lenny & Esmee were already here when the Randy VanNess family joined HUMC in 2002. Rachel was 14, Helen 9 and David was 8. Lenny & Esmee always asked about the kids anytime we talked. Lenny never forgot about David’s “air guitar” performance to “Pharaoh, Pharaoh” in front of the church when he was 8. Lenny would remind David even as an adult. Lenny always supported and asked about David during his University of Florida days up to his first electricl engineering job in Belgium & South Florida. Lenny is the one who gave me that little push to get back to playing music at the church. I will FOREVER Miss his laughter and smile and Esmee’s sweet voice!

From Ruby & Roy Stewart

There was a special Light that shone through Lenny ;And touched everyone lucky enough to know him. He will be missed We are all called to be saints Esmee answered the call and became one. She will be missed.

From Tracey Francis

Lenny was my uncle and my mum's brother.

We will so miss Lenny's (Uncle Sam) humour, phone calls and a reminder of our childhood antics. Esmee's kindness and calm manner will forever be with us. Gone but not forgotten.

From Pastor Eddie

Lenny was always such an incredible encourage-ment to everyone. He loved his church so much. He was the only one that could encourage me as a busy busy pastor to get involved with the con-ference and district committee. My involvement came because of his loyalty and wanting us all to serve together. I love that man. Can’t wait to see him in heaven, Pastor Eddie

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From: James and Deloris Starling

How did you know Lenny and Esmee?

Deloris and I first met Lenny and Esmee back in 2000 when we had a house built in Brentwood.

What would you like to share?

We became friends with Lenny and Esmee immediately. It was like meeting someone you knew for years.

They were the nicest, kind people you ever met. Over the years we keep in touch by phone or see them

every now and then when we came down from our home up north. The last time we saw them was a about month ago at Walgreen. Who knew that would be the last time . They will be surely missed.

From Marilyn Winograd

In 1997, shortly after my husband and I moved to Brentwood, Lenny built the same house

as we did, just a short walk from our house. We welcomed Lenny and from that moment

on we were the best of friends. Esmee arrived several months later after completing her

nurse's rotation in NY. Lenny and Esmee were so loving, to.me, my husband and my

daughter. When I told my daughter of this tragedy, she cried as much as I did. My hus-

band was an attorney and gained Lenny's respect and admiration. Over the years I collect-

ed our newspapers for Lenny to take to.the church as a fundraiser

Years later, when my husband was afflicted with dementia and subsequently died, it was

Lenny and Esmee who held me close, prayed with and for me. And when I had to move,

they came to help me. And, whenever Lenny came for the newspapers, I always got a

"sermon".to re-establish my faith. I will forever see them in my mind's eye and feel their

presence to comfort me. May God hold them close.

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From Alice Williams

Lenny and I served on the Board of Lay Ministry for several years together. No matter where we were or what the occasion, I could always count on Lenny’s beaming smile and a booming “hello and how’s my dear Alice”? And he was that way with all he knew. Somehow he made you feel like you, and you alone, were his very best friend. His was the face of Jesus - full of com-passion, caring and joy. And he was smart. Not just book smart but life smart, filled with true wisdom.

I looked expectantly for him at Annual Confer-ence until I heard the news and my heart broke. I am so grateful for the loving memories of Len-ny. He and Esmee will truly be missed.

May God’s richest blessings fall on their family and friends.

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Made for you with love from Hernando United Methodist Church