Speech by Josh Gutwill
Josh Reads Larry's letter, 6/2/2020
Josh Gutwill is Leonard's nephew. He and his wife, Laura were the only guests invited to the burial ceremony due to the threat of COVID-19.
Josh's father, Larry Gutwill, was Len's half brother who lives in Laguna Woods, Southern California. He grew up with Len; the sad news of Len's passing has broken his heart. Due to his poor health he couldn't attend the burial service. Josh read the following letter for him:
Hey my brother,
I'm sorry I can't be here today to say goodbye.
It's good that we've had some recent phone calls to share some thoughts and memories of our lives, both together and apart. And I'm glad Shaoping was able to be part of most of those conversations.
But now I want to tell you again how grateful I am that you are part of my life. From the beginning, 70 years ago, you've been there for me, especially the night we met. Your willingness to listen and understand, always made it easier. I don't know what my life would be if you weren't part of it.
It's a joy to remember our good times together, and I'll always have those. A few come to mind: Of course seeing you open your door the first night; your mom berating us for laughing too loud; singing together with Toby; teaching me to sail on Loon lake; times spent at O.U., including booze runs to Dallas; our time in Wheaton; working together in the Catskills; being at your condo in Amherst; and of course seeing you here in Walnut Creek.
So you're not gone, Brother, our conversations will just be a little one sided.
Rest in peace.
I love you Len.
--Larry
Back to Burial Ceremony
Last created : 6/3/2020
Josh's father, Larry Gutwill, was Len's half brother who lives in Laguna Woods, Southern California. He grew up with Len; the sad news of Len's passing has broken his heart. Due to his poor health he couldn't attend the burial service. Josh read the following letter for him:
Hey my brother,
I'm sorry I can't be here today to say goodbye.
It's good that we've had some recent phone calls to share some thoughts and memories of our lives, both together and apart. And I'm glad Shaoping was able to be part of most of those conversations.
But now I want to tell you again how grateful I am that you are part of my life. From the beginning, 70 years ago, you've been there for me, especially the night we met. Your willingness to listen and understand, always made it easier. I don't know what my life would be if you weren't part of it.
It's a joy to remember our good times together, and I'll always have those. A few come to mind: Of course seeing you open your door the first night; your mom berating us for laughing too loud; singing together with Toby; teaching me to sail on Loon lake; times spent at O.U., including booze runs to Dallas; our time in Wheaton; working together in the Catskills; being at your condo in Amherst; and of course seeing you here in Walnut Creek.
So you're not gone, Brother, our conversations will just be a little one sided.
Rest in peace.
I love you Len.
--Larry
Back to Burial Ceremony
Last created : 6/3/2020
