Gary Frances Van Leuven

Bubba was my friend!

Gary was a great person to be around he had an aura, real charisma that you could feel being around him. It's been almost 20 years past now, but you just don't ever forget about a person like Gary. When I first met Gary at boot camp, I liked him immediately and later on when I saw him at school of infantry, I was happy to see a familiar face among the crowd. He stood a whole head taller than most of us. Running around with Gary on the weekends was so much fun back in those carefree days....

Gary was a great person to be around he had an aura, real charisma that you could feel being around him. It's been almost 20 years past now, but you just don't ever forget about a person like Gary. When I first met Gary at boot camp, I liked him immediately and later on when I saw him at school of infantry, I was happy to see a familiar face among the crowd. He stood a whole head taller than most of us. Running around with Gary on the weekends was so much fun back in those carefree days....

Hi Uncle,
I know we’ve never met before but I know by all of my cousins that have met you, you would be my favorite uncle. I always talk about how much I wanted to meet you. I have been told so many stories about you and that just makes me want to meet you more. I know one day I will be able to. But until then I love you and can’t wait to see you in heaven.
-your nice Haylee

Hi uncle,
I know we didn't get the chance to meet, but I wish we could have. Gran says you'd be my favorite uncle. She still has the bear you sent her and I know she really misses you. So does dad. And even though we never met, I do too. I wish I could have gotten to know you. That we could at least have had one conversation. I'm sure we would have at least gotten along. I'm still reminded of you whenever the topic of anything, well, you know, comes up in school. I even cried during...

Hey Uncle....
I cant tell you how many times I have started to write to you but stopped. The pain is still very real. Words can't explain how much everyone misses you.. how much I miss you. It's been pretty hard... but we have managed. To be honest I just started to cope maybe a year ago. Losing you was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. You were my rock, my soldier, my protector. I remember all those time when I was little and I followed you everywhere. The last time I talked...

Another year.. life sure didn't go as planned.. it still chokes me up.. we all miss you terribly.. another year.. another painful reminder..

Nope, it's not any easier...it's crazy how a person/family can get used to such a gut wrenching pain. I miss you Gary very very much.

Gary, another year passes by but your memory will be always stay with us. Frank and Michelle.