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. I'll always remember that.
Semper Fidelis VanLeuven! Rest in Peace 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. I'll always remember that.
Semper Fidelis VanLeuven! Rest in Peace friend !

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 third grade when we were talking about nine eleven. I've heard a lot of stories about you as a kid. I've always found them pretty funny. Once again, I wish I could have gotten to know you. I love you, your brothers and sister loves you, your parents love you, everyone. And we all miss you. While I know you were fighting for our freedom, and that you died serving our country, I also wish that you had come home. You're in a better place up there, but you sure left a hole down here.
Love you, miss you
- your niece, Emma

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 to you I never got a chance to say I love you too before we got off the phone... I wish that situation was different then. But I'll say it now. I love you uncle, I miss you so much. I know you are watching over me, and watching your GREAT nephew grow up lol. He will be 4 this year, and is growing like crazy. You guys would have been best friends lol. Anyways... now that I'm crying I'm going to get off of here. I love you uncle. See you on the other side ❤

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.

Think of you often Bub! Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Gary, with lots of love.

In memory and homor of Lance Cpl Gary Van Leuven. We remain grateful to him for his service and sacrifice for his country.

Hi Gar. We've tuffed it out thru another year. Its still not any easier. I miss you like crazy. We all do. I love you!

Thinking of you today. You will always be loved and missed by so many, especially by those of us that had the honor and the blessing to spend time with you.

Thank you for your Service Lcpl. Leuven....R.I.P. Prayers and Blessings to your Family

i miss you like always bro having a hard time tonight see you in heaven brother love you

Semper Fi Marine! Thank You for your Service! Blessings to your family and friends

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven:
Always remembering Gary. "Some gave all."

Thinking of you Gary God Bless......

i miss you uncal gary. life isent the same without you. it osent as fun. i think of you every day and before i go to be i think of you. i wish i could see you agine but i guess someday i will. i am 13 now i love you!<3

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven: Words cannot express the sadness in my heart to know such a wonderful young man passed through our lives without ever being known by all of the people he served. Each life so precious to us from birth to the loss, the friends he made, the family he grew in the USMC will never forget and he does live on in all of our hearts. Sincerest regrets, condolences and thanks to one so dedicated. JeriLyn Anderson, of the Smeck family i n Yuba City California

Hi Gary...I don't know why it took me so long to write to you, cuz I think of to often, you are my sis first love and would have been my brother not brother in law but a true brother. I miss you bro. You had that sparkle in you that not too many people have. I know you are watching over all of us that loved you and I just ask to keep a watchful eye on Patrick, he's my hubby, when he goes to Afghanistan cuz I don't know if our family can take another person we love taken away from us.... p.s. tell my papa that we miss him and I know you both are having a beer watching football up in heaven.....we love you and miss you always Monique, Patrick and Nathaniel

hey bro im just thinking of you to day ,just wanted to say i love you

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven:
Please accept my remembrance of Gary on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Gary, I still recall the day like if was yesterday...when you and I were emailing back and forth and you abrupply had to go on April 17, 2004. You have left such a beautiful print of yourself on our family and we thank God that we met you thru Jacqueline whom misses and thinks of you.May God bless you into enternety and bless your Mom, Dad and Brothers.
LOVE Frank,Michelle and Michael

As the anniversary approaches of your loved ones passing, please know that he will never be forgotten and will always remain in our prayers. Once a Marine, Always a Marine; he serves with Our Lords Military now and continues to serve. Semper Fidelis Gary!

To the family of Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.

I was thinking about you today brother. I miss and love you bro!

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven:
Remembering Gary on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Have been thinking about you lately Bubba!!! Dale even mentioned you the other day!!! You are on our minds and in our hearts!!!

We are all thinking about you today, just as we do everyday. Love you.

I thank God everyday for bringing you into my life, I love you Gar, and will celebrate your birthday for the rest of my life.

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

my siter and i miss our uncal gery more than ever i wish he was still here with us every moment of our life he was the most wonderful person i had ever ment i remember almost all the fun times we had with him i remember we ust to play resaling in my beanas house and go to the park down the rode i miss him so much i know he will always be in his hart thank you to robbey for bing just like him in evry way love niece kylea

To the family of Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven:
Gary gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Missing you today, but remembering all the happiness you brought to the people around you. We love you!

Happy Birthday Son. Love You, Always

Thinking about you today. Tani.

Gary, you are an amazing person. I still remember that day at the Tulelake Fair when you were hypnotized and you were dancing around like a spice girl with my dad. LOL I want you to know that I join the Army because you inspired me to. My job is to take of the wounded. My best to you family. I love you Gary

BUBBA
WE MISS YOU EVERY DAY ! We are so proud of you and all the other soldiers that have given their lives to protect our contry. our prayers go out for all the men and women that get up every day and defend this great nation , We can't wait untill they come home...
Shannon is still struggleing with the loss of her best friend/twin/cousin , she thinks the world of you . she knows you are looking out for her every time you turn the light on in her appartment . you might have to help her find the right man because she compares every one she meets, to you and no one even comes close to the hero you are in her eyes. We miss and love you I know we will see you again in heaven
love Aunt Debbie and Uncle Keith

Hello Gary, This is uncle I am very proud of you and your didication and loyalty. I was there when they laid you to rest you brothers marines did a wounderful job in their display of respect to you and your family. I will never forget your didacation to you family, country and you brother
marines. Don't worry about your mom the rest of us are watching over her. We miss and love you Gary. Uncle Jeff

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Gary, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
He is my hero.

Sincerely,

Debra Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

The Other Side
(Beautiful song to share)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Happy Boopbay Gary. I Love You.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Van Leuven!

Merry Christmas
My Angel
My Marine
My Son
I miss you sooo much
Love Always,
Mom

I knew Gary only briefly, But I will carry his memory forever. I was there with him when he was called to heaven. He was a true warrior.

Gary befriended my son, Jeremy, while attending the School of Infantry before each deployed to different units. While waiting to deploy, they were both in the same staging area at Camp Pendleton. After a day's delay, my son's unit was abruptly ordered to load and go. Jeremy tried to get to a phone before he left but there wasn't enough time for his spot in line to reach the phone so Gary took his place. Gary called me with the message my boy gave him, about the abrupt deployment as well as some personal messages. They kept in touch over time. I think about this Marine everyday who helped his brother Marine by calling me. I'm very sorry for you loss, Gary was certainly of great character and a fine young man.

We knew Gary in High School. Gary and my son Jeff joined the USMC together after graduation. Jeff and Gary served together in the initial push and went to MCRD together. We frequently visit his site and leave flowers in his rememberance. We grieve with those who loved Gary and pray for their comfort and strength.

I didn't personally know you or your family, but saw this terrible news online and felt compelled to say something! - Thank you for your service to our country and keeping me and my family safe, secure and free - You paid the ultimate price for my freedom with your life and I am forever grateful - A simple thank you seems so little at a time like this - I pray for the family and friends you left behind and hope that they can somehow find peace at this very difficult time - God Bless you and all who knew you

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Van Leuven and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl about to deploy

Thinking of and missing you so much today. Three years seems like so long, but it still feels like yesterday. We were so blessed to have you with us, but I wish I could tell you how loved you are. I was thinking about you yesterday at MCRD, and again when I was at SOI. So many fun memories! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life. I love you and miss you!

In Remembrance of this Fine Young Marine, Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven, with so much gratitude for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

May Gary, rest safely in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Van Leuven family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes, for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4


May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Remembers Gary's Sacrifice.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.

Hello Gary,
Still thinking of you we wish you a happy birthdate cannot belive it has been 3 years since we last called you for your birthdate. Your smile still on our memories and we think of you often, thinking what if but we never received the opportunity. God had other plans for you! God bless you and Happy birthday. Love Michelle,Frank, Michael, Monique and Jacqueline

Gary, I never met you, but I feel like I know you. I met your mom on the Marine Parents website, and we became instant friends. She really misses you, but is doing OK. Its wonderful to hear her talk about you. She has alot of people who care about her. You would be so proud of her, she runs the Gold Star forum, and helps all the other family members who have lost a loved one. She is an incredible lady, and a wonderful friend. She has brought you into all of our hearts and you will never be forgotten. Linda Ditzler

I only knew Gary for a short time but the impact he left on my life was a huge one. He was one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. If anyone has any pics they could share that would be great

Lance Cpl Gary,



I did not know you but i feel like I had. I want to Thank you for giving your life to keep our country free. In my eyes there is nothing more honorable. Everyone hepls out someone they know, but you gave to others you never knew. My husband is a SSgt in the U.S Marines and was able to make it back to CA from Iraq.. You made it home, next to God, watching over your fellow Marines, Semper Fi. May God rest your soul.

hey bro, miss u lots!

Gary...You are so loved and very very much missed by your family. Its hard on all of your family to see every holiday, wedding, birthday and april come and go and know that your face will only be seen in our minds and pictures, but you're in our hearts and everyone knows you are watching over us. Everyone is having a hard time but your mom is having the hardest time. Keep her strong and healthy, we all need her as much as we want you back. RIP. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

Dear Van Leuven family,



I know this must be hard for you while I dont know your son it pains me to know that we lost such a fine Marine... he will not be forgotten

Van Leuven is een Nederlandse naam. Ik wil mijn diep respect betuigen voor het offer dat Gary met zijn leven heeft gebracht. Ook voor onze vrijheid !

Mijn hartelijke condoleances voor zijn familie van Bill Vanderavoort.

You are missed Bubba! You were a gentle and sweet boy and you grew into a handsome and kind man. I am so proud to have known you. To Chris, I know your heart will never heal, but I want you to know that I am here for you. You and I have been thru a lot together, our kids all played together and we got into trouble together and together, we can overcome anything. Bubb was a wonderful soul and he will always be there in your heart. I didn't know that this was here, otherwise I would have written in it a long time ago. Always know that I am here for you, you are my dear, dear friend. You are in my heart!!!

Gary,



Just wanted to thank you for all you did. I'm thinking of you and your family on this day. Your Mom has supported me, and I will support her.

Happy Birthday! We miss you and love you so much!

Hey honeybear..it's your honeybunny..I miss you and love you. I'm sorry I haven't written in here. I left for the military and am trying to be strong. You know you never like me crying but that is what I'm doing right now even thinking about this. I miss you and it's hard to think that you and I aren't together because I know if things were different we'd probably have two kids by now. hehe I love you..you know that..that I'll love you always! Please keep me strong and I know you are watching over me. I miss you. I love you! Remember the good times of you and I together. Heh that makes me smile. Please watch over me and keep me strong. I love you!! Jacqueline

Dearest family of Gary,

I tried very hard to contact you shortly after Gary's death, but the Van Leuven numbers I pulled up from the internet weren't your family. Also, the newspapers who carried the articles did not pan out either.

The purpose of this writing is that I would like to send you a couple of photos of Gary with my son, Jason, the day they left for Iraq. These photos are so very special to us and I feel saddened that I've been unsuccessful in reaching you sooner. If you could email me I will be send them and the story that goes with them. Our hearts still ache for your agonizing loss.

With great compassion,

Claudia

Your son will not be forgotten. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I am truly sorry for your loss!

Thank God for Gary and all the other brave men and women in uniform willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our debt of gratitude knows no limit.

Dearest Gar Bear, oh how i miss the hell out of you buddy, to say the least. It is a honor to call you my friend I can't help but to remember the great times I had hanging out with you and Andrew you always had a way of making any time a great time I love you so much man and know your up there watching over us. I love you Gary. Joe

Hi Baby Boy,

It's your mamma. Just wanted to say how much I love and miss you. I am glad to see that others are thinking of you too.

I'm trying to do the best I can without you. It is very hard sometimes. But I won't let you down. I will try to be as brave and strong as you were. You were always my little dare devil. Try anything once, twice if you liked it. Well, I don't like this but I will make it through, just help me out when you see me stumble. Help me to remember the good times, and your beautiful smile. I know I will see you again some day.

"I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER, I'LL LIKE YOU FOR ALWAYS, AS LONG AS I'M LIVING MY BABY YOU'LL BE"

Love Mom.

Gary,

Where to begin is so painful Just wanted you to know that you had touched our hearts. The memories are still there even though we will never see or touch you again. Our daughter Jacqueline is healing but she will always have a special place for her "Garebear" We enjoyed the moments that you, Andrew,Nick and the rest of your buddies stopped by and had dinner at our house it was a moment for us to say thanks for what your doing for our freedom. Jacqueline joined the Air Force and stationed at Nellis she has the same drive and focus that We saw in you!!! May God Bless us and keep the light shining!



We miss you!



Francisco,Michelle,Monique (Mo) Michael and Jacueline.



ps,, I personally remember our last text messaging before you had to leave on April 16 and will always remember you Lance Cpl Gary VanLeuven because you had Class.....

hey gary. whats up. i miss you so much. you were truly one of the greatest persons i met. when we were all together we were the easome threesome. and we loved iut. you will always be in our hearts. i love you buddy and so does joe. we were the best friendsd you ever had. at least i think buddy. miss you. love you. holla million dolla. ooh ooh

My brother, Lance Cpl, Joseph Raduenz, was best friends with Gary at the time. I know thay were very close you could just tell how my brother always talked about him. I know that what Gary did is something that many do and many don't do, and that is to defend our country fighting for freedom. He will be truly blessed in all of our hearts. May God bless his family.

21 years my daddy served in the army, We lost him 2 years ago, in my eyes he sits on his own thrown right next to God. I feel your loss and know the hurt and pain. God bless you! 41yrs old, I still feel only in my early teens when I think of my dad!