Leland Dean Aras

2001 - 2023

Leland Dean Aras, 22 Adventurer – Philosopher

GREENFIELD, MA - Leland was born May 16, 2001, and lived in Greenfield, MA. He died on this day, August 28, 2023. After Leland's diagnosis with non-verbal autism and epilepsy, as a father, I was constantly amazed how these challenges never limited his opportunities or achievements. Lee scaled the peak of Monadnock, swam the Atlantic off Cape Anne, braved the Superman, Batman and Harlequin rides and he felt that just by waving his hands, he could fly. His trampoline did attest to the reality of short-duration flight.

Lee would spend hours in quiet contemplation in our backyard. He saw beauty in the simplicity of pine needles and blades of grass. Most nights it was difficult to get him to come in for bed, as if he never wanted to stop gazing at the stars and listening to the crickets, tree frogs, owls, and coyotes.

He lived in a world filled with superheroes; the people who helped him navigate this complex world. They were special, they could teach, cook, talk, and drive cars. Where he excelled was always in the water. Lee would be so happy each year when we "opened the pool" for the season. Even with the cold temperature, he'd be the first one in. In the deep end, he was a synchronized swimmer, spinning and looping in weightlessness. And the pool was synonymous with his brother and his dad. Together they'd splash and jump off the diving board. They'd dive to the bottom and toss torpedoes across the deep.

If you were part of the Greenfield High Class of 2021, you might remember Lee delivering the school newspaper to all the classrooms. He liked that job and meeting all of you. On YouTube he was always a fan of Blue's Clues and the Wiggles. Fruit Salad, by the Wiggles was his favorite song but when it came to food, Lee was a man's man, meat and potatoes all the way. If anyone spent time with him, you'd know his optimism. He was truly a joy to be around.

It's different being with someone who cannot talk. Voices don't matter. Lee could say a thousand words with just a glance of his green eyes. Did you ever get a "shoulder hug" from Leland? Instead of putting an arm around someone, Lee would lean-in and nudge his shoulder against yours. He'd tilt his head toward yours and look up at you. The feeling of innocence and caring was so strong, it made you feel good the rest of the day.

David, his primary caretaker, fondly recalls the time they spent at the YMCA pool and nature hikes. David said, "I loved his exuberant walk when he was happy. He looked like a boxer entering the ring". Raven was with Leland for many years as his long-time caretaker. He said that when they spent lazy summer days at the Green River, Leland would toss leaves in the water and a sense of purity and joy radiated from him. To Leland, David and Raven were much more than Caretakers, they were his friends and confidants. On Leland's last day on this beautiful earth, he and David climbed Mount Sugarloaf and looked over the Connecticut River far below.

Throughout his life, Leland built a treasure trove of memories with his family. He traveled with his father Steve to places like Home Depot, Walmart, and auto parts stores, enjoying those simple "guy things". Dad also cooked the best waffles, chicken nuggets and salmon. When it came to a bedtime song, dad singing "They call the wind Maria" did the trick and Lee would be fast asleep.

His brother, Mike, taught him to swim. Together they dove to the depths of the Turners Falls rock dam and rode the salty waves of the Cape. Mike was so much more to Lee, who adored him like a little brother should. He liked hanging out with his big brother and his friends.

His mother Gwyn was the center of Lee's universe, and he was the center of hers. They traveled throughout New England, exploring beaches, forests, lakes, rivers, zoos, aquariums, Six Flags, and other attractions. They saw the Wiggles, Stomp, The Underwater Bubble Show, and others too numerous to mention. Lee especially loved seeing the Beluga Whales at Mystic Aquarium. I think they saw something special in Leland and loved communicating with him in a way only they knew. Gwyn never missed a goodnight foot rub while Lee dozed into his dream world where he was a race car driver, pilot, and poet. Gwyn called him the King of the Roller-Coasters. She said that she would forever cherish every second she shared with Leland, her son, her monkey-kangaroo-fish.

And I'm sure…with many of you he experienced other happy times, and for those, we thank you. Leland, your time with us was brief, but the love and joy you brought will last lifetimes. As an organ donor, Leland's last gift to the world is himself.