It has taken me two days to decide and share my most precious Leon moments. 12 years working with Leon, was certainly a gift. There are plenty of great moments and they will forever stay in my heart as it was such a true honor to be a friend of Mr. Meon (Yes, thats what I called him, ever since he told me that Millie and Johns daughter used to call him that when she was little). White Perch: Dave and I decided we were going to have a freezer full of white perch for the winter. Who else was I going to get advice from other than Leon?! He let us know where the best dipping spot was and wanted to show us that technique. So, Dave and I went but decided to stick with the rod and reel method. We did ok, despite Leon laughing at me, when I wouldn't bait a hook. But he dipped and we used our poles. We laughed for hours that day.(A few beers may have also been involved) So the next weekend Dave and I decide to try our luck again. but where to go? Where else.....The Leon spot! Oh yeah, I did it, I stole the mans spot!!!! Dave and I are catching like crazy!!!! We are so proud of our new found spot!! Oh no, hold the pole!! Over the bank comes Leon trying to see who done jumped in his spot!!!!! Anyone who knew Leon can hear THAT voice, "What in the heck is going on here?!?!?!" Two kids caught in the cookie jar, but dang, we had a bucket full of perch!!!! We went home to filet our new catch.......Oh I so use that term loosely! It was not pretty. Obviously, I needed and expert to help filet those little buggers! We had the best fish station set up at work thanks to Leon. We spent the next few days butchering fish........well I butchered and Leon cringed with every one he had to discard due to my lack of skill. It took Leon the patience of a saint for me to craft my skill. I can say with confidence, thanks to Leon, I CAN filet a white perch without slicing my fingers off!! I will never sit by that bank again without a heavy heart, remembering my dear friend. Golfing 101: Oh the golf passion! Well why not? How hard could it be? Leon says, I can do it, I should try, we can practice, he'll show me(famous last words)..........Pretty sure to this day he is asking God, What was I thinking? The woman is not a golfer!!! Im pretty sure after the first hour he was just humoring me, by letting me swing that club like my life depended on it. Never ever did I hit that *insert the bad word* ball more than 50 ft! That day was the beginning and end of my golf lessons with Leon!! We were both O-K with that!! Leonisms: Several come to mind and some of my favs will be used forever!!! "If the phone aint ringing, its me". "If you need anything, I"ll call you." Both of these being said at the end of shift. Along with a swagger out the door at the end of a looong work day!! There are few people who will understand the "blink factor" and thats all Im going to say about that! I will always hear Leons voice telling me the blink factor is high today!! Crosswords puzzles to keep the mind sharp was Leons theory. He was correct, and he was just fine letting my brain turn mushy because I hated crossword puzzles and when I was useful on helping him look for that elusive word by cheating with google, he was ok with that too!!!! Above all else, My friend: I am going to remember your positive ways and your zest for life. I know, without a doubt, that you showed up to the pearly gates with a golf club in one hand and a fishing pole in the other! I know your Dad was waiting for you, he needs help building, repairing and just general company, as you so missed him on earth. My heart knows that it was a great reunion! Lastly, I want you to pick out a good fishing spot before I get there, and watch over this crazy world of ours because we sure need it. We certainly did our share of solving in that little gazebo. Tina, you and I! Like Tina said, "Good thing that gazebo cant talk"! From my heart and soul, I was able to share part of our short time on this earth with a person who made an impact on my life. For that, I am honored. I will think of you often and probably cuss you a few more times for leaving so early, but one thing is for sureI will NEVER forget, MY friend. RIP Leon, you earned it.