Leonard Crowl

I was just checking my e-mail and I received some terrible news. Leonard Crowl passed away.

I had the opportunity to work with Leonard at the newspaper for several years. In that time I got to know him just about as well as a co-worker can.

Leonard was a good man. I know people use that saying "good man" a lot, but it does him justice. He had his side-cocked grin on his face all the time, eager to greet you with a smile and hello in his booming voice. He always had time to listen to me even if he had to make time. He was never in a bad mood, but on occasion would blurt out, "Son of bitch!" when frustrated. His sense of humor was infectious and he would come back to the production department and regale us with tales and jokes daily. Yes, Leonard Crowl was a good man.

His family will probably not read this, they don't even know me, but I feel the light dimmer with his passing and I only worked with the man for 3 years and it has been a year since I saw him last. I can't imagine the loss and pain they feel today. Nothing I could say would matter, no condolences or cards sent.

If there is an after life, I hope Leonard is there and knows that the friends he made in this life will not easily forget him and wish that he has plenty of dark beer.