Leonard and I met in science fiction fandom. As we first spent time talking it
became clear we were interested in some of the same books, films, TV shows and
music (the typical place from which fans start to get to know one another). But
as we talked more we also found that we had some matching interests and
inclinations in many other areas as well. At the same time, there were enough
differences in background that we could and did introduce each other to new
topics. Early on in our relationship we spent over seven straight hours on the
phone, talking all night. About six weeks later I came for a visit, and never
really left again for four years. For some of that time were were a couple, but
for all of it we were house mates and friends. 

One strong memory I have is sitting together, often in the hot tub, talking, and
sometimes coming back to same topic over and over again. Every time we did, one
or both of us would contribute, just a little more, to our understanding or
acceptance of what we were talking about. I think we learned a lot from each
other. Many of those discussions were about personal and lifestyle topics that
have so influenced the choices I make that I know I would be a very different
person had we not explored those things together.

Our personalities were very different. One difference was that I was more like
Oscar Madison, and he was more like Felix Unger in our attitudes towards
tidiness. It made us interesting house mates. He once accused me of leaving a
mess on the counter, when the mess was four grains of coffee. Thinking about
that still makes me smile. I find it hand to believe, in retrospect, that I was
95% a clean freak for over four years. Talk about learned behavior. 

I'm been amazed the last ten days or so at how many things in my life he touched
or influenced strongly. Leonard introduced me to email and the Internet several
years before the WWW. I learned about cryonics and life extension through him.
We introduced each other to new music, TV shows, art, movies and books, or
discovered them together. He was, until his death, my primary resource on cars
and car care, stereo and TV equipment, and (of course) computer stuff. I learned
a great deal from him about handling finances. He was an excellent cook, and I
will miss some of his special dishes. The coffee that is my favorite he first
gave me. We took many trips together in a fast car, on a fast road, with a
favorite CD playing, often to go somewhere to hear more music, or be with people
we cared about. Or both.

Anytime I knew that Leonard had looked into, pretty much anything, I knew that I
could rely on his opinion to be extremely informed and knowledgeable. Alas, now
I will have to stop being lazy, and research some things myself. But I learned
how to do that, in part, from him as well.

One time Leonard was called for jury duty. He ended up on a panel for a sex
abuse case. When he was questioned by the attorneys he said that he had known a
number of people who had been abused, and talked with them extensively about it.
The attorney asked him if he could set aside his personal opinions and knowledge
and rely only on what was presented in court. He replied that of course he
couldn't and wouldn't. That as far as he was concerned his knowledge and
experience was something that he should bring to a situation such as this. His
honesty got him (unfortunately, in my opinion) dismissed from the panel. But
his response was so typically Leonard.

There are many, many people that we knew together. I've been in touch with lots
of you since his death. We had a lot of fun together, didn't we? 

Here's to the continued journey with the memory of Leonard's generous, loyal
heart, his wonderful laugh, and always open mind. I'm glad we had the time.

Lola McCrary