Condolences to someone I could have known  / Sheila McEwen (I am Leonard McEwen's Granddaughter )

Hello! I was searching for my grandfather "Leonard McEwen" and came across this site.  I wish that my grandfather was like Larry.  He abandoned his 3 boys (my father was only 6) and never looked back.  My father did try to contact Leonard at 9 years old only to be told to stay away.  It did a number on those 3 boys and it breaks my heart that I never had a grandfather, nor great grandmothers - aside from that part I read the messages on this site - I wanted to say that it sure looks like Larry had such warmth and compassion in his heart and that he is truley missed by his family and loved ones.  I am also related to the McEwens by blood and too bad I was never able to meet Larry...he sure seems like an inspiration!   God Bless and rest in peace!

 

Sheila

Close

Condolences to Larry's family  / Terry McEwen (1st cousin )

While I never knew my McEwen cousins because I came along so much later, I do wish to let the family know that I do think of my McEwen relatives and heritage often! I am the son of Leonard McEwen (who is in at least one of the pictures on this site), who was the brother of Gerald McEwen, Larry's father. In fact, I have originals of several of the old photos on this site.

I was born to Leonard and Alice McEwen (my dad's 3rd wife) in 1951 in Memphis. I reside in Lawrence, Kansas, where I am an administrator for the school district.

Larry was always held up to me as a role model when I wanted to become a teacher back in my youth. Our grandmother McEwen thought the world of Larry (she lived with my family from 1953 until her death in 1960) and she told me many wonderful stories about Larry and Geraldine (Sandra was born right after my uncle Gerald's death).

I am touched by this amazing tribute to Larry McEwen and wanted to add my condolences and also reach out to my relatives I don't even know!

Dr. Terry McEwen

Close

I love you so much  / Erica Thompson (Granddaughter)

 Hi Grandpa,

It's Erica. I was looking for my family tree (I wanted to research) and I saw your website. I remembered those times we had at your house. I remember when I was 6 or 5 years old that I would always touch your soft beard. I still have that picture. I remember that day when you died. My dad took me out on the porch, in our old house, and said, "Do you remember that Grandpa was in the hospital?" I nodded. "Well, he has died." I cried all night. I went to school the next day and told my teacher, who was Mrs. Hallett, I would not be at school on Tuesday, May 4th, do to the Funeral. I miss you. I know it was meant to be, but why'd it have to be so soon? I wish you would of lived to be 100! That would be a miracle. I love you Grandpa, and I hope you read this. I know you loved me, and my family, so just remember us forever! I love you.

 

                                                        always,

                                                                          Erica Marie Thompson

                                                                     Erica Marie Thompson 

Close

Living Without You  / Sheila (McEwen) Thompson (daughter)

So much of what you told me when I was young is coming back to me now.  When I was younger I did not want to discuss death and dying and avoided the subject.  Little did I know at the time, you were preparing me for your passing.  Your book and your words helps to soften the blow of loosing you.  I will forever love you.  You passed on your legacy to me.  I thank you for that and I will carry it on through my children and their children.  You are understood, Daddy.  I love you and miss you always.  Love, Sheila

 

Close

Biggest Step!  / Brooke Lacy (Granddaughter)
Hey Grandpa! I love you sooo much!!! I have been doing alot lately! I am going to college this fall! Im going to UNK! I just though i would let you know that like my mom did. she said it all pretty much but i just thought i might tell you too...
this is the biggest step in my life so far and i can feel you there holding my hand the whole way! i love you grandpa and plz never leave me! idk wat i would do with out you!
i dont think i have gone a day since the day you passed with out thinking of you! I love you Grandpa so much and i miss you a ton!!
~Brooke Close

Your Granddaughter Brooke will be GROWING to College Soon!  / Sheila (McEwen) Thompson (Daughter)
Close

THANK YOU, Mr. McEwen ! ! !  / Greg Johnson (former student )
This morning, January 28, 2008, thoughts of Mr. McEwen just came strongly into my spirit...and I was prompted to do an internet search, to try to find him, and contact him.   It was then that I found this tribute site.   You have my deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of a fine man, teacher, brother, husband, and father.   I only wish that I could have contacted him before he passed, just to say THANK YOU, for having such a positive influence on my life.

I was a theatre student of Mr. McEwen (NO, not "Larry")...it will ALWAYS be "Mr. McEwen"....at J. D. Darnall High School in Geneseo, Illinois.   I can honestly say, without reservation, that he helped to shape, encourage, and develop,  whatever talents God's given me to use.   I will never EVER forget his direction of "The Miracle Worker"....I played the son....this was NOT a "high school play" but rather, a PROFESSIONAL production....including a real well on stage, where, at the end of the play, when Annie and Helen were furiously pumping the water....there was NOT a dry eye in the house!!!

I saw him also, when I was a theatre major at the University of Illinois, in Urbana, during a theatre conference....perhaps 1970?

Long story short - I'm now a professional actor here in Los Angeles.  Mr. Larry McEwen will always have a special place in my heart and memory....HE is part of why I do what I do, and always will be.   No, I'm not "famous"...YET, but God's opening many new doors, even now, and I thank HIM first and foremost for EVERY blessing, personal and professional.   But, Mr. McEwen is a special part of who I am, even now.

To see more, you can go to:  www.myspace.com/GodsCharacterActor

Sincerely,
Greg Allen Johnson
Los Angeles






 



  Close

Living in my Heart  / Sheila Thompson (Daughter)
A new year is beginning without you...you are not with me.  Remembering you will be easy as you are living in my heart.  I miss you beyond words.  I love you, Daddy.  I have you in my heart with my memories...I see the moon and think of you.  "See Moon, Daddy"  I would say as we stood by the sliding glass door in Carlinville, IL....Now, in the present, my daughter Kaela Jo and I say the same words to one another.  YOU taught me that!  My family is your legacy.  You wrote a book for us.  When we miss you, we open it and have you in our hearts.  Thank you for that.  You are still with us.  I miss your hugs and even your crabby days Daddy.  You were very special.  I love you...you are living in my heart.  Happy New Year! Close

Dad, John played at Duncan for YOU last night  / Sheila (McEwen) Thompson (daughter)
Although John did not win the championship last night he DID think of you and knew that you would have been so proud.  John's team placed 2nd in the Babe Ruth Tourney and he has been selected to play at the Babe Ruth State Tournament this weekend in Chadron.  John so misses you and so do I.  We missed having you there, cheering him on.  Dad, I know that you were in heaven watching John and we want you to know we wish you would have been there.  We ALL love you and miss you so much!
Love, Sheila, John & family Close

The Dance  / Sandra McEwen (Sister)

 My brother Larry  lived life with gusto..with passion in everything he did...and somewhere along the line he left behind a legacy of love, a life well-lived and the ability to do "The Dance". I knew in my heart that he would want those of us who loved him to "Dance"....

The Dance is so important...because without it we would have missed the Passion of Life....and I can't say it better than the song's words..."Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance"


GARTH BROOKS LYRICS
"The Dance"
Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared 'neath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss the dance
Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey who's to say you know I might have changed it all
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss the dance
Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance


May it Be...My hope for all of you is to "Dance" Close

There In The Breathless Moment  / Sandra McEwen (Sister)
become one
There in the breathless moment...
I find you

Timeless our hearts entwine
Imprinted forever upon my soul
There in the breathless moment...
I find you

I miss you my Dearest Brother ...I will always remember your beautiful eyes that looked within my heart.  I will always remember your laugh that brought joy to my life.  Forever and Always you are wit me in the breathless moment. Close

Playing baseball in heaven  / Sheila Thompson (daughter)
Grief- what a word it is as it chooses my moods for me. I was doing something I really enjoy doing the other night; I watched my son  John play baseball. For the first time since he started playing baseball, John was the starting pitcher. In fact, he pitched 4 innings with NO WALKS! I was the proud Mom; you can imagine my mood. I was smiling and laughing with the other Moms. I forgot about life for awhile. The game was intense and his team won in the end. John received the honor of keeping the game ball.
Next...I got in my car and was driving home. The song, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" was playing on the radio. The SADNESS that overcame my heart is difficult to describe. I was thinking of my Dad and I was so SAD. You see, he always had a special bond with John and I just know that he would have been so VERY PROUD to have seen him pitch like that. Dad loved baseball as a child. The guys he played with in Edgar became lifelong friends for Dad. Jim Smith, a special friend of Dad's passed away around 5 years ago. Then there was Dwight Marsh and Jake Moser.
Dean, my hubby told me something last night...he talked while I cried so HARD that I felt my heart would seriously break from the pain. He said my Dad is WITH me; he is watching us and is with us. I think about the baseball game. I wonder if he was watching. I used to have that faith and tell people comforting words. Right now I am DOUBTING things I always knew to be true. WHY??? It troubles me as I have always been the religious one; the one to help out a friend through faithful words. Now I NEED help.
As I sit here and type out my feelings I realize that my Dad is living in heaven with NO PAIN at all. He is playing baseball with Jim and they are waiting for Dwight and Jake to join them. He is watching John from up above and "bragging" about his grandson's pitching ability. I cry as I realize this is true. Dad, hit a home run for me. Knock it out of the park. You are pain free. I love you! LOVE, Sheila
Close

Out of sight.... but in our Hearts FOREVER!  / Brittany Lacy (Grandaughter)
Grandpa, 
   We all miss you SO very much! Especially mom, she feels a lot of guilt. Tell God to please help her through this rough time! I'm very worried about her, a LOT has happened this year and I mean A LOT! And it wasn't all good. Actually, mostly bad. It's been a rough year for our family. We just want you to know that we all love you VERY much. Tell Grandma Marie, my Grandpa Johnny and my Grandpa Russell "Hi and that i Love them VERY much" for me. I hope you are enjoying your time with your mom and dad. You always talked of how you missed them. Anyway, I love you! and if you can in any way, please help my mom. 
I love you SO VERY MUCH!
~Brittany Ranae Close