Sunday, September 14, 2008

Homeward Bound


H a r o l d W i l l i a m L e f r a n d t

June 4, 1962- September 14, 2008

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red.
When the summer’s ceased its gleaming,
When the corn is past its prime,
When adventure’s lost its meaning,
I’ll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.

If you find it’s me you're missing, if you’re hoping I’ll return.
To your thoughts I’ll soon be list’ning, and in the road I’ll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end.
And the path I’ll be retracing when I’m homeward bound again.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.

In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing,
I’ll be homeward bound again.

-Music and Lyrics by Marta Keen

Funeral Times

Wednesday, September 17th 2008

9:00-10:30 Viewing

11:00 Funeral

Alpine North Stake Center Chapel

1125 East Alpine Boulevard

Alpine, UT

26 comments:

Shannon said...

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

www.amiestarks.typepad.com said...

The sweetest sentiment for a bitter moment...

I am grateful to have known your dad and husband here on earth -- the warmth that you have expressed and felt about him is the same warmth that I have felt from Harold. His love for the Gospel and his Heavenly Father is apparent as is yours.

I am glad that Harold has moved forward and left this mortal by -- and moved on to a place where he will not be tormented and limited by his mortal body.

Diane -- you and Harold are amazing to me -- you have fantastic children who love the Lord and love you. You and Harold are individually and collectively wonderful people -- fun, knowledgeable, interesting, thougtful and full of faith -- and I am honored to know you. You have blessed my life in many ways -- and continue to do so with your excellent example of gospel living even through this patch of your life.

Our hearts are with you today and I pray that you can each be together as a family, feel comforted by Our Heavenly Father and know of his love for each of you and your Dad and Husband Harold.

With deepest sympathy and warmest gratitude,


Ken and Amie Starks

Jessica said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SUE and JD said...

We wish to express our love for all of you. While we know the joy and the reunion that is going on in heaven, and that Harold is now free from pain, it doesn't take away the sense of temporary loss to you.
We are so blessed with the knowledge of the plan of salvation and the love our Heavenly Father has for us.
Harold is so proud of all of you and the wonderful examples that you are and have been to so many people of what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about.
Our Love and Prayers are and will be with all of you.
JD, Sue & Family

Klepinger said...

Sent with love and admiration and great faith to our friends...

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress... or peril, or the sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus our Lord." Romans 8...

Harold is a true son of God, a loyal husband and father, and a fearless promoter of the faith. We are blessed to call him friend.

Please know how lucky he is to have the love, support and eternal companionship of such a marvelous family. His influence lives on through each of you.

May you feel a full measure of the Spirit of the Lord in the days and weeks ahead, and a confirmation of our faith and prayers in your behalf.

Much love,

Bob and Leann Klepinger

Ken Richmond said...

Diane and family I am truly at a loss of what I can possibly say to relieve even the smallest amount of grief that you are feeling at this point. I also know you Diane and know you to be a pillar of strength and faith. The plan of salvation is a blessing to us all and I am sure you cling to that knowledge. We have known each other for a long time and I have admired your never waivering faith and courage. You have always let people know that you are a daughter of our Heavenly Father and have shown that as well by example. I know you know that I love you and yoru family very much. Ken and I are very sorry for your loss and pray that you will find comfort at this time. Love, Deb

Ryan Boucher said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your dad was always a joy to be around and interact with, As I am sure you all know. He was the original Uncle Harold, who was the cool Uncle to be around at the 49th Street Galleria, or at your house. I remember when he took Jon and I to Hard rock cafe in Seattle and waited with us for hours because he wanted us to experience it. Several memories of Harold and your family stick out to me, but his example and dedication to the Lord, his family, and the Church are ones that will always be with us.

Harold has moved to a wonderful place and will have a front row seat to the wonderful things that will happen in your family's lives, His love and example will be there every step of the way.

We love you and are so grateful for knowing Harold and the examples left with us by him

Ryan Boucher

Shannon said...

We are at a loss of words, but also so filled with joy at Harold's wonderful life. It is because of Harold and your family that my sister and I are a part of this true gospel and have a knowledge of the plan of salvation. We are so grateful to have known Harold so well. He was an amazing father to an amazing family, as well as a living representative of the Lord. We love him and your family... may peace be with you during this time. Thank you for keeping us updated; we will be there on Wednesday.

With love,
Shannon & Mitch

The Zeediks said...

what a beautiful post... xoxoxoxoxoxo. thoughts, prayers and love is with you and the whole family!!!!!

Carolyn said...

We love you and so does everyone back in the Netherlands. They are sending you their love and prayers.
You have all been a great example of love and faith.

Unknown said...

Dear Diane, We just learned that Harold passed away today. Our heartfelt love goes out to you and your precious family. We hope you all feel the sweet spirit of the Comforter, that you feel his arms encircled about you to lift, carry and comfort you. Sometimes we have to go through these trials so we are able to recognize the sweet, sweet spirit of the Comforter. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love, Dick and Tiffany

Mike Matthews said...

Harold was my old seminary teacher years ago. When I would see him in the hallway early in the morning we would run towards each other and give an "in the air chest bump" similar to a football touchdown celebration. That was Harold. Everyone has a story that involves him. He was the best example of a true family man. He was full of humor and love. I miss him like crazy.

MommyN'Bliss said...

I'm not sure that there is ever anything that can be said at a time like this that can "make you feel better" but I couldn't let the passing of such an amazing man go without some effort. Harold was a great man and will be missed much but welcomed home even that much more. I'm happy for his achievement knowing that he his gong home but so saddened by your loss. I wish we could have stayed in touch more and hope that long distance hugs and prayers will suffice. I love you guys and am very greatful for the life that you introduced me to.
Love,
Shalie

Em said...

I don't even know you or have ever met your family... I found you through a blog dedication of a friend of mine. My heart goes out to you and your family. What a joy it is to know that there is a plan and you will be able to see him again. My husband is currently undergoing cancer treatments as well and so I somewhat understand the heartache that your family has been through. I pray that you and your family will find comfort and peace that you need. From the comments that I've read your father/husband was a great guy. And his amazing attitude will be with everyone forever. Even people who have never met him. What a great legacy to leave. May you have that peace and comfort that Heavenly Father will bless you with... Thank you for sharing such a hard part of your life, you never know who'll you'll touch.

Brian said...

I am very grateful to have known Howard and family. The kindness he showed to me during my teenage years was priceless. The example he set for me as a father and husband is what I remember most. I will never forget the night he and Diane stopped to say hello to me when I was working at the movie theater. They told me they have a date night every Friday night and hadn't missed one since they were married. This was astounding to me considering how many children they have. This was the most simple but greatest example to me of how a husband should treat his wife. I use this example as a standard of how I now treat my wife.

Thank you,
Brian Kilner

Joseph DuWors said...

We only had a brief time to be with your family while in Issaquah and were grateful for the wonderful welcome that you gave our family as we went through a difficult time there - our love and prayers go out to your family as you face this even more trying time.

Love and Prayers - Joseph and Christina DuWors

Gail said...

Our love and best thoughts are with you and your family. Gail and Bob Berry

Sherry Boren said...

Diane, I just wanted to drop a note to tell you how sorry I am about the passing of your sweet husband. I didn't even know that he was sick again. I loved working with you both and really enjoyed getting to know you. I pray you will have the peace that comes with knowing where Harold is and that the Lord know You and what you are going through. I will pray for you these next few days. Love to your family. Sherry Boren

Breanna and Martin said...

He will surely be missed but we know that he is doing the Lord's work. I hope he enjoys the post I made for him :-)

I love you Lefrandts! You are a strength and example to all of us.

Gillett's said...

We are thinking of you & your cute family. May the Lord bless you during this time with the Sweet Spirit that comes from the passing of a loved one. May you all know how many people love and have been praying for your family during your journey. Take Care of each other- With Love, the Gillett family

Dan &Kimberly Hunter said...

We Love you and You are still in our thoughts and prayers. Just know that we will be thinking of your family tomorrow and wish we could be there to put our arms around you. Please know we are here for you. What a battle you have fought, but how wonderful that he is back 'home'.

Debbie Richmond said...

Diane,

As I listened today to your beautiful daughter and sweet, sweet Jon I could not help but think what a wonderful job you and Harold have done with them both. I am sure your other children are equally as blessed with the spirit that has been instilled in them. Such wonderful things were said and what a sweet testiment to Harold and his willingness to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone. I am grateful to have known him and to continue to be your friend. Always, Debbie xxx ooo

shel7by said...

somebody put a link to your blog on mine and asked me to leave you a note. This is a private time and I'm sorry to be an intruding stranger. my father passed away when I was 17... you guys sound just like my family did. I know the spirit makes it all bearable. you're in my prayers.

I have been dealing with my own cancer and i'm just going to add a link to a page that talks about that and my father's death too. I guess this is what "anonymous" might have been talking about.

http://shelbysjourney.blogspot.com/2008/02/thank-you-mel.html

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I got to feel the amazing Spirit during Harold's funeral. Although I only know of him through his family, I admire the wonderful way he lived his life. The service was such a confirmation of the wonderful plan of happiness. We love little Abby and enjoy her fun personality at dance every week. Please let us know if we can have her for a playdate! xo

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

Our love and prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything at all, please let us know! ♥

Taryn said...

Hey Jon and Family,

This being the 1 year mark since Harold's death, I decided to reread some of these posts. I just wanted to let you know how much we all loved him and still think of him and your family often. It's amazing the strength and courage you have all shown this past year, I can see it even from a distance. You are true examples to us all and I'm sure Harold is very proud. We love you and continue to pray for you and your family. You guys are incredible.

Taryn