LETTERS: LARRY HOLDMAN WAS FINE SERVANT

To the editor:

I wish to mark the passing and celebrate the life of one of Cape Girardeau's finest and most selfless servants, Larry Holdman. By now, everyone has taken note of his passing. Birth and death seem to be the things media notice the most about people like Larry Holdman. Here are some thoughts about his impact on our community.

Larry was a servant in the truest sense of the word. He was quick to give of his time, talents and energy even when those were in short supply. Larry never turned down a request from a friend, no matter what the cost to him, and he never asked for compensation or recognition when giving of himself. He worked tirelessly for his church, for his community and for his family, not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get dirty, doing the work that many would have thought beneath them. I can't ever remember Larry complaining in any of his acts of service. He always brought energy, a smile and a playful giggle to each task he joyfully did.

Larry served his community as a therapist for most of his adult life. He always managed to approach his employment as a form of service work also. Larry worked with the seriously mentally ill, with families in crisis and with those who suffered with and tried to recover from addictions to alcohol or other drugs. In a business where it becomes easy to feel superior, to pass judgment on those he worked with, not once did Larry ever view as less or dare to judge someone whose problems were getting the best of them. He worked with a smile, a gentle touch, and a quiet voice, filled with compassion and love. He has been directly responsible for helping hundreds of addicts and alcoholics turn their lives around.

Outside of his family -- wife, Ruth Ellen, son, Brian, and his sisters and brothers -- Larry will be sorely missed by the nameless masses who are clean and sober today, having been helped by Larry Holdman. Publicly, Larry stayed out of the limelight, always humble. However, his family and friends will forever understand the powerful and irreplaceable impact of this kind and gentle man. We will miss you, Larry. Please know that your legacy lives on.

STEVE NARROW

Perryville, Mo.