Leif...What a guy!!

[philklaboe]

I met Him almost 20 years ago. We quickly became friends. He was different though....never judging anyone, something new for me in my life. Almost everyone Judges people...Not Leif! We had many ups and many lows. I always knew I could count on him and he knew the same of me. I could go on and on on so many stories...but many of them are not appropriate here. He was such a bright guy, who else do you know can speak Chinese...he lived in China, but his home was Oregon....Really, somewhere out in the forest, where the water is crisp and cold, the air is clean with a slight sent of campfire. We loved to go camping. I'm not sure why it was always so much fun? Could of just been that we were together and free to do as we pleased.We would swim and cook soup and hot dogs...And maybe drink a little beer too! I was recently was married. On 8.28.10. Leif was my best man and put together a little camping trip for my bachelor party. It was great and I have so many cool pics that I will keep forever. I was so looking forward to finally, after 8-9 years to finally see China. We planned to leave here on August 1st and return on the 13th. We were all going to ride a train from Beijing to Fushun where Leif and his Beautiful wife to be, Moon, we getting married. I was so excited! Also had been planning a good toast for the wedding, since he gave about a 20 minute toast at my wedding that really had me sweating.....as soon as he said "when to cops got there" I was really nervous...But he kept it tasteful and only mentioned what was important... Our friendship. I have never met any one like him...I know I never will....Life is so short and we are never promised tomorrow!! Live it to the fullest like he did. What a guy! I will miss him dearly....I will write more later...

Phil

[bbadmin]

Those pictures are great! Thanks for sharing some of what Leif meant to you. This really has been a hard time on all of us. Right now Aden and I are sitting here at Leif and Moon's place while dad, mom, and Lars are over at the hospital in with Leif. I'll try to post another status update once I hear from them this morning. It must really be hard being so far away while your best friend is here in the hospital. I look forward to going camping with you as Leif would have done when we all get back to the U.S. this weekend.

With love,

-Lance

[philklaboe]

Here are some more Photos

[davytk]

I just heard about this from Moon in the morning (Copenhagen local time 3:53), and never stopped thinking about Leif and Moon. God bless him and hope for a miracle. I also wish the young couple has a good life in the future.

With best wishes!

Kai Tang

[friend]

Hi Phil,
Thanks for your sharing and your friendship with Leif. He and I were camping at Cascara Campground when he got the call about your injury. We sat up all night at the campfire and talked and cried and shared about you and his love for you. In the morning when he could get someone to cover for him, he took off to do whatever he could for you. He has been so proud of your recovery and how hard you have worked to get where you are now. Glad you, Lars, Lance and Steve could camp again at Fall Creek to remember him as he was, full of life and love and light.
Warm hugs and love,
Renee

[Moon]

Happy Birthday Phil! If I am not wrong, I remembered Leif told me that your birthday is May 31st, and it's still your birthday in Oregon even time goes faster here- it's June 1st in Beijing. You are a brother of Leif and hope you recieve more happyiness from Leif here.

Love,

Moon(Wang Yue)