James Tanner

Hi all. 

Lynn and Sue were a "daily" part of all our lives at Brush during our days there.  They were vibrant, endearing ladies and even if we all didn't know them up close and personal, they were still well known and recognized amongst all of our class mates. 

I grieve for all of us as we continue down life's path.....because there will be more passings, more sad times ahead.  But, we should all also remember that each one of us shared something with each other during our 60's--70's days that made us what we are now.  Sharing....what a wonderful way to go through life.  It's what we did then, interactions that helped us move ahead, and memories that make it easy for each of us to reflect upon those times, and now...to remember Lynn and all of our 'mates'. 

I may not have had a close friendship with each of you, or many others in our class, but for the people I knew and continue to associate with now, and for respect for Lynn and her family, I offer all of you my best wishes and hopes to see you in the next few years at our next gathering.....and we MUST gather--make no mistake about that! 

It is a wonderful opportunity then and there that we can honor Lynn and all who have passed through the comraderie that she and the others with her now that would have been glad to be a part of....and will be with us that special future weekend.

Rest peacefully Lynn.  Paul, you have my sympathies.  I look forward to seeing all of you and the time will come quickly. 

With My Respects,

James Tanner

North Olmsted, OH

Gregory Parsons

Well written James, thanks.

Ray Toll Jr.

Jim, very much appreciate your kind sentiment. We shared some memories ourselves pre-Brush, sharing a backyard fence. 

I extend my sincerest condolences in the same spirit as Jim's words convey.

Ed Horowitz

James, excellent words for sure, thank you!

I grew up with Lynn and Barb as we lived about seven houses from each other on Wyncote, and we frequently played together in all the 'non boy only' games of hide and seek (we called it 50 Scatters), water balloon fights, and went to each other birthday parties growing up too. 

This being said, allow me to share something VERY special about Lynn as it relates to me, and a moment I will never forget, and a story I have told often.

It was during one of our summer vacation nightime 50 Scatters games. I was hiding in a neighbor's bushes, when Lynn, who did not know I was there, decided to hide in the same bush. We were right next to each other, very still, alone together, and at the tender age of  12, she was the first girl I ever kissed...and it was the most wonderful feeling I had ever experienced. 

We never did kiss again, though I must admit I did try again on a similar to on a similar night of playing the game, but she said she didn't want to 'go steady' with me, so that was the end of that! 

Thank you, Lynn for that wonderful memory of my first kiss, and may you rest in peace. 

With sincerest sympathies to Paul and their family,
Ed Horowitz

Laurel Ronis

Eddie.  Jim.  Everyone thank you for sharing.  Lynn and Paul lived next door to us on

Eastway.    with his parents when they first married.   It feels like just a few months ago.    And before that we all were on Girl Scouts.....how

eerie.   My condolences and best

to all as well 

Lynne Garvey (Hodge)

When I think of the innocence the Class of BHS '71 experienced it seems far too soon to be saying good-bye to a special friend.  I marveled at the last reunion:  how many of us are still around - with an especially strong showing from Sunview Elementary School!  :-) 

I knew Lynn from a distance - there weren't that many Lynn's/Lynne's in our class & if there is any gift at all in her passing - it is our Holy Creator's gentle reminder that each days is a gift, that anger is a wasted emotion, that being kind is never a waste of time and keeping a smile on our faces to share with the rest of the world - is a MUST.  I share my condolences & prayers for her grieving family.

This has been a tragic & very, very sad summer.  And I am forever grateful, that N O N E of us ever had to wonder who might have a gun in a back pack - or even what to do if someone did!!  I give thanks for a slew of fabulous teachers & principles who were outstanding mentors for us - even if Miss Kingzett thought girls shouldn't wear pants/jeans!   I give thanks that our vocabularly was well self-censured & that the "s" & "p" words would have made any of us turn a head quickly - heaven forbid the "F" word!!  I give thanks that chewing gum might have been the closest thing to a transgression - and that none of us had to have backpacks examined for illegal drugs or syringes! 

We all lived through the immediate post Civil Rights Era that left an open-ness to care for one another - no matter our race, creed, color or lifestyle.  For that I am grateful.  I appreciate  the many, many good friends from Sunview, Greenview, Memorial and our collective gathering at Brush - for art class, friends in the band, the CW's who made us all laugh & for an amazing athletic program - that I believe Mr. Tanner supported via the Booster Club!  I remember those gorgeious B I G yellow mums girls wore around Homecoming and the pride we felt at being strong members of the LEL.  We all had homes with trimed front yards, geraniums in pots, a place to worship on Saturday or Sunday & a diversity of surnames that clearly marked us an American town  of  1-2 generation removed immigrants.

Yes, we had snow & way too much of it - but if, at the end of the day - that was the only complaint  life WAS good!  Thank you for taking the lead here, Mr. Tanner - with your own reminiscing!  And thank you, Lynn - your passing showed us all that kindness, civility and generosity of spirit is the BEST American Way!  Amen!