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I worked with Leif at CBTU. He is such
a wonderful spirit. When I needed help, Leif was the first to offer
support. He encouraged me to persue dreams I never thought possible.
He is an angel that took EVERYONE under his wing. He always had a
way of making people feel special. He showed up at my college
graduation, & I was shocked. Little did I know that his brother
was also graduating there the at the same time & that's why Leif
was there. But he humored me & acted like he intentionally came
to support me too. One of the last times I saw him he held my
newborn son, and I am grateful that my son had the opportunity to be
touched by Leif also.
To Jenell and Leif's family, I am
sorry for your lose. You were so lucky to have been so close to
Leif. And he was so lucky to have you. You all are in my prayers.
Leif, I know you're happy now. I look forward to seeing you
again. Keep in touch :) |
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Keri Stone (Stansbury
Park, UT ) May 22, 2003
littlewings@kindermusikutah.com |
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We met Leif when our son, now 14, was a
3 year old at CBTU. We sensed Leif was a great soul. Our paths have
not crossed but once or twice in the intervening years, but we found
he'd occasionally pop up in our thoughts and musings. There are not
many people who reach you on such a deep level as to become an
inspirational / directional part of your life - but Leif is on the
short list of truly exceptional people. |
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Robin and Hank Clements
(Park City, UT ) May 11, 2003 |
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I was so sorry to read today that Leif
had passed away. I worked with him when he interned at The
Children's Center in Kearns. He was very understanding and
encouraging to me, and even helped me with tips on getting into
graduate school. I saw that he was presenting at an autism
conference recently, and I only wish I had made more effort to seek
him out. I am very sorry for your loss. |
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Jennifer (Glick) Swan
(Tooele, UT ) May 10, 2003 |
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To the loving family of Leif, I
knew Leif for a brief time at CBTU and while he was doing some
coursework at the University.....my heart goes out to you and all
that were close to him. Leif was an amazing person who touched many
people's lives. He will be greatly missed by all. Please know that
your family and Leif are in my prayers. I hope that Leif is
somewhere where he is happier and not in pain. God Bless you
all! |
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Nicole Divino (salt
lake city, UT ) May 10, 2003 nickylou@msn.com |
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My wife Sarah and I were Leif's
apartment manager in Salt Lake for a couple of years. He was so
kind, polite, and as exceptional a person I have ever known. He and
I talked every now and then about school and he was a great
encourager for me in my graduate pursuits. My sincere symapthies to
all who knew and loved him. Josh McNeal |
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Josh McNeal (Reno, NV )
May 9, 2003 jmcneal@unr.nevada.edu |
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I met Leif while he was dating Kari.
They are two of my favorite people. He was a comfort and a good
laugh during my divorce, and I always looked forward to seeing him
and talking to him. He came to my surprise 25th Birthday party with
Kari, and we even got him to rollar-skate and play laser-tag! I will
always treasure the brief times I was able to spend in his company.
Heidi Chilcott |
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Heidi Chilcott (Orem,
UT ) May 7, 2003 heidichilcott@yahoo.com |
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I considered Leif a very close friend
during high school. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time
with him and John Dye.
I wish I could find the words to
describe my sadness for your loss. As well as the sadness I feel for
losing a good friend.
Last year Leif and I just recently
started getting back in touch after too many years of no contact. I
wish there had been time to get to know Leif all over again. I will
miss him dearly.
Leif was indeed "one of a kind".
Best regards, Evan |
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Evan Carter (Kalispell,
MT ) May 6, 2003 skalkahoslim@yahoo.com |
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I wish I had Leif's ability to say just
the right thing to people who are hurting and confused. Because I
really need those words for myself right now. I miss you, Leif. I'm
so grateful for our friendship and for every memory that I'll hold
tighter than ever. Thank you for all you did for me and all the love
you taught me, Leify. God bless your family and loved ones. |
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Tawny Davis (Logan, UT
) May 6, 2003 tawnyyyy@aol.com |
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Stephen, Only time can truly lessen
the grief you feel. Your son was here for too short a time, but
never-the-less left his mark on so many lives. Those whose lives
he touched will be better for having known him, I only wish I had.
What a father you must be. He was a lucky son. My heart goes out to
you. You're in our thoughts and prayers. |
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Janet Lindquist (Oak
City, UT ) May 5, 2003 |
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Dear Steve, I am so sorry about
your loss! I can not think of any words to lessen your grief, but
please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your
family. |
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Kathy Erickson
(Richfield / Loa, UT ) May 5, 2003 |
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Dear Steve, The news of your loss
has both stunned and saddened me. Although I did not have the
priviledge of knowing Leif-Erik, I know what a fine father he has,
and how deep your sorrow must be. May you find comfort in the kind
words of the many who have expressed themselves on this site. Leif
most certainly touched many lives, and will be missed by all who
knew him. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for you and your
family at this time. |
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Vicky Bower (Bicknell,
UT ) May 5, 2003 |
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James Porter
(Richfield, UT ) May 5, 2003 |
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Dear Rundquist Family,
My
sincere condolences. Leif was a dear friend of mine. I was stunned
to hear of his death. He was a young man of extraordinary compassion
and warmth. My prayers and tears will share your deep grief. Words
cannot express the void. |
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T. Christian Andersen
(SLC, UT ) May 4, 2003 |
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Lars, We are truly sorry to hear
the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and
your family. Take Care! David & Holly Fail |
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Holly Hills-Fail (South
Jordan, UT ) May 2, 2003 |
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Leif was a true friend to everyone he
met. As a TA to our Social Work co-hort in Price, Utah, I found him
so eager and willing to help us be better, not only as social
workers, but a human beings. His death saddens me deeply. This world
is less without him. Lynette Magliocco |
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Lynette Magliocco
(Duluth, GA ) May 2, 2003 |
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Dear Janelle- I'm so sorry for your
loss. I have no answers, explanations, or brilliant things to say
(which is unusual), so I'll help you find him later. God has belssed
you-- Andrea |
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Andrea (Salt Lake, UT )
May 2, 2003 |
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To Janelle and Leif's family:
The first time I met Leif was on a Trip to Lake Powell where
he and Janell shared a room with my wife Monica and I. I liked him
right away. In the services today people talked about how spending
only a few minutes with him you could find your self in deep
conversation about the origin and purpose of man and we did that
evening. He was a genuine person. I liked to be around him. I had
the privalage of seeing him a few times since then. I wish I had
known him better. It was also mentioned today that if you knew him
you would most likley have an experiance with him that could be
pivotal and life changing. He seems to still have that influence
after his passing. Leaving the funeral today I felt inspired. Im
glad Janelle introduced us. Im glad I knew him the little I did.
I'll always be gratefull for that. You dont need to be told what an
amazing person he was. You know. I just want to thank you for giving
me the chance to know him. |
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Dan Johnson (UT )
May 1, 2003 |
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Dear JJ, May time heal your wounds.
Take one day at a time. If one day is to over whelming, take a deep
breath and know that there is lots of people out there to help you.
And know that you have lots of people here at olympus view who love
and support you. Take comfort in knowing that your love for Leif was
true and real, and that is something only you and he shared. Keep
him in your heart and know he is looking down upon you taking care
of you from above and loving from afar. My thoughts and prayers are
with you. With my best wishes, Tamara |
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Tamara Record (S.L.C,
UT ) May 1, 2003 |
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Dear Steve & Gundl, We are so
truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and
we hope that God will comfort you during this sad time. Love,
Ader & Sherrie |
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Sherrie & Ader
Sanchez (SLC, UT ) May 1, 2003
adersher@hotmail.com |
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Dear Janelle:
My sweet friend,
you are in my thoughts and my prayers. You were so blessed to find
the precious love you had with Leif. Remember that love and cherish
it always. You are such a compassionate, loving, and caring person.
These are the qualities Leif loved in you. You are strong, you can
do this. Continue Leif's legacy of love. Your family and friends
love you and are here for you, and will help, never forget that. In
the words of the song "The Dance" by Garth Brooks "...I could have
missed the pain, but I would have missed the dance." Your love will
never die. Love you.
Lisa |
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Lisa Clement-Fisher
(Salt Lake City, UT ) May 1, 2003 |
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Steve, Gundl and Family: I was
deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your son. As Leif's Middle
School History Teacher I remember him as a caring and kind young man
who always worked hard and made the extra effort to do well and to
always treat others with respect. I always expected him to go on and
be of service to others and to excell in any field he chose. You
must be proud and happy that he touched so many peoples lives.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I will never forget this
fine young man. |
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Mike Rose (Corvallis,
MT ) May 1, 2003 casaderosas@msn.com |
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Dear Gundl, You and your husband
must be very proud of your son. He sounds like a wonderful man. I
just wanted you to know that I feel very badly for you because I
know you'll miss him very much. I'm so very sorry. My love and
thoughts are with you. |
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Barbara Schwab (Salt
Lake City, UT ) April 30, 2003 |
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rundquist, I was
one of the most lucky students to have had Leif in our class as a
teaching assistant. He was an incrediable example of a social worker
and demonstrated his caring and insight with the greatest
gentleness. He inspired us to do better and to be more accepting. He
also encouraged us to think deeper than any one other. He understood
things that most of us couldn't and he shared that understanding. He
has done more for our education than was ever required of him. He is
loved and will be missed. |
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Afton Wisner (Salt Lake
City, UT ) April 30, 2003 |
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Dearest family and loved ones, I got to
know Leif at the Autism program at CBTU. What a guy! Leif amazed me
with his easy going intellect; his quick, sataric wit; and his non
judgemental acceptance of everyone (and everyone's children). He
understood. He made me laugh, and I will miss him. I hope you all
find some strength and comfort in knowing that he has had such a
tremendous impact on so many people, on so many..... many
levels. |
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Dawn Armstrong (West
Valley City, UT ) April 30, 2003
dawn.armstrong@attib.com |
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What huge grief I feel at the absence
of my friend. Leif shared the very best of himself at every
opportunity with each person he met. Becoming friends with Leif was
easy because he looked past all shortcomings, found the heart and
soul of everyone, showing his value for them so we always new he was
a safe person to confide in and a comfort to be with. Leif is my
hero. I want to be more like Leif. Through the opportunity to share
study, classes, and research I was blessed with his trust and he
showed me new insights to life. How can I thank you Leif, how
can I thank your family for their contributions to shaping you? You
smiled so easily, you laughed so quickly, and you always listened so
closely. I looked forward with such anticiaption to walk through
graduation with you, my victory, your victory, the symbol of
gritting out the struggle. Many times we talked about each of our
plans after graduation to use the new skills we learned to help
others. And then I left to return to my other duties, with the
outlook that we would soon share that time absorbing the reward of
our efforts. Each time we talked about that you always told me that
you'd be there with me. Leif, I know that you will keep your word to
me, and I will feel better. Rest well my friend, you've more than
met the Goal set before you. And check in on me from time to time,
ok? |
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Carl Miller (New
Braunfels, TX ) April 30, 2003
carls.miller@earthlink.net |
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Friends and family, I knew Leif in
the MSW program and the PhD program. What a fine human being! We
shared some wonderful conversations and I admired so much his
honesty and his very sincere questions about life. I recently
attended his doctoral proposal and was again astounded at his
academic excellence and his energy. He was simply one of the
brightest and best humans I ever known. My lovely daughter had
the opportunity of working alongside Leif at CBTU and he never saw
me that he did not ask how she was. There wasn't much in life that
didn't receive Leif's sincere attention. God bless you, dear
Leif. I too offer my blessings to all of you at this time.
Peace, love, and healing, Susan Ann Stauffer |
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Susan Ann Stauffer
(Salt lake City, UT ) April 30, 2003 |
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Leif was and will always be the
greatest teacher I ever had. I tried to keep in touch with him with
cards and notes. He is the one that sponcered me to get into the
social work program and now I graduate on may 1 and my thoughts will
be with him. I loved leif and my children loved him because he added
so much to my life but he would have given me the credit. There is
no one like him he will not be forgotten. |
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Terri Morris
(Taylorsville, UT ) April 30, 2003 |
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OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE
INTIRE FAMILY AT THIS VERY SAD TIME. I ONLY MET HIM ONCE BUT HE IS A
DEAR FRIEND TO MY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE SPOKEN OF HIM MANY TIMES.THIS
HAS MADE THEM VERY SAD. MY SON JOHN WARD AND HIS WIFE MICHELE
ORPHANIKIS WARD AND MY DAUGHTER TRACY WARD DARLING HAD ALL WORKED
WITH HIM AT C.B.T.U. AND MICHELE HAD KNOWN HIM FOR A LONG TIME. I
CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE HOW HARD THIS IS FOR YOU. I PRAY YOU WILL FIND
PEACE IN YOUR HEART, THE SAME PEACE I'M SURE HE FEELS RIGHT NOW. GOD
BLESS ALL OF YOU.FONDLEY ADDIE AND EDWARD STOWERS. |
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ADDIE & EDWARD
STOWERS (SALT LAKE CITY, UT ) April 30, 2003
ednad6@msn.com |
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Steve, Gundl and Family, I was so
sad to hear about your loss. I just wanted to let you know that we
are thinking of you and praying that you find the peace and comfort
you need during this difficult time. As I read through the comments
people made about Leif, it is obvious that he touched many, many
lives. You must both be so proud of who he was and the contributions
he made to this world. Again, May God comfort you and hold you in
His arms until you see Leif again. |
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Stacy Mosier-Jessop
(Pinesdale, MT ) April 30, 2003
stacyj@corvallis.k12.mt.us |
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Dear Gundl, Steve and Family...words
cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You have my deepest
sympathy.
I did not know Leif personally, but he has a truly
extraordinary mother...and the apple cannot have fallen far from the
tree... |
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Casey Preece (Salt Lake
City, UT ) April 30, 2003 |
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To the family and friends of Leif,
I have had the privilege of having Leif as a TA with the U of U
Distant Education Program in Price, Utah. We had a group of about
6-7 MSW students at our site. I am truly saddened about his passing
and want to extend my sincerest sympathy to all who loved him. Leif
helped me out with my classes, especially Research and I can still
picture him glancing at me with a smile and telling me "you did
good" when I wasn't sure of myself. He was very intellegent and
insighful on everything I needed to know. I remember him cheering
for us at graduation on May 2, 2001 as we were receiving our
degrees. I will always remember his acceptance of me as a Native
American student and he never treated me any different. I want to
thank him for making me comfortable and accepted. Leif was very
caring and there was nothing he wouldn't do for our class/site.
There are so many things to say about him. His spirit was gentle and
I am honored to have known him. May the Lord grant you peace and
comfort today and always. |
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Cindy Anderson
(Montezuma Creek,, UT ) April 30, 2003 |
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To the Rundquist Family... My heart
is deeply saddened for your loss. I find it difficult to imagine the
depth of sorrow you must feel. But I remember long ago conversations
with you, Steve, and I know your faith offers comfort. My memories
of Leif are so shining and warm. What an outstanding young man he
was, with a gift for depth and compassion unequalled in my
experience as an 8th grade Language Arts teacher. And Humor! I will
never forget the Student Council Presidential election speeches when
he introduced us all to the concept, "Take a liking to a Viking!" I
didn't see Leif much during his high school years here but I
recieved a much treasured e-mail from him about 7 years ago. It was,
I think, an example of his deep caring and compassion. He was a
light in my life and I will not forget him. |
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Deb Spradlin Cathey
(Corvallis, MT ) April 30, 2003
deba@corvallis.k12.mt.us |
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Dear Gundl My thoughts are with
you. You can be so proud of Leif. His life touched so many people
and that is a tribute to you. I know he would want you to be a
peace. You have so many people that love and support you . I am here
for you in what ever you need. |
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Sandy Crane (Sandy, UT
) April 30, 2003 |
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Dear Family of Leif Rundquist,
Leif was very dear to all of us at the Price ED-Net
extension. I found myself constantly amazed by his insight,
knowledge, passion, and caring. I learned so much from him, and was
fortunate to have known him. People of Leif's character, and
compassion are rare. He was a blessing to this world. It was an
honor to have known him and to learn from him. I will cherish my
memories of Leif for the rest of my life.
I wish you, his
family and friends, peace during this time. You shall be in my
thoughts and my prayers. |
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Jay Otterstrom
(Monticello, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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My Dearest Friend,
I met your
beloved eldest child only once during a surprise visit to the
office that allowed you (an extremely proud mother) golden
opportunity to 'show him off' to your circle of friends. He was such
a good-looking young man with a charming smile.
Leif, though
we met only once, I felt I knew you. I knew you through a mother's
heart...your mother's heart. A heart that may not have always
understood you, but a heart that will Love you deeply and
perpetually. Your mother spoke with pride of your many
accomplishments and of your great intellect. She admired your
sensitivity and your ability to understand and work with austic
children. What a Great 'mix' of characteristics you inherited from
your parents. What a fantastic legacy of good works and kindness
you leave behind.
Dear Gundl, I know you are grieving
beyond comprehension. Knowing the Love you hold in your heart
for all your children has me aching for you. In time, you will come
to know the meaning of Leif's early departure. In Time. |
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Jan Duggar (West
Bountiful, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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Janelle, I can not begin to tell
you how deeply sorry I am for your loss, but I know through the many
wonderful memories you shared together his spirt will live on in
your heart. Leif touched many lives and was a great friend to many
people and will be truly missed by all those who knew him. I am so
greatly honored to have met Leif and to learn of all the wonderful
qualities he posessed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his
family. With all my love, Trish |
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Trish Spens (salt lake,
UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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I wanted to write a note expressing my
sincerest simpathy for the great lost you are experiencing at this
time. Leif will truly be missed by all of us in the Distance
Education Program not only because of his extensive knowledge and
skills but also because of his kindness and caring for all those
around him. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered. |
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Clifford Farnsworth
(Tooele, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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To the Family and Loved Ones of Leif,
Leif had a very positive effect on everyone he came in contact
with. I always walked away a better person after talking with him.
He will be greatly missed. The Lord must have had a great need for
him to take him home so early in life. May you be blessed with
comfort during this trying time. Sincerely, Lorneta |
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Lorneta Ferguson
(Logan, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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I met Leif the first year of the MSW
program. I was very impressed by his gifted intellect and his caring
and understanding personality. He was one of the warmest, most
giving individuals I have ever met. It was an honor knowing him. I
am so sorry for your loss. |
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Stephanie Laub Sefick
(Farmington, UT ) April 29, 2003 slsefcik@aol.com
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To the Family of Leif Rundquist: I
wanted to thank you for bringing such a kind, gentle and dear person
into the world. I met Leif through working in the social work
building many years ago, and throughout these years, my admiration
and respect for him has continued to grow. For the last few years,
Leif has been a teaching assistant in the program I coordinate and
his dedication to these students and this program was legendary.
Please know the distance education students thought the world of
Leif and miss him terribly, as do I. Leif and I were also fellow
doctoral students and he was so kind as to share his expertise about
navigating through this program and to provide support in the form
of "you can do it!" Although such a young man, Leif left a huge
magnificent mark on the world. I wish Leif peace and for his family
and friends, I also wish you peace.
Also, one of the
distance ed students wanted to make sure I passed this message
along. Her name is Brenda Hulphers. "Please convey my deepest
condolences to the Rundquist family and everyone who knew and cared
about Leif. I am leaving on 4/30/03 to visit my elderly parents in
Ohio and won't be returning until Monday night, 05/05/03, so I will
regrettably be gone for all of the services. The world is a sadder
place without Leif. He was one of those rare gems who completely
represented the values we strive to achieve in the social work
profession. Sincerely, Brenda Hulphers." |
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Sandra Kikuchi (Salt
Lake City, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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So often in life, you never know how
many people you've touched and truly affected. Sometimes when
someone dies you realize how broad their circle of friends really
was, when seeming strangers come out of the woodwork to report the
void left behind by someone's passing. I am one of those people from
Leif's life.
I met Leif 7 years ago, when I was living in
Salt Lake. We discovered we have the exact same birthday- (he's a
few hours older, and he rubbed it in like a big brother would).
Every year since then, even after I moved away and we lost touch, we
have emailed each other on our birthday, to check in, to see how
life was going. He was always so, so busy, I would marvel at his
ability to work non-stop, teaching and traveling to Price and
working on his PhD, and do a thousand things all at once. I wish I
had his energy. I always marveled at his dedication, his certainty
about his life's work.
I remember walking around CBTU one
night with Leif, he showed me the classrooms and talked about all
the kids he worked with. He loved them, he had patience for them
like no one I've ever met.
He always had this great calming
influence on me, I told him I felt like a neurotic high-strung
poodle sometimes, and he was a big old napping calm black lab. He
would call me at work just to remind me to breathe, or read me a
daily meditation. He helped me learn not to sweat the small stuff.
Through my work, I encountered a deaf family needing
emergency assistance with utilities, food, and Christmas assistance
for their children. I brought Leif with me, so he could sign for the
family and explain how to apply for assistance, and he was able to
translate for me their expressions of gratitude for the turkey we
brought, the Christmas presents, the coats... It was an amazing
experience.
Leif used to joke about how when he would drink
a lot he would start signing as he spoke-- I think of that all the
time when I see people gesturing wildly in a bar-- maybe they are
just saying hello to Leif across the room.
I've always
thought he was one of the gentlest, kindest souls on the planet--
those of you who knew him better and longer than I were very lucky
indeed.
This year when I emailed Leif on our birthday, I
discovered with great disappointment that his email account had been
cancelled. It just wasn't the same birthday without him... now it
never will be. I'll always light a candle on my cake for Leif.
-Robyn Walters 1/27/70, 11:45pm |
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Robyn Walters (Dallas,
TX ) April 29, 2003 jilalan@aol.com |
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Dearest Janelle,
I know words
cannot change what you are feeling in your heart.
I know I
cannot fill the space that was once occupied by the greatest love
one could ever hope to feel.
But I do know how lucky you and
Leif are to have found each other. Soulmates who even now will carry
with them a piece of each other. He will always be ever present by
the love you keep in your heart.
To think of Leif is to
think of his kindness, his sensitivity and his incredible intellect.
I see those qualities shine through you and know his gifts will live
on through your amazing spirit.
May the life you both
dreamed about live on inside you.
May you always treasure
those days together....days that many will never experience.
And may you always carry the love you feel for Leif through
all the special moments of your life.
With all my love,
Kate |
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Kate Arutunian (Salt
Lake City, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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Mr.& Mrs. Rundquist and Family:
I remember Leif when he was a student at the Corvallis
Middle School and at Corvallis High School. What a special young
man! He and my son John were very good friends and they were
wonderful examples to their classmates. Leif was always friendly and
I never remember Leif without a smile.
Leif was living in
Utah when John went on his mission for the L.D.S. church. John flew
out from Salt Lake City to serve his mission in Taiwan. John's
father and I could not be there with John....Leif was there at the
SLC airport to be with him.
Leif was a great help to John,
Cindi and their sweet family. Leif helped so much with the little
boys.
Leif, thank you for the love you have shared with
others and for your very sweet spirit. We love you and you will live
forever in our memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family. |
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Bonnie Dye-DeMott
(Corvallis, MT ) April 29, 2003
bonnied59828@yahoo.com |
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I'm very sorry for the loss of such a
wonder beneficial human being. He will be missed. |
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Julie Hird (west valley
city, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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Dear Leif’s family:
I miss
Leif. I miss his wonderful smile and the way he would make me feel
every time I saw him. I spent two years taking PhD classes with
Leif. I watched him impress everyone from students to instructors
with his insight and profound philosophical depth. No one could use
the words “ontological” and “epistemological” better in a sentence
than Leif could. Leif was truly one of a kind, a wonderfully loving
human being. My dear Leif, ontologically speaking, my reality is
forever altered because of you. Thank you for the many
inspirations. |
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Shadi Sahami (Salt Lake
City, UT ) April 29, 2003 ssahami@socwk.utah.edu
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Dearest Steve, Gundl and Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. As I read today’s
“KLOVE” Power Verse I’m reminded of Leif-Erik.
TODAY'S POWER
VERSE - 4/29/2003 For we are God's workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do. Ephesians 2:10, New International Version
What an
awesome example his parents made in his life… Leif-Erik was an
exceptional young man who cared for his work and people. What a
privilege it was to have met him, and share a chuckle or two.
My heart, prayers and LOVE are with each one of you as you
grieve for him.
Lovingly your, Connie F.
Aguilar-McCowan |
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Connie McCowan (West
Jordan, UT ) April 29, 2003 cmccowan@co.slc.ut.us
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I will remember Leif with
fondness. |
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David Dye (Nephi, UT )
April 29, 2003 |
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I feel honored to have know two Leif
Rundquists--the young man attending Corvallis Junior High and High
School in Montana and the man who continued to be a great friend,
comforter, and counselor in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Some of my
earliest and most fond memories of Leif were being in band and
select choir together. Leif was always the most talented in the
bunch--it was in the genes.
Leif was a great person--not
only was he a good friend in Junior High and High School, he was
also a great help and comfort to me and Cindi, my wife, when we
discovered our two boys had autism.
Leif's work as a
counselor at CBTU (a special private school for children with
autism) was a boon to us as parents. He helped us detect the warning
signs early and worked as our advocate to help us gain admittance
into the school.
Leif was very good with these special-needs
children, and also helped counsel many parents and siblings to
understand and cope with what they were going through.
We
had dinner with Leif every six months or so--our latest was in
January. As always, he was in great spirits and introduced us to a
special person in his life.
Leif--from all your friends of
an earlier era, know you are loved and will be missed. Your impact
will not be forgotten--your legacy is sure. |
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John Dye (Murray, UT )
April 29, 2003 dyejo@yahoo.com |
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We love Leif for all the wonderful
hours he spent with our twin daughters, Kylee & Madison Clayson,
at CBTU (1988-92). He was great influance to our family and we will
always be grateful to him. Our deepest sorrows at his passing. |
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Lynn & Vicki
Clayson (Bountiful, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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Dear Family of Leif,
I met Leif
as I was working on my MSW. When I entered the PhD program as the
"new kid" Leif welcomed me with open arms, his great smile, and the
promise to be there if I needed him...(I am holding him to that
promise)... At a time, when even in our profession, there can be an
attitude of "one ups" or "better than,"...Leif demonstrated true
"unconditional positive regard" for all he came in contact
with...What a gift he is and will continue to be!
Sincerely,
Ruth |
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Ruth Gerritsen-McKane
(South Jordan, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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To Leif's family:
I knew Leif
as an MSW student, in between, and then as a PhD student. He was one
of the brightest and most talented graduate students I have ever
known, but more importantly, he was one of the kindest and most
generous. He once orchestrated a move of my entire household, and my
washing machine has the dents to prove it! How he made me laugh
about those dents!
I will miss Leif, but remember him
always. My thoughts are with you and Leif's friends in your profound
loss. |
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Joanne Yaffe Kjosness
(Salt Lake City, UT ) April 29, 2003 |
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Stephen and Gundl and the entire
Rundquist family, I want to express my thanks to you for welcoming
me into your home and your family. Without question, you have each
enriched my experience and joy of knowing your son/brother/uncle. (I
honor Leif using those "/" slashes ... as he OFTEN used in his
writing!) I think the obituary turned out beautifully (I sensed a
strong Steve influence). My best wishes and prayers are with you
during this difficult and painful time. And you know I'm here if you
need me ... Love, Kari |
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Kari Cunningham (Salt
Lake City, UT ) April 29, 2003
karicunningham@attbi.com |
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