REMEMBRANCE
Article - LRC
The Laguna Rainbow Corporation (LRC) and K’awaika Senior Center (KSC) would like to remember one of our own. Both programs recently lost a good friend, coworker and LRC / KSC family member. Our dear brother Robert Leon sadly passed on Friday, August 14, 2020. Robert was a devout family man. He is survived by his son, his mother, three sisters, one brother, and his stepfather. Mr. Leon was a member of both the Pueblo of Acoma and Laguna. Robert graduated from Grants High School in New Mexico and did attend Southwestern Indian Polytechnical Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, NM. Robert is remembered by many as someone who was quiet and kept to himself but also could be grumpy at times. But what he is mostly remembered for is his wonderful sense of humor and the ability to make those around him laugh. His co-workers remember him for his kind gestures toward the elderly population which he served. He never refused anyone; he would volunteer to do the early morning transports, work in the kitchen, and assist with inventory because his coworkers relied on his strength. “He was a strong guy.” His work ethic will genuinely be missed. His demure was priceless and his laugh unique. Robert was a very caring individual with a very huge heart. There were times when an elder could not afford groceries, sundries or even their medication. Robert was the type of person who went out of his way to ensure that their needs were met. He would purchase those items with his own money. The elders loved and respected Robert, as did his coworkers. Robert was an extraordinary individual. He would volunteer to help others because he was decent, but more importantly, because it was the right thing to do. Much of Robert’s respectable manners came from his upbringing. Robert’s family saw him as kind, generous, thoughtful, and a dependable man. Both Robert and his mom held a special bond, which was gardening. He would constantly invite his mom to come visit his garden. They would share ideas with regards to cultivation. He was extremely passionate about what he was growing. This affectionate bond will always remain a constant in her life. He was also very artistic. His mom indicated that he loved to pencil sketch. His brother stated that he made a lot of friends because of his sense of humor. His sisters’ remarks were similar. He was witty and always had funny comments. He would listen until he found the right moment to interject his humor. Robert would volunteer for his community as well. He would assist with what needed to be done to ensure the community he and his family lived in remained protected and comfortable. It is easy to become close to the people you see on a day to day basis. That is what occurred with the individuals who Robert worked with at KSC. He became close with his coworkers and shared many private moments with regards to the life he lived. He was also considered a confidential source to those closest to him. He did have two families who loved him very much and saw the true honest potential he possessed. Robert like many of us run into obstacles in our lifetime, he was able to find humor in the seriousness of those challenges. He did have a positive impact on everyone he met. Both his families knew who his favorite football team was, the 49ers, that his favorite meals were pork chops, meatloaf and chile stew. He was bound to the outdoors; he was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed hauling-wood, gardening, but what really drove his existence was the undying love he had for his 7-year-old son. Both Robert’s families knew that his boy was the center of his world. He took him gardening, hunting, woodhauling and even to work at times. His boy was his boy! He is also remembered for the ties with his late grandfather. Robert and his grandfather would sell snow cones on the feast days. They were the only stand that still sold them for .50 cents. They did not sell for profit, but only to make sure that those who bought were truly treated with something that was completely satisfying…and with a smile and a joke. His co-workers commented “Working with Robert were some of the best memories we had. He was a pleasure to work with. We learned a lot from him. He was a good teacher.” A song by the band Cheap Trick, “I Want You to Want Me,” is also a reminder of Robert. He a was also referred to as “My Love” by the kitchen staff. To our co-worker, friend, and family member Robert, you left us beautiful memories. Your love will be a constant light in our lives and your commitment to people a gentle lesson of how we should display respect to both those we love and serve. Robert will never be replaced. He was truly a unique individual with a passion for putting others before himself. He was man who understood the responsibilities and the sacred role of a dad. It is never good-bye Robert, but I will see you later. Thank you for the lasting impressions. You will be truly missed, and never forgotten. Both LRC and KSC have scheduled a last feeding for Mr. Robert Leon on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 1:30 at the K’awaika Senior Center. We ask that you please keep his family and friends in your prayers. On behalf of both LRC and KSC we would like to express our deepest sympathy to his family and our prayers are continued for your healing. God Bless.
STILL MOVING FORWARD
As the month of July 2020 continues the residents of Laguna Rainbow Corporation got to see some of the results of their labor. The LRC garden has come to life. All but a very few of the vegetables and fruits planted have taken bloom and produced. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the rest. Residents and staff are very excited for the final product. There are talks regarding a much larger garden next year, possibly even a flower garden, and planting of both fruit and shade trees.
