Len Abbott Fuqua has been set free and passed away from this earth on Saturday morning, April 29, 2017. At home, peacefully, like a good book, it ended at the right time but his stories...amazing stories will be read over and over. Len could imagine and dream of more things than anyone and he passed this passion on to his six children.
He was born in Higgins, Texas to Frank Duane Fuqua and Idyleglenn Abbott on January 4, 1938. He graduated from Texas Tech University and entered OCS stationed in San Diego, Calif. as a Lieutenant JG on the US Valley Forge and legal officer for Sea Bees. This is where he met his lifelong partner, Carole Anderson, a kindergarten teacher, and began their journey of almost 53 years.
They were married the day after school was out in Pacific Beach on June 20, 1964. The marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To this union was born their crown jewels, Stephanie (Dustan Diede) of Livingston, Eric of Glendive, Hunter (Toni) of Fort Meyers, Fla. and Lolo, Mont., David of Glendive, Jonathan (Bethany) of Billings and Christopher of Billings. They have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Len was employed with the family business, Anderson’s Dept. Store in Glendive for many years but his lifelong pursuits were in his writing. He encompassed his world travels in stories of fact and fiction to the entertainment of his family. He leaves a legacy of devotion to family, a fascination of the world both spiritual and temporal. He was a remarkable pianist, talented swimmer and tennis player, which he shared by coaching the youth of Glendive. He taught many how to play Chess and they visited the house often for a challenge. He introduced Karate to his friends and family as well as Dr. Pepper to Buttery’s (Albertsons) with the help of then manager, Pat Moran. He obtained his pilots’ license in 1971 at the Glendive Airport and enjoyed many flights over the Eastern Montana terrain. Even performing emergency runs to Billings for friends.
He fought non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 17 years but it was the Alzheimer’s that finally over took his beautiful brain and body. He never complained, not once, and was often able to laugh at himself. He was the center of laughter and the heart of his family. He will be greatly missed.
His family expresses great thanks to the loving care of Riverstone Hospice. Aliica, Judy, Amber, Melissa, Kathy and Bob you made his days so much happier.
We are grateful to the Veterans Healthcare System who took care of Len for so long from his eyes to his toes in Miles City, Fort Harrison, Billings and Salt Lake City.
Len is survived by his wife and children, grandchildren and five younger brothers, Rob Fuqua (Judi) of Kimberling, Mo. Murray Young (Jane) of Denver, Colo. and Mark, Gregg and Daniel Fuqua of Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 24 at the Glendive Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Military Honors.
Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent through www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”
It has been quite awhile since I have written in here about but my life is pretty much a ditto every day. This summer has been particularly peaceful with no wind or rain storms so far so I just do my watering and a minimal amount of raking to keep it looking neat. Problem is that I have had a lot of allergies and the dryness has really affected me so I spend most of my days inside and just come out in the morning and evening to water and walk Sadie.
As far as my health is concerned, except for the dryness, I am doing ok. Dr. Salehi has had most every test taken and sent me to the cardiologist. I evidently did very well on the treadmill and although my cholesterol is high like it has been for the last 40 years he is not insisting on statins. He tells me to eat a fistful size of protein every day and my vegetables!!! One thing though is they found I was not getting enough oxygen at this high altitude at night. Day is ok. So I sleep with oxygen in my nose and I cannot believe how much better I sleep!!! Who knew? Dr. Salehi wants me to get my blood sugar down this month and I was doing very well until I made the flourless peanut butter cookies this week. I ate them all, keeping them in the freezer for visitors does not work. I love cookies from the freezer and I just cannot eat them, sugar is my addiction, so goodbye sugar!!!!
Monday Maryanne drove me down to Chico and she did some things to her car and I went to see the dermatologist. He recommended this cream and because I do not have Medicare D It cost me $253!!! If I had gotten it from Lassen Drug they would probably have discounted it but we were in Chico and I decided to just get it...and I am now looking spotted and red and I guess it will only get worse before it gets better. Probably be at my worst when Meagan and her family come up in mid-August!!!
I am not accomplishing much in the way of my history books or family history etc. because I am spending so much time listening to books!! I read a little but my eyes get tired so I mostly listen. I was just doing my Library to Go but now Deseret Bookshelf has an annual fee for listening to all the audio books or reading about 1500 E books and I have already listened to about six books and read one E book and I still have other books waiting for me on my Library to Go. So much to read, and so little time!!!! I especially liked Gerald Lunds recent series Fire and Steel...takes place during and after World War I and Adolf Hitler's ascent to power and growth of the church in Germany at that time.
Last month Dorothy fell and broke her femur and Dave has had quite a time taking care of her. She spent about a month in the hospital and rehab and doing well but David has an aching back and feels very tired. Thank heaven her niece and nephews have been up and helped and they have some good neighbors that have helped. Dave said he just needs to find someone to come in regularly so he can find time to go buy groceries. They have been using Meals on Wheels and he says it is pretty good though Dorothy likes his cooking better. Dave turned 90 on June 25th!!! They live up in Idaho Falls with the closest relatives in Salt Lake City! This was the first time in Dorothy's life that she has ever been in a hospital. She is a very healthy 89 years old!!! Except for a little dementia which Dave says is better since she came back from rehab. All that stimulation must have been good for her.
While they were here they cleaned and stained both decks and stairs!! And then Gary found all kinds of things to fix like my patio door now locks after ten years of having to use a stick as my security. He really worked on my toilet until it runs no more!!! And he fixed the light in the hallway and ....
