Dear Leon Waltman: I'm sorry to learn of your father's death. The kind smile and direct gaze revealed in the tribute photograph seems to speak of a happy life blessed with children and loved ones. I discovered your father's Obituary because you wrote out your own name for me many years ago. Please allow me to speak for just a moment, no reply is requested. In 1976 when you were in the Army , you and I were seat mates on a flight from Columbia, SC to Chicago. I was 28, wildly distraught and panicky; you were a lot younger, very confident and rational. You may not remember those few hours or the stopover in Charlotte, but your calm reassurance and compassion saved my life and sanity on that flight. I was able to debark in Chicago only because you went first and said you'd wait in the terminal to be sure all was well. It was and I'll always be grateful for the courage you gave me. I know your father was proud to have such a good man as a son. God bless you, Leon, and your family.