Editor,

Since Jim “Coach” Leierer passed away in June 2016, our family has been overwhelmed by the support and empathy the South Whidbey community has shown to us. So many of you have shared the ways he influenced your lives during his more than 60 years on the island, where he invested in students through sports, school and church.

Thank you for sharing your memories of Coach Leierer with us. Each story that we’ve heard has revealed new insight about our dad. Your stories have helped integrate our love for Dad with love and appreciation for the community. Although it’s easy to count the years he served, it’s harder to measure his influence. Thank you all for sharing how he influenced you and conveyed his character, community and faith to this island.

We want to especially recognize Evan Thompson and the South Whidbey Record for their wonderful coverage of the events surrounding our dad’s passing and memorial service. We also want to thank the South Whidbey School District for their support in allowing us to use the gym for his service, and now renaming the football stadium in honor of Dad.

This last year has reminded us of how wonderful this community is. Thank you for helping us celebrate our dad.

Sincerely,

LEIERER FAMILY

South Whidbey and beyond