As many of you know, we are now preparing to lay to rest, Lanaer Young Sr, aka RED, the oldest of all the grandchildren, and our Grangran’s first grandson in the upcoming weeks. Grangran calls us “the bookends” because he was the first grandchild, and I was “number last”.

From the trips to Jack in the box growing up where he would only ask for a “bite” of whatever we had but end up taking half, to cutting hair in the backyard at family gatherings where he would religiously say he would fight anyone that messed with any of us — those memories will continue to remain rent free in my mind as I navigate through the finality of this new reality.

Lanaer did fight to live and showed immense strength through the many health challenges he faced over the last couple years.

He was a father, grandfather, son, big brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, friend and partner. This loss has left many struggling to come to terms with the reality of saying goodbye sooner than expected.

As the baby of the family, I am reaching out to ask for support with funeral and memorial expenses that would assist in covering the costs of laying him to rest and sending him off with a farewell he would have wanted.

Your prayers, kind thoughts, and memories of Lanaer are all welcomed, so please feel free to share them.

I know the family appreciates all of your love, support and respect for our privacy during this time.