Remembering Heiner....

The first day I walked into the Liebig's house when Heiner became gravely ill, an immediate feeling of peace lifted my spirit. His family gathered to wait for his impending death. Yet, there was singing of praise to God, there was sense of joy that Heiner was going home to the Lord he so loved, and there was an intense spirituality amongst all that entered the small house on Route 32 in Uncasville.

Heiner Liebig was known throughout Southeastern Connecticut by many, many descriptions. Some referred to him as a Godly man, some as the odd guy with the Cross and Star of David on the roof of his garage, some as a stubborn German, but all would agree he touched their lives. Heiner had a way of making such an impact when you first met him because of his devote faith. And countless numbers believed what he preached and was brought to the Lord.

I got the call from my son at 3:11 am on Friday morning that Heiner had died. The man who drove me crazy for over 40 years was gone. Yet, in that short 5 minute drive, memories came rushing at me at an incredible speed. As fleeting as these thoughts were, they were my version of Heiner's life.

My father was the Registrar of Voters at the time he met Heiner. Ironically, in the early 1970s, Heiner was part of the motorcycle club who wanted the get a permit for Pappy's funeral. After befriending Heiner, my dad invited him to my 8th birthday party. Heiner came dressed in black leather, with an Elvis haircut and on a motorcycle. He handed me a ten dollar bill and said Happy Birthday.  And for the next 41 years, Heiner was a part of my life in so many countless ways.

Heiner found the Lord not long after that first encounter. I didn't understand his love for God, because as a child it confused me. But never, never once did Heiner falter in his faith. Heiner married his wife Tina while I was in college. Their love and devotion for each other symbolized their faith.

I'm certain that anyone who has lived in Montville over the years has encountered Heiner in one way or another. Everyone has their own personal story of when they met him. Many are inspirational, funny, ironic or touching. But no one can say he didn't leave a lasting impression.

But to me, he was simply Heiner. A man beyond descriptive words. An individual who didn't care what people thought because he followed the path of his belief's. On Tuesday, July 9 starting at 1:00 at Lake Ponds Baptist Church in Waterford, everyone who Heiner loved and loved him will celebrate his life. A chapter in Montville's history has been closed. Goodbye my dearest friend.