I’M FREE

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss.

Ah yes, these things I will too miss

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me.

I’m with God now, I’ve been set free.

In Loving Memory

Harvey Strong Jr.

October 11, 1957 – June 21, 2004

HIS JOURNEY’S JUST BEGUN

Don’t think of him as gone away

His journey has just begun,

Life holds so many facets –

The Earth is the only one.

Just think of him as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years.

Think of how he must be wishing

That he could know today

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

And think of him as living

In the hearts of those he touched,

For nothing is ever lost

And he was loved so much.

He was born on October 11, 1957, in Red Lake, MN, the son of Harvey Sr., and Alvina (Stately) Strong.

He was raised and educated in Red Lake, graduating from the Red Lake High School. He then attended the Staples Vo-Tech for heavy equipment operation. He was a bricklayer and was employed with Red Lake Builders, Red Lake Custom Homes, and Kraus Anderson Construction. He was a member of the Union Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He liked to hunt, fish, and entertain family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Alvina Strong of Redby, MN, Brothers, Raymond Strong of Redby, MN, Steve Strong of Redby, MN, Sisters Cheryl Stately of Warroad, MN, Kathleen (Larry) Dudley of Redby, MN, Ramona (Larry) Bailey of Puposky, MN, Beverly (Kevin) Neadeau of Red Lake, MN, Billie Jean (Randy) Strong of Red Lake, MN, Michelle (Bob) Strong of Red Lake, MN, Special Sisters, Melody Strong of Redby, MN Merilee ”Buddha” Strong of Redby, MN, Wendy Johnson of Redby, MN, Mavis Strong of Redby, MN, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his Grandparents, Roman and Rose Stately, Joe and Isabelle Strong. His father Harvey Strong Sr., and niece Rhoda Stately.

Casket bearers will be his nephews: Gary Stately, Bob Dudley, Corey Bailey, Randy Barrett, Mike Strong, Nick Strong, Alternates: Douglas Stately, Jeff Stately, and Jerry Stately.

Honorary casket bearers will be: Ed Maxwell, Dave Cobenais, Wayne Clark, Marilee Strong, Pat Smith, George Strong, Roman Stately III, Harold Brun Jr., Derek Johnson, and Derek Siddens.