Landen Family!

Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Dede, Dad and Uncle David about sixty years ago. My Grandparents were both born and raised in Bradford, PA and then met and moved to North Tonawanda (NT). My Grandfather lost his father at a young age and helped support his family even before that. My Great-Grandfather only spoke Swedish and used my Grandfather as his interpreter to collect rent from the properties he owned. When the depression hit most of the properties were lost except for about 100 acres on Mount Olive in Bradford. That is still mostly owned under my family name by my cousins and brother.  My Grandfather was one of the first pilots in the U.S. and flew small planes into the Mount Olive Municipal Airport in the 1930'. He packed up his new wife and moved to NT in the mid 40' and got a job with Durez/Occidental Chemical and worked there for 30 plus years. He even agreed to open their Fort Erie, Canada Plant and became a duel citizen. He enjoyed his retirement of about equal years to his work years to the hilt. Living as a snowbird between Florida and Canada. Giving me the chance to know him and become his friend as well as his youngest grandson. He passed away twenty years ago but it still hurts. I never knew a better man besides him, except for the parts of him that were in my Dad. I know he is sitting at that bar in heaven having some great laughs with all who has joined him. Love you and miss you Grandpa.

Dad!

Our Dad who was born on October 7th, 1940 and passed away January 31st, 2013 was a great man. He grew up tough and always looked out for his family. When they were threatened and in danger he packed them up and moved them to safety. He stood up for himself, his family and others. He always taught me to protect your family and help people when you can. He loved us all and would have defended any one of us. He loves god and I know he is in heaven with his siblings, my sister Laura and my grandparents. I know what his expectation is of people and do my best to live up to it.

It's been a rough ten years without you, but you probably knew it would be. You always seemed to have an insight about people and things. I know you think I never payed attention or listened much. But actually I was the quite one growing up and heard everything. Including the time you asked me not to call you speed bump lol. You mean the world to all of us. I enjoyed our times together as union stewards, lunches and talks. I wish you could have seen my degrees from college. But knowing you, you are probably still keeping an eye on us. Miss you Dad glad you visited Michael like you did. God Bless you!

Tom

I was born in North Tonawanda (NT), New York but moved to Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida in 1979 at ten months old. Spending my childhood in the sun and the fun. My Dad worked at Disney and I had the run of the place and lucky enough to experience it more then most kids. Then in 1990 we moved back to NT and I made some life long friends that are truly my family today. We returned to Central Florida in 1994 and I went to work for Disney (as a custodian, boat captain and merchandise host) and to there high school program, which gave me the opportunity to graduate on time in 1996. I stayed at Disney until 2000. I then joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in 2000 as a Boatswain Mate, then active Duty in 2002 as a Marine Science Technician for a total of eleven years and three advancements. I was Honorably Discharged in 2011 and went straight back to Kissimmee, FL to be close to my Dad and daughter. I also went back to college and finished my Associate's in Science degree and Bachelor's of Science in Paralegal Studies and my Master's Degree program.
I have three wonderful kids, retired from Disney & the Coast Guard, an awesome wifey and a wonderful life.