Needless to say, this has been a very difficult week for the staff

Needless to say, this has been a very difficult week for the staff, students and families of Westerville North
High School. The coming days, weeks, and months will be difficult as we work through the loss of Leroy
Gilkey, who taught Spanish here since 1999.
Mr. Gilkey was a well-loved, well-respected member of our school family. He was an incredible teacher, a
great friend and a valued colleague who made a positive impact on the lives of countless numbers of people.
We have a strong group of professionals in our school and we are resolved to support our students, and each
other, in any way necessary during these difficult times.
I am overwhelmed with the tremendous showing of support by our staff, students, parents, district
personnel, and the Westerville Community in this difficult time. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be
a part of such a wonderful community of caring and loving individuals. I know we will all get through
this unbelievable tragedy together as a Warrior Family. Thank you so much for being there for us and for
each other.
Kurt J. Yancey
Here are the most recent arrangements for Senor Gilkey:
Obituary:
GILKEY Leroy Andrew, 38, of Columbus, passed away Monday, January 9, 2012 in Logan. He was born
September 29, 1973 in Hocking County, son of Darlene Kay Klinger Sowers Gilkey of Logan. Leroy was a
Spanish Teacher at Westerville North High School where he was the Foreign Language Supervisor and a senior
student body advisor. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. He is survived by his brothers,
Ralph E. (Heather) Sowers III of Logan and Kevin Michael (Ami) Sowers of Laurelville; aunt, Phyllis Clark of
Logan; uncles, James E. Mohler of New Straitsville and John Cherry of New Plymouth; several nieces, nephews
and cousins; and his cat, Lois.
Westerville Memorial:
Memorial Service for Mr. Gilkey
Saturday, January 21, 2012
at the Heritage Christian Church
7413 Maxtown Road
Westerville, Ohio 43082
10:00 a.m.
Logan Funeral:
Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012
at the Logan Church of The Nazarene, 650 Walhonding Ave., Logan, Ohio
Interment will be in Knollwood Cemetery in Logan, Ohio
Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service
Arrangements are by CARDARAS FUNERAL HOME
183 E. Second St., Logan.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com (click on obituaries)
Scholarship Fund:
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Leroy Gilkey Scholarship Fund, Westerville Board
of Education, Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd., Westerville, Ohio 43082. Checks can be
made out to Westerville BOE, but the subject line should say "Leroy Gilkey Memorial Scholarship Fund."
Leroy Gilkey
Once a Warrior , Always a Warrior
"I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of
you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I
guess I just miss my friend."
--The Shawshank Redemption
“Que tu ausencia me devora entero el corazon
Your absence devours my heart entirely
Y yo no tengo remedio mas que amarte
And I have no remedy but to love you”
Fotografia by Juanes
featuring Nelly Furtado