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So long old friend...
The Bulldog Fraternity lost a good man during the early hours of August 28. Leeroy Voyles, the man behind Voyles' Little John ROM, lost his life in a tragic car accident as he was coming home. While the world will keep turning some, mine has slowed to barely a crawl over the last few days as the shock of losing a close personal friend, and one of the few mentors I had, has started to settle in finally. Leeroy and Little John both taught me a lot about dogs, what to look for, what not to look for, and his idea of what a game dog was. Traveling around a tri-state area with Leeroy, I got to meet and compete with Jr Bush, Slick of Hunter Red fame, JE Alexander, the Rickett Bros, and just a slew of good, quality men that shaped a young man's outlook for years to come in both dogs and life. I discovered the right way to win, and I got help in being humble and appreciative when I lost, thanks to Leeroy.
Leeroy bred some of the best dogs I've ever seen, and he's also bred some of the gamest dogs I've ever seen. Little John was the first actual producer I'd ever been around, and that dog set my idea of what quality dogs are in stone for years to come. He entrusted some of his better dogs to me to use for him when I was still all kind of green. The first legitimate bad dog I had, Dolly, came from Leeroy. It took many years for me to find another dog I knew was in the same league as Dolly. The dogs that Leeroy and Little John created went on to win all across the country, and over 95% of the breedings were done between Leeroy and his circle of friends.
Now, that circle has finally closed. Little John is gone, and his esteemed owner, and one of my best friends, has joined his favorite dog elsewhere. My heart is heavy with my own grief and heavy with grief for the family, which is like my extended family also. The world is a little darker now, and another small piece of me is gone. Here's to you Leeroy. Thanks for being there as a mentor, but thank you so much more for being one of the best friends I've had. I only wish you were here to continue on this journey with me like you had been for over the last two decades. May the fires of life take you home, old friend.
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Sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Leeroy.
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Sorry to hear that man. It's hard to lose someone who's been almost like an iconic figure to your understanding of these dogs.
Rest In Peace Leeroy, and my condolences to you Frosty, his other friends, and his family.
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We had the pleasure of meeting LeeRoy many years ago. As yougins then it was a huge honor and we were in awe and full of excitement. It was kind of meant to be, as we had already landed a few from him and were stickin with'em for obvious reasons.
LeeRoy his wife and crew were quiet and humble. We talked a couple more times back then but for whatever reason lost touch.
We were very saddened by the news early Friday morning. I know this hits very close to home for FrostyPaws. Our thoughts are with the Family, Frosty and his as they say good bye to a father, husband, dear friend and fellow dogman today.
And many other good honest bulldogs, respect.
S_B
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Sorry for your loss. R.I.P
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Sorry for your loss Frosty
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sorry for your loss frosty
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One of the first shows I ever saw I sat next to Leeroy. I felt very special to be in such esteemed company. I remember I kept glancing over at him with every bad sign I saw as if to get his confirmation that in fact that was a bad sign. It's something I will never forget. One of the first dogs i got was out of one of leeroy's bitches. That meant a lot to me too. I know you were very close to him Frosty and I feel for you brother. Peace be with him and his family and friends.
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R.I.P Mr. Leeroy. My condolances goes out to Frosty, friends and family. Never heard anyone say anything bad about him.
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My condolences to his family and friends, and to Frosty, what a huge loss... RIP Mr. Leeroy. I am so sorry to hear this, he was a good man.
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My condolences to his family and friends. I never had the privledge of meeting him but his influence is through out my yard. RIP LeeRoy
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Sorry to hear you lost a friend and mentor. My condolences to you and the Voyle's family. Take care
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RIP Leeroy, hope you make it through this tough time alright, frosty.
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Sorry to hear this R.I.P. Mr Leeroy. He was a very honest man
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Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. 2014 has been pretty rough on the game dog world. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours. EWO
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sorry to here that frosty aka bull
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Sorry for your loss Frosty. Your words speak volumes of the man he was. May his memory live on and my condolences to you, S_B, and all his family and friends.
