in memoriam LITSEY CORONA
GSL Student 1993-2003 Alumna Litsey Corona died unexpectedly in Memphis on June 1, 2014. After GSL, Litsey went on to high school at Hutchison (’07) and college at Middlebury in Vermont, graduating summa cum laude with
DENNIS CAIN
a focus on environmental studies.
GSL Director of Facilities, 1998-2014
working in Taiwan, becoming fluent in
September 28, 1958 – August 25, 2014
She then spent two and a half years Mandarin while working and studying
The GSL community suffered a tremendous loss this year when the school’s Director of Facilities, Dennis Cain, passed away in August due to complications from a stroke. Dennis Cain was a beloved father, husband, family member, friend, and colleague. Born in Memphis, he graduated from Memphis Catholic High School in 1976 and studied mechanical engineering at the University of Memphis. He proudly served in the United States Army, both stateside and overseas, before being honorably discharged with military honors. He also served in the Army Reserves. He worked at GSL Church for some time before switching over to the school side of campus full time in 1998. Dennis (or Mr. Dennis, as he was known to many GSL students) spent countless hours, weekdays, and weekends working to ensure that the GSL campus was safe and welcoming for the entire community. His talent and wisdom were invaluable not only in the school’s day-to-day operations, but also in planning the development and implementation of major projects such as renovations at Miss Lee’s and the construction and opening of the Anchor Center.
at Tunghai University. She had recently returned to Memphis and attended the GSL Alumni Reunion in May just a few weeks before her death. She was going to start graduate school at MIT in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in urban planning. A lifelong Luker, Litsey had many gifts to share and countless opportunities ahead of her. She was known for her beautiful singing voice, compassionate heart, and irrepressible spirit. We will miss her dearly.
Dennis’s dedication to GSL was second to none. It was not unusual in the least to see his silver truck here at all hours, both early morning and late at night. With a knowledge of the campus that was wide-ranging and all-encompassing, he could do it all, whether the task required carpentry or plumbing or painting, or repairs to our HVAC. He was, quite simply, fantastic at his job. But as great as his expertise was, his friendship and incomparable sense of humor will be missed even more. His presence and energy always livened things up in a positive way, whether it was a faculty get-together, a staff meeting, or just a quick visit in the office conference room. We simply counted on him being here, always. GSL Church hosted a beautiful memorial service for Dennis on Saturday, August 30. Head of School Thor Kvande and former headmaster Tom Beazley both spoke. Pastor Brian Henderson of Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church offered the Prayer & Words of Comfort, and GSL Church Rector Richard Lawson gave the closing eulogy. “In my experience, Dennis was someone who moved gracefully between different worlds: church and school, young and old, black and white, the haves and the havenots, newcomers and old timers,” said Lawson. “In moving so gracefully between different worlds, what he taught us is that there is only one world, God’s.” Dennis is survived by his wife, Lesa, and his daughters, Carla and Lauren. He will be dearly missed by all. As a permanent tribute to his work, the Dennis Cain Facilities Endowment was established this fall for those who want to honor his legacy and express appreciation for his innumerable contributions to GSL.
FALL 2014 • THE ANCHOR • 23