**We lost our beloved Golden Retriever, Gemma. **

Gemma, our Golden Girl, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on September 5, 2022. Gemma loved and was loved. She worked hard at mastering the Golden disposition and classic "Golden Lean" as two ways to show her love to the world.

She taught us to be with and love your people, show exuberant greetings, know when to hold vigil, and take time for extra sniffs.

She loved hosting friends (human and canine) for gatherings at home and at the neighborhood park for her birthday parties. She loved mountain hikes, car rides and swimming.

Gemma's former neighbor and longtime GRRA volunteer said "Gemma was a beautiful and very sweet dog. Joseph and Matt used to host an annual birthday party for Gemma at our neighborhood park complete with free food from a Varsity food truck for everyone. Their friends and relatives would donate to GRRA in honor of Gemma’s birthday."

Gemma would be honored if you would donate to GRRA one last time in her memory as she looks down from the Rainbow Bridge. Donations in her memory will help other Golden Retrievers in need.

Joseph Usher

### **In Loving Memory of Leigh Nichols**

FEBRUARY 10, 1960 – JULY 30, 2022

Leigh’s passions in life were traveling for both business and pleasure with her husband Rick to some of the most interesting countries and cities of the world, frequently entertaining friends and family at her home, walking and spoiling her dog, Buddy, spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren in her backyard pool, gardening, and cheering on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Early in their marriage, Rick & Leigh enjoyed hosting friends and family at their lake home where Leigh taught many to waterski for the very first time. Leigh also had a love of music and was an accomplished pianist in her youth.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation in Leigh's memory to The Golden Retriever Rescue Association that rescued Buddy, or the WellStar Foundation and designating the Cardiac or Neuro Care areas.

For the complete obituary https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/marietta-ga/leigh-nichols-10868437

Rick Nichols

It is with great sadness that GRRA acknowledges we have lost one of our own with the death of Laurie Lemmons Murphy June 12, 2022. Laurie had been hospitalized for an extended period of time. 

After Laurie graduated from the University of Georgia School of Journalism in 1983, she spent more than 35 years in her professional career with Marriott International as a Global Luxury Account Executive achieving many awards and corporate designations. She volunteered for the Atlanta Humane Society and another animal rescue  before joining GRRA.  

Laurie was an enormous contributor to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta as the Manager of the Adoption Consultant Team, Secretary and Executive Board Member. She loved greeting the adoption applicants at the monthly Meet & Greet Event. Laurie was not only a friend but also a mentor to many. We will be forever be indebted to her for the countless hours she contributed to GRRA. She and husband Joe were familiar faces helping out at many events. Laurie will never be forgotten.

Laurie's memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, June 26th at Northside Chapel Funeral Home which is located at 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA. Visitation will be between 2-4 p.m. and the Celebration of Life will begin at 4:00 p.m.  The family has requested that donations to GRRA in lieu of flowers be made to honor her memory.

Please keep Joe and Laurie’s family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Laurie's Obituary may be found at https://www.northsidechapel.com/obituaries/Laurie-Murphy-2/#!/Obituary


Joe Murphy


Thomas Alan Arnold

Thomas Alan Arnold, age 60, was taken from us on February 25, 2022. Tom was a kind, caring, mature, affable, even-tempered, literate & knowledgeable man. It is a huge loss to all of us that love him so dearly.

Tom was born October 29, 1961 in Kinston North Carolina. He grew up in Kinston, Wilmington Delaware, Hamm Germany, and Chattanooga Tennessee, where he graduated from Hixson High School in 1979. Tom graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1983.

After moving to Atlanta in 1984, Tom lived north of Atlanta enjoying many years honing outdoor skills. In 2000, he embarked on a new career at SCANA Energy and relocated from Roswell to Poncey Highlands to be a part of the emerging intown scene. As soon as he moved to the neighborhood, he embraced all that it had to offer and became well known and respected member of the community. Tom loved the city of Atlanta; he closely followed city government and civic developments, and never lacked for an opinion on Atlanta politics and policy. Tom's passion for his neighborhood, the city, and the environment was evident in over 20 years involvement with Trees Atlanta; he planted trees all over the city that will continue to grow and flourish as a lasting legacy to him.

Tom was previously a volunteer for Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta.

For the complete obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/atlanta/name/thomas-arnold-obituary?id=34421216

Geri Arnold Gaynor

Bunny was unable to walk after being born missing a vertebra in her back. Bunny was given her name because she could only hop. The breeder considered putting her down but was talked into giving her to a rescue. Dr. Alan Cross at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialists performed a spinal surgery on Bunny that had previously been performed only on humans. As a result, Bunny was able to finally walk, with a limp, but walk none the less. Thanks to the wonderful caring life that her mom, Carol Adams, gave her, Bunny lived to be 11 1/2 years old. In true Bunny spirit, Bunny chose the best bunny weekend of the year to leave this world, and her beautiful spirit was undoubtedly brought back in all the bunnies children received today on Easter Sunday.



Juliann Kaiser

Bo, the happy, loving Golden Retriever crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on February 9, 2022 after a short battle with fast-growing cancer.

Bo’s human mom (Laura Callahan) adopted him in September 2019 through GRRA when he was in his adult years… although his spirit was very youthful. Bo was then called Bo Habersham after the shelter he was rescued from. Bo was the happiest when he was getting pets, lounging outside, and going on walks with his mom. He always had a smile on his face and a wag in his tail which brought joy to everyone around him. 

Donations in Bo’s memory to the Golden Rescue of Atlanta will help other lucky dogs to be blessed in the same way he was.  



Ann Bennett

Dan Williams was such a wonderful person and was loved by so many. He was a great friend, brother, husband, dad, and much more. He was a valuable member of his community, his church, and GRRA. Dan passed away way too soon on January 20. 

Dan and his wife Sharie joined GRRA in 2014 after adopting their beloved dog Bear, who went everywhere with Dan. After Bear went to the Rainbow Bridge, they adopted Dixie. Dan was not only a volunteer, but had been on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer of GRRA since 2017. We at GRRA who knew Dan are devastated at his loss.

Funeral Arrangements will be Monday, January 24 at 11AM at the Church of the Apostles. 3585 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. The service will be available via live streaming on Zoom for those
unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GRRA in his honor and the family will be sent a card to notify them. 
 
Or you may make a donation to Camp Gideon (Acworth) 

A link to Dan's full obituary may be found at https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Dan-Williams-7/#!/Obituary


The Williams Family

In loving memory of Rick Lane of Americus, GA, who was a passenger in a fatal car accident on 12/31/20.  Rick adored all animals but was especially fond of his 2 pups Little Bit and Sweetie and, of course, his grandpup, Stella (a Golden Retriever) pictured with him.  He called himself Stellas "PawPaw."  Today would have been his 59th birthday.   He is so desperately missed!

With Much Love
Patricia Lane, Sister

Trish Lane

Richard "Rich" John Fox, devoted husband of Joyce "Jill" Ellen Fox, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at his residence in Athens, GA.

Born February 19, 1942 in Manhattan, NY, to the late Richard Nicholas and Margaret (McCarron) Fox, Rich attended Our Lady of Mercy and Mount St. Michael in the Bronx - a place he held dear to his heart and made the closest of friends with whom he kept in touch with to this very day. Among their fondest memories are playing stick ball on Creston Avenue, football and baseball at Harris Field, running track at the Mount, and many evenings exploring the city to attend New York Ranger hockey games at Madison Square Garden. He left New York after high school to pursue his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton, and then went on to Michigan State University, where he received his Master's and PhD in Statistics. He met Jill in Cincinnati while working at Proctor and Gamble and shortly thereafter moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked at Nimslo before moving to Athens to become a Professor at the University of Georgia.

Rich was so much to so many from all the quarters of his life. He was a respected member of the UGA faculty and was voted "MMR Teacher of the Year" by his students multiple times throughout his career. To his closest friends he was, "a true friend for over seven decades. Fun, loyal and caring, from childhood to old age, we shared every significant experience in life. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled." For his sister he was, "a caring and loving brother. He will be missed but will forever be in my heart." For his daughters, he is the strongest man they will ever know and they are thankful to be raised by such a loving father. His granddaughters will recall many stories of an attentive and energetic grandfather who was always up to a game of Clue or "Just Dance" dance-off's (to which he always won).

He is remembered by all through his vibrant storytelling and his dry wit. He was a statistical guru and a trivia genius who loved sports (as a player and fan), music, the performing arts, history, nature and animals - with a special place in his heart for golden retrievers. He was a dedicated New York Giants (of football and baseball), New York Rangers, and New York Knicks fan since his childhood, and traveled all over the United States to watch their games throughout the years. Most significantly, he made his family first - dedicating all of his energy, time, attention, love and support selflessly throughout his life to his wife, daughters, sister, brother and sister in law, nieces, nephews, and granddaughters as well as his life-long friends.

He will be memorialized by all as one-of-a-kind through his generosity and sense of humor. While he leaves all behind in mourning, he leaves many, many wonderful memories to all, that will be passed down through generations.

He is survived by his two daughters: Tracy Fox Shannon and Danielle (Shane) Marie Fox-Baruta; granddaughters: Brooklynn Taylor Shannon and Mackenzie Reese Shannon; his sister Maureen McCarthy; nieces and nephews: Kathy (Anthony) Spinola, Johnny (Kristin) Doherty, Erin Doherty, Brian (Sarah) Doherty, Quentin (Melissa) McCarthy, Jared McCarthy, grand nieces and nephews: Anthony (Christiana) Spinola, Karissa Spinola, Joey Spinola, Brenna Doherty, Kaitlin Doherty, Clarie Doherty, Andrew Kovacs, Aimee Kovacs, Lily McCarthy, Donovan McCarthy, Ronan McCarthy, and baby Quentin McCarthy; brother and sister in law: John "Jack" Robert and Georgette Nancy Mackenzie; nephews: Brad (Rebecca) Mackenzie and Jack (Lori) Mackenzie, Jr; grand nieces and nephews: Hunter, Dreu, Leighton, Alton, and George Mackenzie - all of whom love him and will miss him dearly.

A service will be held on Thursday, December 10, 1:00 pm at Athens Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the [Wounded Warrior Project](https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=15457&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BB20038ALPSAAA) or the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta.

Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements. [www.lordandstephens.com](http://www.lordandstephens.com)

(via [Athens Banner-Herald](https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/onlineathens/obituary.aspx?n=richard-john-fox-rich&pid=197245619&fhid=3631))

The Fox Family

It is with a heavy heart that we are sharing that Dr. West Hamryka and the Sugar Hill Animal Hospital family had to say goodbye to Henry yesterday. Henry was a GRRA alumn (adopted by Dr. Hamryka in 2009) and came to work everyday with Dr. Hamryka and was around the clinic to meet, greet and give hugs when needed. He even had his own "ask Henry" column. Henry spent an hour with some GRRA Volunteers when Sugar Hill had their open house event of their new Boarding Facility. Henry was loved by all who met him.  Dr. Hamryka has asked that donations be made in his honor to GRRA. 

Fly free at the Rainbow Bridge Henry!

Dr. West Hamryka

Cooper was a Golden Retriever, but he was so very much more.  He was everything ... true love, soulmate, buddy, playmate, snuggler, big brother, grand fur-baby, little biter, nurse, therapy dog, adventure companion, best friend, and more.

Cooper’s big philosophies on life, summed up by “let’s have our best day ever” and “let’s love unconditionally” are good lessons for us all. He made it look easy. Other people know it’s not.

Cooper went to the Rainbow Bridge on November 11, 2020, much too soon.  He was 10 years old, and yes, loved by everyone he met.

Donations in Cooper's memory will help save other Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, so they can have a chance to be the best they can be, to love and be loved in return.

Marla Zafft

Hunter Adams, beloved Golden of Carol Adams, earned his angel wings this week after failing health all year. He will be sadly missed not only by Carol, but his doggy siblings Bunny and Fergie will grieve his loss.

Carolyn Waters

Trudy Lee Propson, 51, of Flat Rock, NC and previously of Atlanta, GA, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2020, at Pardee UNC Healthcare, in Hendersonville, NC. Trudy loved volunteering with the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta. She loved spending her weekends taking the Goldens on long walks. Over the years she did many walks, and mountain hikes, supporting charities that meant a lot to her.

Per Trudy's request there will be no funeral service. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations in Trudy's honor be made to St Jude Children's Hospital or to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta.

An online register book is available to family and friends by visiting [www.thosshepherd.com](http://www.thosshepherd.com).

John Urban

Ms. Erin Heard McElhannon, 41, of Dawsonville, GA, passed away Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2020, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Erin was born in Elberton, and was the daughter of Robert D. “Danny” Heard and of the late Betty Craft Ardister. She attended Young Harris College, and graduated with a BS from the University of Georgia School of Business, and had worked as a Real Estate Salesperson. Erin was preceded in death by her mother and by her sister, Katie Heard.

She is survived by her parents, Robert D. “Danny” Heard, and wife Gail, of Rayle; one brother, Richard Heard, and wife Lou, of Rayle; maternal grandmother, Betty Shedd, of Tignall; one half brother, Nathan Gunter, of Tignall; two nieces, Laura Moody, and Mattie Heard; one nephew, Hank Heard; and special friend, Don Emory, of Dawsonville.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta, P.O. Box 7743, Atlanta, GA 30357. This is a fund that was dear to Erin’s heart, and one that she had contributed to a number of times.

Robert Heard

Lola's human mom, Juliann Kaiser misses Lola so much. She was so full of life, the happiest girl, just pure joy. Gone too soon at only age 7 of a rapid growing cancer, so prevelant in our Golden Retrievers.

The family of Scott Dean of Atlanta, GA, has asked that donations be made in his memory to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta in lieu of flowers. Scott will be missed by his parents, Clay and Pam Dean, brothers, Matt and Trent Dean, sister, Lisa Lennox, and his golden retriever, Jax.

Clay and Pam Dean

The family of Gary Jarabek of Marietta, GA, has asked that donations be made in his memory to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta in lieu of flowers. Gary will be missed by his wife, Barbara Jarabek, daughters, Kirsten Franklin and Brooke Jarabek, and his golden retriever, Daisy.

Kirsten Franklin

Theresa DeBenedittis of Marietta, GA, former foster for Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta, has passed away after a long illness. We offer our condolences to the family, as Theresa will be missed by many. The family has requested that donations be made to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta in lieu of flowers.

Kathy Timcho

The family of Ted Godlewski of McDonough, GA, has asked that donations be made in his memory to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta in lieu of flowers. A card of thanks from GRRA will be sent to the family acknowledging each donation. Our condolences go out to his family, wife Barbara, and his son, Wesley.

Tributes in Memory

Gemma

Leigh Nichols

Laurie Lemmons Murphy

Thomas Alan Arnold

Bunny Adams

Bo Callahan

Dan Williams

Rick Lane

Richard John Fox

Henry Hamryka

Cooper, aka Goober

Hunter Adams

Trudy Lee Propson

Erin Heard McElhannon

Lola Kaiser

Scott Dean

Gary Jarabek

Theresa DeBenedittis

Ted Godlewski