From: Mary K. Ferdon, Lisa Maple McHone and Keith Weedman, Volunteers in Medicine directors
Columbus
Earlier this month, the Columbus community lost a valued friend and volunteer – Lyle Leitholt. Lyle was one of those unique individuals who served others but didn’t want attention for the work he did.
Lyle was a volunteer for many wonderful organizations, but we knew him through his work with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM). VIM provided free health care access for over 11,000 patients more than 20 years to people who didn’t have access or couldn’t afford health care on their own.
As a retired pharmacist, Lyle provided critical care and knowledge to the patients he served. His patient, no-nonsense approach helped patients and health care professionals as they navigated the ever-changing pharmaceutical world. He was a faithful volunteer and worked tirelessly to make sure medicines were procured and available as needed.
When the Affordable Care Act was passed, Lyle quickly trained and then worked with patients to apply for health insurance; for many of them, this was the first time in their lives they had insurance. He took pride helping people and treated them with respect and dignity. He had a huge heart, love of learning, dry wit and sense of humor and loved to talk NFL strategy.
Lyle embraced and lived up to the VIM mission statement: “We welcome those in need — to come without fear, and we invite those who serve, to come without pride, so that their meeting may bring healing and hope to both.” We honor his work and life and give thanks to have had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
