Can it be that Lester would have been 86 today ? Our roads parted when I went away to school almost fifty years ago -- and yes, thinking back, the Lester Shoemaker whom I met and who was such a decent, straightforward, lovely fellow will have been . . . well. By my standards today, just a puppy (I'm 66 myself this year). Prime-of-his-life, larger-than-life. There at his U-Pick, watching him pull down from the trees peach after peach and devour them in a few bites, red sweet juice down his chin and over his front -- Nothing, he said earnestly to me, nothing so good as a winey peach.

A winey peach. A phrase and a moment that keep him, for me, very much alive.

Lester, YOU were a peach, and memories of you are a blessing.

My husband Jim and I were saddened to learn of Lester's passing. He took a night school class on antiques that we offered at Clearview High School, and he loved stumping us by bringing in all sorts of obscure, antique farm implements that we knew nothing about. He also would bring in vegetables from his farm market to share with the class. We don't remember every student who took our class, but we sure remember Lester. He was a character, but a nice, generous character. It turns out that he and Jim were distant cousins with both descending off the Conrad Shoemaker line. Lester was very proud of his family history and its roots that went back to the early days of Gloucester County. He was a good man, and we are very sorry for your family's loss.

Our condolences to the Shoemaker family. What a wonderful, thoughtful and kind gentleman your father was. We will miss him immensely at our family gatherings, and he will forever be remembered for his wittiness, jokes and his amazing trivia questions. Hugs to you all!

He was always nice to everyone , he made me laugh and was always making sure everything was ok. Prayers to the Shoemaker Family .

He was a kind and wonderful and much appreciated friend to my father Sam, to my brother Chris -- and although he and I met only a few times, every memory I have of him is sparkling good. Wishing him sweet rest.

Kathy & Family:

I am deeply sadden to hear that your father has passed away. I enjoyed the wonderful times I spent with your dad. He was so funny, full of knowledge, had a great sense of humor and of course he always gave me a silver dollar. I will miss his bright smile. He truly was fun to be around.

May God keep you strong at this difficult time.

Thoughts and prayers to the Shoemaker family.