Bearing others' burdens

The website Seven Reflections says the mythical name Merlin means one who "can carry on for others with joy ... a receptive nature and may bear burdens for others."

Perhaps magic indeed exists in this ancient first name from King Arthur's court. It sure seems that way considering how much good has been created for the disadvantaged by two Merlins I've known in Northwest Arkansas.

I'm speaking of Dr. Merlin Augustine of Fayetteville and Dr. Merlin Leach of Osage. Now one has left us.


I was as shocked as many across Arkansas the other day to read that Leach, a devoted man who derived so much joy by focusing his life's attentions and energies on caring for the welfare of needy children and victims of abuse, died suddenly after working in his yard. He was a relatively young 71 years of age.

As with Augustine and his nonprofit M&N Augustine Foundation that for years has fed the hungry and promoted unity in diversity in Northwest Arkansas, Leach was another who genuinely cared for the welfare of others. And his sustained actions toward that goal proved it.

A psychologist and crusader for those most in need, he was particularly suited to found his Merlin Foundation in Green Forest alongside his equally concerned and dedicated wife, Anita Engert.

An offshoot of that foundation is a nonprofit center for child advocacy called Grandma's House, which serves several North Arkansas counties from facilities in Green Forest and Harrison. Leach maintained the Grandma's House facility in Green Forest. Michelle Steiner, who directs the house in Harrison, told reporter Bill Bowden that Leach's passing leaves "an empty space in our world. He was my mentor and he was my friend. I would say he was a father figure, but he was my bearded mother. He will be deeply missed."

Steiner ideally summarized Leach's mission and sense of purpose: "Where there was injustice for women and children, he was there to try to fill the gap."

Leach most assuredly put his action behind the stirrings of his heart and the words he spoke toward assisting those truly in serious need, as further evidenced by his sustained involvement with relevant state commissions and activities.

He and I developed a relationship over lunch that began in a Springdale Mexican restaurant about 15 years ago and continued until his death.

Since I was seldom in Green Forest or his home community of Osage, our communication generally was via texts and emails. But it was still a strong connection because of our shared bonds. It had to have been the fact that we both wear beards, although his was fuller and far more dashing.

After learning of Leach's death, I went back to review our email exchanges. He was always kind and complimentary, yet I never sensed an ounce of insincerity in the man.

Here is a message he sent earlier this year. It reveals just how dedicated and self-effacing he was:

"Good afternoon, Mike: I hope this email finds you healthy, happy and enjoying the new year. I just wanted to take a minute and update you on a few issues in my life. More importantly to let you know I continue to read and enjoy each and every one of your columns.

On the 20th of this month I will chair my last meeting of the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence. I will miss the Commission and working for the various to governors of Arkansas. You might recall I began serving in 1994 having been appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee. I will, however, continue working with the state Child Death and Infant Mortality review panel out of Children's Hospital.

I will continue my work with the Merlin Foundation serving as chair. In my grumpy old age (72 this year) I have several issues which I feel strongly about and will most likely reactivate the Merlin Foundation blog and perhaps start another one just with my grumpy old man personal views.

Please stay in touch and I will do the same. BTW, I think your sheriff [Benton County's Kelley Cradduck] has dug a rather deep hole and from your reports and information in the media I feel it may end up quite sad and/or criminal. Time will tell. Warm regards, Merlin."

Know how profoundly you already are missed, Dr. Merlin, and what a tremendous example you set for the rest of us by being so deeply involved in easing others' burdens.

Rest eternally in your Father's House, recognizing how many here will continue to be served within the walls of your innovative and caring Grandma's Houses.

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Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Email him at mmasterson@arkansasonline.com.

Editorial on 06/25/2016

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