Liane (right), with daughter Rachel

In Memory of Our Dear Friend, Liane Kuchmy
of Ontario, Canada
Co-administrator and Chat coordinator

Below are some excerpts from comments about Liane by list members, in approximately the order in which they were received.

"From the start I counted Liane as one of the many blessings of the Christian Songwriters List, a real example of Christ-centred enthusiasm allied with humility. . .

"I also know that despite her own problems she had a great deal of time for others on the List whom she found to be going through personal difficulties.

"I hadn't been in contact with her for a while, but I shall miss her greatly, and I can only ache for the loss that her family and closer friends will feel.

"Liane was the most modest of Christians, and I'm sure would have been embarrassed at being counted with the Saints, even though she would have accepted it as scriptural.  Nevertheless, for me she counts as one of the great examples of ordinary sainthood.  Of course, my opinion is quite irrelevant, but I know I have seen the fruits that the Father will have been looking for.  And I have no doubt that Liane has already been welcomed as a good and faithful servant.

"I know we will all miss her more than it is easy to express."

Michael Lehr, former list administrator

"AMEN! There is no better tribute to her than that which she gave of  herself to us and others. To this old one it's like having lost a  daughter and a close friend. May God grant us the grace and strength to  accept the passing of someone so dear to us and the joy and peace of  knowing she now sings with the angels residing within the bosom of His  loving arms in heaven."

Marty Ward, co-administrator

"I went back through my old CSO e-mails to re-read my correspondence with Liane. The common thread was an encouraging, straight-forward, growing songwriter. She always seemed to be sharpening her skills. Her critiques were detailed, revealing and always a blessing (even if she totally wrecked my pre-supposed views of my material by showing my baby's warts). She was great at re-write suggestions. I regret that we never collaborated.

"I still remember the fun discussion we had about tambourines from her link on how to play them. What a hoot! "Hey guys... I did a search and I can't believe there's actually a page out there that gives you tambourine playing tips!  Cool or what eh?!! . . .

"Liane was a joy. She is the exclusive property of Jesus now."

Mike Novak

"What I remember about Liane the most is her sweet song she did on the CSG Christmas Compilation tape. She told me she did not like her voice, but I told her my husband loved her voice and had picked her song as his favorite from the compilation, saying that it sounded much like mine... she was a great  encouragement to us all. "

Shairi Edwards

"Our dear sister Liane is now rejoicing & worshiping with the angels before the throne of God. I will really miss her enthusiasm and encouragement on this list. It's hard to believe how you can feel so close to someone that you've never even met face to face..."

Kathy Sabol

"Liane was a sweet person. I too had  some private conversations with Liane and found her to be most helpful  and willing to give of her time and talent. Her enthusiasm to grow and  learn to write music was very encouraging to the list. Like the rest of  you, I will miss her, too.

"It makes me realize again that we never know when it's our time to be  called home by the Father. A better place to be sure, but are we ready  to leave behind what our life has spoken while we were here? There is  probably a song in there someplace, but beyond that is a possible wake  up call to some of us. "

Kathy Del Russo

"My heart is hurting and little teardrops are wetting my keyboard as I type this.  Surely Liane is in the presence of Jesus now and is joyously making music with the One who created it, but I will most  certainly miss her.  I never even met her face to face, but she was truly a friend to me, always so positive and encouraging.  Many times when I was down she would write to me privately and encourage me.  One day I will see her again and we will dance and play the tambourine together (in time with the music of course).  She is gone from us temporarily, but hopefully her songs will remain and be sung for years to come.  I am praying that the Holy Spirit would be a comfort to her friends and family in the days to come."

Rochelle Davis

"We had several conversations online and I found her to be truly kind and  encouraging. I always felt she was one who was putting her faith into practice every day. . .  She challenged herself in her songwriting and challenged others, too. I know that for a while now she'd been writing songs just to be shared between her and the Lord. It is comforting to know that she was doing what she loved to do to the end.  One day, I look forward to seeing her and hearing her New Song in heaven.  Until then, I will miss her greatly. "

Tracy Semenick

"When I think of Liane, the first thing that pops into my mind is enthusiasm! Liane was wildly enthusiastic about every new thing, and her enthusiasm was infectious. . .  Her enthusiasm just bubbled over into everything she did, and it was impossible not to feel it right along with her. Even this 'old pro', who has been playing music since about 1957, couldn't help but feel some vicarious excitement every time Liane discovered something new.

"And then, of course, was her excitement for the Christian Songwriting Organization, and her love for everyone here. . . [A]s a co-administrator, she was even-tempered, circumspect and considerate. . .

". . . Liane was dedicated to her God and her family, and those were the overriding priorities in her life, as they should be for all of us. She was a sweet, kind person whose Christian attributes were evident in everything she did. . .  [W]e rejoice for her, for we know that she no longer suffers from epilepsy or any other physical ailment, but is experiencing unspeakable joy in the presence of God."

Jim Johnson, co-administrator

"Although I had never met Liane in person, I genuinely considered her a friend. During the time I was a part of the CSG, I was touched by her ability to reach out to others even while dealing with her own issues. I was humbled more than once by her passion for the Lord. She also had a childlike exuberance for her songwriting craft that I think challenged many. She never got tired of learning and trying new things. She always lamented the lack of musicians to play with where she lived; we used to try and "jam" by sending files back and forth over the internet and adding parts. Now the "in-person" jam session will have to wait for a better venue, but I'm sure it will be all the more glorious for that! Well done, Liane, you ran your race well."

Tim Barber, former CSO member

"If you didn't know her, you may wonder and be amazed at the continual comments about her. She gave so much to the list and was a friend to many. She was very passionate for her God, her family and  songwriting and was a friend to many of us all in the CSO. She was an admin of the group and gave a lot of her time to the group. . .

"As a Christian, we know that she is with the Lord, but we know that we, and especially her family, simply will miss her. My father passed away a year ago this November. As I sit here and write this, I'm wearing his old flannel shirt that I got from my mother some months ago. We're incredibly glad when loved ones are going to Heaven and we know that, but the 'missing them' part is hard for quite a long time."

Dave Byers, CSO founder and co-administrator

 
 

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