Thank the Lord for Leroy: A Humorous Look at Life, Love, Friendship, and Faith

by Randy Ray

What do a pink van, ice cream, too many hats, and a speeding ticket have to do with our relationship with Christ? At first glance, one might think, Not much . In Thank the Lord for Leroy, author Randy Ray walks us through his journey in life with some off-the-wall and amusing stories. These stories are sometimes insightful, often thought-provoking, but always humorous. He introduces us to things like an iron-stealing ferret, what it’s like to fall into an orchestra pit, and—very importantly—why donuts are so much better than bagels. Ray also describes what it is like when a math-avoiding parent meets that inevitable day when a child needs help with math homework. From experience, Randy tells what it is like to start a Christian band, sign a record deal, and embark on the craziness that comes with being on the road. He also takes a lighthearted and poignant look at Christian marriage and family. Through it all, his off-beat friend Leroy provides him with a “friend who sticks closer than a brother”—even if, at times, you wish he didn’t!

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2012

About the author

Randy Ray was born in Toronto and was educated at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. He was a reporter with the London Free Press for 13 years, the last three as the paper's Parliament Hill correspondent.

He has been a freelance writer and author since 1989 and has had articles published in many Canadian newspapers and magazines, including The Globe & Mail, Ottawa Citizen, Halifax Chronicle Herald and the Vancouver Sun. He has co-written nine books about Canada with Mark Kearney of London, Ontario.

Randy also works as a freelance publicist, helping authors, companies and charities land media coverage.

He is married and lives in Ottawa.