Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Hans & Family, I read that your father has weighed anchor, at ninety six years of age. My first thought was that you were fortunate to have him still with you for so long. Then I thought that he must have been so engaged with living, and so interested in life, to still be standing until now. I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for your loss, but hoping that you see how blessed you were, with having such a man as your father, and for so long a time.
I had met, and than periodically encountered, your father over the years. He had a presence that made you know that you were in the company of a special individual. I seldom in my life felt this way about a person. In the military I had an assignment as the orderly/aide to a high ranking general officer who ran the operations of the 101st Airborne Division. I remember that I thought of the general when I encountered your dad, due to the impression that such men make, leaders.
I benefited from your father's decision to move to Cape May County. I attended the charter Tech school when it was at the Franklin Street location. That's where I first met Mr. Toft. He engaged the original Building Trades class students to assist Mr. Hollenger in various projects at the Franklin Street School. I'm out of space...we'll have to continue this conversation in person.
