Wednesday, March 31, 2021
To most people Hank Zuercher was known as a hero and a legend through his time served in the fire department and army. He was known for his heroic actions and humble attitude. But to us he was just grandpa. He was a dad, a husband, and a great-grandfather. And he was the best at each of those roles. He was the man who gave us ice cream for breakfast, told us endless stories, brought us sailing, cheated us in cards, gave us the love of the ocean, came to all of our games, read to us, and had us using power tools by the time we could walk.
Grandpa was our lighthouse. His light guided all of us throughout our lives. Whenever we felt lost at sea, we could count on grandpa to show us the way back to shore. And in his passing I have wondered what we will all do without our lighthouse. But I think that all this time he has just been preparing us to be our own lighthouses, and to be a lighthouse for each other. Our entire lives he has prepared us all for this moment. He has taught us all to be brave, humble, tough, and resilient. He was a man who led by example. Because of him, we all know strength.
I know how lucky I am because although I have lost my grandpa, a day will not go by where I don’t see a piece of him in my cousins, my siblings, and my aunts. His memory and legacy will continue forever. He gave us all something so special to hold on to. As long as we are all here as we are, so is he.
Thank you to all of those who kept him in your thoughts and prayers and to those who gave him the honorable send away he deserved. Good night and good luck.
