Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Something's missing in the Mancos Valley


Sandy took this picture of the Mancos Valley from our house at dawn today. Point Lookout is still there, but there's something missing ... something that has seemed as much a part of the Mancos Valley as Point Lookout since I moved here 19 years ago ... Herman Wagner. 
Herman's celebration of life was held yesterday afternoon at the community center; he passed away last week at 92.
There were many stories about Herman ... his generosity, his service to his community, his loving nature. A couple that touched me were from his high school classmates. One remembered playing basketball with Herman, who was on the Mancos team that came in second to Colorado Springs in the state finals. Most moving was when another noted that he was born a week after Herman was, and that Herman had been his best friend ... for 92 years!
When I edited the Mancos Times, there were times when meetings descended to a level approximating a food-fight and people would be at each other's throats. I would go to Herman, seeking his wisdom and knowledge of the community, and he'd sort it out for me. 

What showed through in all those conversations with Herman was his conviction that we are all better than we sometimes behave. Gone, but unforgettable. tv

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