It is with a heart both heavy and grateful that I share the story of my beloved husband's life and a love that will forever remain in the quiet corners of my soul.
My husband was more than the man I married; he was my confidant, my partner in every joy and challenge, and the steady anchor in our family's journey. His voice could fill a room, and his wisdom often came in the form of instructions.
He was the first of three sons, a rebel, who got in trouble a lot. He loved working on cars and he built his first car when he was just a teenager. He joined the Navy right out of high school, which was the only thing that saved him from becoming a criminal, he admitted to me once. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1978 and started with Amoco in the Lake Charles District office, where he would spend a lot of time in the production fields. The Field Foremen and staff REALLY liked working with him. He would get into the details to work out the problems with the compressors, gas plants, pipelines, etc.
In 1981 Hank was transferred to the New Orleans Regional Office (his title was probably Sr. Mechanical Engineer at the time; more time spent on bigger projects, less time spent on location. He made a lot of friends working for Amoco and those friendships have lasted for decades. He was funny and loud. He loved his alcohol, his cars and his classic rock music.
In 1986 he left New Orleans and came to Florida and be closer to his family. I met him In 1990 when we both worked for Geraghty &
Miller. He then followed me to work at Siemens in Bradenton, Fl and after we were married we went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
We came back within a few months and he eventually retired in 1995 and became a full time dad in 1998.
He was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man of quiet strength. He could fix anything and he learned how to invest in stocks and bonds . He didn't trust anyone but himself with his investments. He was the smartest man I have ever known.
Though he is no longer here in the way we wish, his spirit lives on - in the stories we tell, in the memories we have and share, and in the love that continues to bind us together. I will carry him in my heart always, grateful for the years we shared and the life we built side by side.
Rest peacefully, my love. You were, and always will be, my hero.
