Hank attended Guardian Day Center for several years before moving into the Veteran's Home in Vineland. He was a joy to everyone with his outgoing personality and love of life. He became our Mr. Guardian the first year he was with us. Hank could get even the shyest of our clients to talk with him. He knew life was short and made the best of it everyday. One of the other men who attended was Bob Harmer who Hank knew from his Toolman days at the Clayton flea market. They became best friends at Guardian, until one day Bob suffered a massive heart attack and passed away with his head resting on Hank's shoulder. Hank cried of course, as did many of us that day. But he took some comfort in knowing that his friend didn't suffer and that he leaned on Hank in his last moment.

Hank was so easy-going that we could always talk him into wearing a silly hat or dressing up as a bride in our annual June Mock Wedding! He was not at all shy and in fact loved to belt out whatever song came to his mind. He was in his glory when we had a Talent Show where he could perform a song or when we had Karaoke Day. His favorite songs of all were Country Music and/or Patriotic Songs. One time we had a Talent Show scheduled and Hank invited his wife Diane, who had been very ill, to come and watch. When it was his turn he got up front and sang a love song to Diane in the audience. He half sang and half cried all the way through. Later he said Diane pretended to be mad that he put her on the spot but she was really pleased! About a week later Diane passed away.  Some of the staff attended her funeral, including me, because Hank and his family had become so dear to us.

When Hank went into the Veteran's Home it was our loss. He kept in touch with phone calls and even arranged a few trips with the County Transportation system so he could visit his old friends at Guardian. I learned a lot from Hank about being a friend, although he was always much better at it than I was. To Hank's children, you were all so blessed to have him in your life. I am sorry for your loss.

Sincerely, Peggy Murphy, Activity Director