Wednesday, December 23, 2015
I am so sorry to hear that Horace has died. I had the honor of working with him as a skills instructor for twelve years! During that time we became friends. Had I known of Horace's death at the time, I would have absolutely attended his services.
I have been trying to contact him to wish him a happy holiday season, but his phone was disconnected. I only learned of his death today when I contacted his former service coordinator.
Horace was a proud and independent person who cared deeply for his friends and family, even when he tried to hide his feelings. We shared many hours in conversation about family, and I had the occasion to meet Belinda and her family twice.
Horace often thought of projects to improve his apartment, and would have me do the things he could no longer do for himself. We put up corner wall moldings, worked on his power chair, put up shelves, etc. My wife sewed a liner for his wheelchair to keep the wind and cold off his back when he went out in the winter.
Horace liked to take care of his own business affairs as much as he could, and guarded his independence tenaciously! Even after our professional relationship ended, he would invite me over for a visit and some help with one of his projects. He used to call me "buddy-man". I am so glad I got to spend an afternoon with him last fall and help him with a couple things. When I left we shook hands and hugged, and he told me I was a good friend.
I miss him. My condolences to Horace' family.
Steve
