Honor through poetry
Published 6:29 am Saturday, June 1, 2019
June 5, will mark the 73rd anniversary date of the passing of George A. Hormel. Enjoy the following poem written by Mr. Levi Fisher. Fisher was George A. Hormel’s brother-in-law, employee, and friend.
“Great lives must pass but never in vain
Their good works do follow their train.
Empty the tomb the spirit has flown
Only the dust and ashes remain.
Only but saying a fond adieu
Only a parting we shall meet again.
A giant of industry today was laid low
To all the known world his food products…
His was a spirit that knew no retreat
His was a courage that knew no defeat
Obstacles to him were but stepping stones
On his upward way new heights to attain.
“Rejoicing in hope, not slothful in business
Fervent in spirit, Serving the Lord.”
May a double portion of his spirit rest
On Jay, his son, as he carries the load
Ever be mindful of his fellow man
With a lifting hand where’er he can
Lives like that cannot live in vain
Lives like that shall live again.”
And here’s another tribute written by Zelma King, a longtime member of the Hormel Dry Sausage team:
“He lived, he loved-he would lose, then win.
He struggled and he sighed-
He rode the rainbow of success,
He was truthful and he tried.
He worked, he saved-he was ill, then well,
He was friendly and sometimes cross.
He gambled and would stand a chance
Of gain, and also loss.
He praised but was always sincere,
He planned and then he schemed-
He built his hopes for future days
He imagined, drifted and dreamed.
Life was a compound of thoughts and moods-
He would put them to a test
And eliminate unworthy things
And make his life the best.”
A well respected man left his mark on those around him.
Special History Happy Hour Event
Monday, June 10
5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. program to start at the HHH and then a walk around Mill Pond.
Tim Ruzek of the Cedar River Watershed District will lead a walking tour of the Austin Mill Pond history with a handout of old pictures for participants to reference for comparison. This area’s major changes will be covered including its first era as a backwater swamp with islands to its transformation into a state park before being opened for development in the 1960s to its present-day flood walls and berms.
