Eulogy for Homer Easterday

Below is a copy of the text I have written for my grandfather to read at his funeral service.

Eulogy for Grandpa, Homer Easterday

“Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean.” ~David Searls, Biologist/Philosopher

Loved by many as a friend, cousin, grandfather, and father, Homer has sailed on to the next leg in his journey beyond the horizon to uncharted waters. I am thankful for the many memories I have of my beloved grandfather. Grandpa, either directly or by example, taught my brother and I many great lessons about life, work, love, and play.

I remember the genuine kind and gentle manner in which he took on everyday tasks. The thoughtful way he lived his life, from the way he left closer parking spots open at Buehler's so others would have a shorter walk in, to the way he would never make someone feel bad about making a honest mistake. With this memory, I try be a person for others and do what I can to make their days better.

After returning from World War II, Grandpa became a Barber. He set up shop here in Coshocton and opened up a store on Main St. with Dale Parker. For over 50 years they worked together, up until just months ago, to provide not only a living to support his family, but also a wonderful and heartfelt service to the community. Grandpa loved Coshocton and Roscoe Village, and saw it as an honor to serve its many wonderful people. I often have run into people who tell me that he gave them their first haircut or he cut their hair for the prom or a wedding. I learned that no matter what you do for work, you need to give it your all and see that you are treating people fairly. He struggled with the thought of raising prices and was ever conscious of the changing needs of his customers.

One thing grandpa was great at was letting everyone, not just us kids, know how much they meant to him. While he was not a rather talkative person, but he was always willing to be there to listen to someone or to help them out. He taught me that love is not as much about the words (as important as they can be) but the actions you choose to take. Being in his presence one could feel loved by the way he acted with and around you.

Grandpa loved to have fun. Play and humor was an important part of his life. We played lots of games as a kid. I remember one of my first winter holidays with grandpa in Coshocton, playing a board game called "Don't Break The Ice" with him. As I got older he, along with my grandmother, taught us how to play Hausey and other card games. Grandpa's sense of humor was witty with just the right touch of sarcasm. Subtle little comments or expressions were his way of having fun. Right up to my final visit with him a couple of weeks ago, he had his sense of humor and we joked about busting out of Coshoton Care Center to get dessert at Bob Evans. I have taken from that a sense that no matter what situation one faces, you should hold on to your ability to laugh and play.

Grandpa was a special person to us as father, grandfather, and member of the Coshocton-Roscoe Community. He was so gentle and kind with every person he encountered in his every day life and at work as a barber. He spent much time with Ed and I, taking us for walks along the toe path and on day trips through the Amish country. In Judaism, the honorific (zichrono livracha) is used when someone has passed away. It means may his memory be for a blessing. Homer Easterday was one person whose memory will truly be a blessing for all.

Thank you.