EARL: A fond farewell

On Sunday, Oct. 13, the Press printed the obituary for 101-year-old Earl Hyde. Press editor Mike Patrick wrote a beautiful tribute to Earl in his lead editorial that day.

My wife, Janet, and I met Earl three years ago when we honored him at the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club’s annual Veterans Day luncheon. I spent considerable time with Earl over these past three years, and he was always simply filled with joy to be alive. I remember picking him up a few years ago and his first words to me were, “Les, I have never been as happy as I am right now. I feel great and I plan to become the oldest living veteran!” He met every other goal in his long, distinguished life except that one.

He would always sign off with, “Les, I love you man!” Back at you, Earl. Rest in peace, dear friend.

LES ATCHLEY

Coeur d’Alene