I found out yesterday that an old friend I graduated from high school with, William ‘Brent’ Herrmann died unexpectedly this past Sunday, July 18.
I am in complete shock. He was only 37 years old.
There were only 31 people in our graduating class, so there was a time when I knew Brent very well. He had a brilliant smile, great hair and an awesome Texas drawl. Brent was easy to talk to and I remember spending a lot of time discussing our perfect mates.
Sadly, over the years, we lost touch, but I have often wondered about Brent and where in the world he ended up. I made several attempts to locate him on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. to no avail. I hope he was happy with his life and found love.
Before my parents died, I hadn’t had much experience with death. I was too young to understand my feelings or the concept of loss when my grandparents died, but now, whenever I hear of a loss, be it my own or someone else’s, it effects me differently. It’s much sadder and cuts deeper and always brings me back to my own losses. Until you have had to say goodbye to someone you love, I don’t think you can ever truly understand loss.
Today, I feel like being back in high school when there were very few responsibilities and everyone was hopeful and alive.
My heart goes out to Brent’s family. Brent will be missed.
Here’s to you #66!
The best is yet to be.
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WILLIAM BRENT HERRMANN, born April 23, 1973, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, July 18, 2010. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lota and Elmo Canion, and paternal grandparent, William Joseph Herrmann. Survivors include his parents, William J. and Ann C. Herrmann; sisters, Amy Elaine Partida and husband Steven; Allison Herrmann Torres and husband Francisco; nieces Emily Ann Torres, and Isabel Partida; nephew Frank William Jim Walker and many cousins and friends.
Brent was born and grew up in Houston, Texas, and graduated from The Orme School in Mayer, Arizona. He attended Texas Tech University and The University of Houston. He was currently a Information Systems Manager for Twin Liquors in Austin, Texas. His young life was cut short unexpectedly and he will be greatly missed by his loving family. His sense of humor, love for friends, passion for technology, love of fishing, and love of his family were very important in his life.
A celebration of his life will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 23, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., with internment in Woodlawn Garden of Memories immediately following.
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That's very Nice T. I certainly can't concentrate on work today. I've been somewhere…..maybe back in 1990-1991. Looking back those were great times. I'm grateful for having had the expereince and for those I shared it with.
-M
Thanks Tonya. Beautifully written!
I'm so sorry. That's never a good surprise…
I so agree with you Tonya! I always think that if there is one thing I could change in my past is would have been to stay in better contact with all my Orme family. I miss you all and look forward to a second chance to stay in contact 🙂
RIP Brent… We miss your smile already!
What a very nice tribute to an old friend.
how incredibly sad. ONly goes to prove that only the good die young. So tragic.
How very sad. He was much too young to die. I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard for me to hear of a friend passing away especially if we are the same age. You can't help but think, 'that could be me'. Losing mom and dad has definitely changed the way I think about death and how I hear about it now. May we always remember to cherish those around us because you really never know what the future will bring.
Tonya,
Thank you for writing a sweet blog about my brother. I was his oldest sister and best friend. We were very close and UGH…I miss him so much. Your writing of his memories are what help my family and I get through the grieving process, and I know he had no idea how many people's lives he touched. Well, probably God has let him know by now I hope. I wish he would have kept in touch more with his Orme friends, but I think that part of his life was hard on him, and the memories were bitter sweet. I thank you again for your love and memories of B, he was an awesome brother and wonderful person. His spirit will live in us forever!
Take care and Blessings!
Amy Herrmann Partida
Hi, I just today l looked and googled Brent to see if I could find him because I hadn’t found him on Facebook. I knew that he loved computers and thought it was odd that he wasn’t on FB. Unfortunately, I found his obituary. Iam so shocked and devastated! Brent was a wonderful man! He was always there for his friends and family! He was also very thoughtful, I still have a ring that he gave me when we were dating – its a silver daisy, when he gave it to me I was shocked that he had remembered what my favoriate flower was and took the time to find the perfect gift. That is the kind of man Brent was -he cared for everyone he met.