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.