Herbert Licht Obituary

I was looking through my files of the people I have taken care of for over a year now and thought I'd search through this site and sad to find out that Mr. Licht had passed away. I only had the chance to take care of him for a whole day but he had so many things to tell me. He was a wonderful, sweet gentleman. My sincere sympathy to his family.

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Getting locked out of the house on cold February afternoons with ice skates laid at the foot of the back door would seem punishment to some but to me, it was great. Being outdoors is the best. While the door-locking was purely his sister-in-law's way of assuring unfettered reading time, out door loving is very connected to Herb.

Our family learned to ski in Morton's Arboretum - thanks to Herb. In today's high fashion society who would be caught strapping those old hand-hewn Northlands onto galosh-covered shoes? Who would pole themselves up and down gentle inclines for thrills? And yet that's all at the heart of why we like being outside during winter time. Herb's the one that got us going.

Being around Herb was great because, in the words of his best friend, Drury, he was a wipe-your-hands-on-your-pants sort of guy.

Some day I'll be able to experience again his hand shadows on the walls of a tent. Until then Herb, thanks for getting me out doors.

Uncle Herbie was a fun uncle for this Iowa girl. He and Aunt Betty gave me cousins that have become friends for life. -Polly Hamilton Hilsabeck

After Mom remarried, Herb became my step father. We had our moments together - but he was my Mother's Husband, and as such did an incredible job at making her Happy for their 31 years in life. They had but one "child", their dog Gambie, who pre-deceased them both, but was one of the most wonderful dogs in the world.

I miss them both. I still hear Ruthie calling to me know and then.
And I can still hear Herb talking about plants and plans and outtings and how everything was "real good."

Both were amazing inspirations, but Herb's role as Husband was more than I ever could have wished for their happiness.

I miss them both terribly, and feel so blessed by their presence in my life.

What an amazing man Dad was. I will always remember his enthusiasm for life and learning. He never complained! He read the paper to keep up with things and even wanted to learn to use a computer. Dad had a strong heart and will to live.
One favorite memory I have is riding in our Chevy on Saturday mornings heading out to the Olde Spinning Wheel in Hinsdale with the windows down and Dad singing show tunes and popular songs from the 30's and 40's at the top of his lungs. Another one is hearing about George J. Fido the 3rd, Pa-omp an others in bedtime stories.
One of his favorites of us was when we went to northern Michigan in October one year and climbed Ives Mountain near Ishpeming.
Dad, I miss you.
Love, Jody

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at your loss. I worked for Mr. Licht at the Fred Harvey merchandise office in 1960 and 1961. He was truly a special person and I learned much from him.
May happy memories fill your hearts.