Dear Editor: Passing of two Whitehall fixtures

Dear Editor,

This past week another two Whitehall fixtures have left us and passed into Whitehall history, Bob Casagrande and Hervey Perez. Everyone knew them, or at least their names, because they gave of themselves not only to Whitehall, but more importantly to the people of Whitehall who call this place home.

Bob was the first person I met after moving here in 1988. I was looking out my back window and saw this mountain of a man in my yard. What was he doing and what the heck was he doing in my back yard?? I charged up to him, not realizing just how big he was, then was totally disarmed by a smile I will never forget. After introductions and receiving a handshake that left my right hand useless for half an hour, I got an education on ditch walking, which was his job. His heart was as big as he was. Over these last 33 years every time I crossed paths with him he always said my name with smile, asked how Linda and I were doing, and left my right hand useless for a spell.

What do you say about Hervey? Another great smile, a teacher, community endorser, businessman, father, husband, friend.

Hervey and I did a skit for a community theatre production of "Miss Kitty's Saloon" several years ago. He played a Poncho Villa character and I, a Duke Wayne. Ya, two characters, we had a great time. He used to send me countless joke emails, always more than I could read. His humor was questionable at times, but his heart was always on display. He was a mountain of a man as well.

We will miss these two, as we do all of those who have blessed this town and touched the lives of so many.

God rest both of you and we will see you soon.

Ron Jung

Whitehall, Montana