Raise the Hammer

What a sad and senseless end to a vibrant, positive life that Herman Ohrt embodied. His love of nature, whether hiking the Bruce Trail, gardening or cycling, shows a man who, through his positive values, embraced life and lived it to the fullest.

The world needs more people like Herman Ohrt.

My deepest condolences to his immediate (Sandra Jean, Russ and Heather) and extended family. Nothing I can say will release you from the grief you must be experiencing. Would that we could all live our lives with "compassion, hard work, service and stewardship, resourcefulness, patience, good humour and joy" - which is how Herman lived his life and in short, not merely taught, but demonstrated "how to be greater human being."

This article is prefaced , and ends with the line. 'No one should have to go through this. So what are we going to do about it?'

I think about how similar I try to live my life. While not 77 (I'm no 'spring chicken' at 61), I also enjoy hiking the Bruce Trail, canoe trips, and of course cycling.

I have to wonder, with the present danger on our city streets and need for safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, am I next? I also taught kindergarten for several years, and when reminded of that, I think of the senseless death of kindergarten teacher Joe Keddy who was hit and killed on the Claremont access in December 2015 - a full six years after a shifting gears study recommended bike lanes on the access. What was the big hold up? Why did yet another person have to be sacrificed on the altar of apathy before any action occurred?

In order to make sure Herman did not die in vain, his son Russ has dedicated himself to a very good cause - making our streets safer for everyone. This will benefit cyclists, pedestrians, transit users and car drivers - in short, all people.

"We must make our city a safer place to live" says Russ. I am behind your efforts 100% and will do whatever I can to help you. Please contact me through Ryan so we can get started. I urge others to answer the call and respond firmly and positively to the query, "So what are we going to do about it?" - Grant Ranalli

Comment edited by positive1@cogeco.ca on 2018-10-05 13:02:20