Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-05-25
THE GRIM REAPER'S WORK
HoWARp JAMEs THAYER

\ Howard James Ihayer. son Of Mr.. and Mrs
j. ". Thayer. was born at LaFarge, yeFns2
county, October 10. 1898. Ee moved with his
parents 70 Viroaua When six years Of ace,
receiving bis esoeat;on in cur public schools.
When u year, ala he received an in.rry wnsch
resulted in 6 permanent disability. The best
medical AID was secured from time 70 tirne
with view q helping h.sa his parents SPAR
ing no cost 70 have their son resscrc3 .
health. One winter was spent in Texas. AID
though temporary relief was had it did not
long prevail. During the past few months be
steadily weakened and finally passed away ca
Mag 20 1891. His end was peace.
+ OF Howard's work and character the very
finest Things may he spoken. seldom has enc
I with his physical handicap done so molly.
He would not permit his illness to keep him
from the activities Of life in which other
young men we're engaging. He was invalid
+ in body only. In mind and win he was stalwart
and vigorous. re read much and kept him
self well informed Of the worlds affairs.
His room vas a busy mans Office with phone
desk ana typewriter and library at his bed
side. To visit him was not TO pity sick la,i,
but to enter into q lively conversation on the
latest happenings Of America and the world
Probably no young man Of his age in Viroqua
could better tell Of the progress Of modern
thought and action. he was no peevish pa
tient but a vigorous and aggressive citizen.
An index TO his character was seen in his
taste and practice in dress He did not allow
himself TO become careless Of appearance be-
cause he was seldom able 70 appear in public
Sick though he was he played life's game as
If he were well. And it was as well man he
desired 70 be reckoned He asked for no adj
vantage and expected no favors.
He vigorously carried on an active business
His magazine agency was extensive. reaching
out to other towns as well as to the limits of
our own. And under his management it was
continually expanding. He advertised freely
and went after business tirelessly. He desir-
ed and expected 70 succeed only upon his mer-
its.
The World War found In America no more
ardent patriot than he. II was his deep sor-
row that he could not go TO the front. In
spirit and heart he was in the battlefield.
In response to the governments appeal he
denied himself beyond what he was able to DO.
He would eat no white bread or sugar during
the restricted period. and other things which
might be Injuries TO well persons but which
were necessities to him he stesdfastly refused
to take.
His illness was extremely trying. and much
Of the time painful. but his morale never weak
ened and his good nature never failed. He
was confirmed optirnist and though doubtless
knowing he would never recover and be well
man he kept cheerful and bright. He played
life's game a man should and bore his
cross with fortitude and courage. He had
host Of friends Scores Of young people es-
pecialy went regularly to see him. His fine
manlness and eager mind always won their
regard and affection.
Beyond all others he was, Of course tenderly
attached 70 his own folks. He appreciated
their continuous sacrifice on his behalf and
returned 10 them a rich affection His mother
his chief nurse and with a devotion al
most divine Mrs. Thayer gave herself to her
son. Her love made her sacrifice Joy.
Howard fought vaent fight; he ran
splendid race; be nobly kept the faith. This
is the rich legacy he leaves 10 those who knew
and loved him. Mr.. Buffers in a letter 10 the
family regretting his inability TO come TO the
funeral said: He good righteous. hon
orable young man. He bore his troubles in a
manly manner. and now forever he viii be
well and healthy and extremely happy"
a simple BUT impressive funeral service was
held at the nome on Monday afternoon con-
Quoted by the Rev. F. Harris who paid tribute
20 Towards splendid career The singing was
by a group Of his young friends and was help
full and beautiful Another s.roup Of frients
acted as pail bearers and carried his body TO
its last resting place. The whole community
grieves with Mr.. and Mrs. Thayer and verna
In the great loss they have sustained.