Buck Remembered

2 institutions fade from our neighborhood
Dedicated.

Our community lost two institutions in the past couple weeks. These two remarkable people demonstrated more than staying power; they proved that loving what you do — and sharing that joy with others — makes the world a better place.

One thrived in the spotlight, taking center stage to toot a brass horn. The other lived her life as an observer, reporting the news of her neighborhood and touting the goodness of ordinary living. Both are examples of people dedicated to their lives’ callings, giving of themselves, rock-steady and dependable.

Dina Sundby, 97, died July 13. She’d been a news correspondent for the Hillsboro Banner for nearly 70 years. She faithfully reported the comings and goings of her neighbors and friends, celebrating the births and weddings and mourning the deaths, all the while unintentionally imparting the simple joys of everyday life.

We were surprised when we heard of people who read the Bloomfield News even if they had no connection to the folks who call that township home. Dina’s writings somehow drew people in and stretched the boundaries of her neighborhood.

Her last installment of Bloomfield News was delivered as usual — on schedule — four days before her death. Dependable, yes. Gracious, always. A “grand lady,” according to her acquaintances. She never married and had no children, but cultivated a seemingly endless circle of friends. Dina lived a quiet, simple life that she cherished.

By her example, those around her learned a deeper appreciation for family ties and local history. She took pride in belonging to a large extended family — even though her advanced age left her without many contemporaries. Forever young in spirit, she found new friends with each generation.

Her weekly phone calls kept her abreast of life around her, sharp to the world and eager to be engaged by it. She lived on her own until this spring, relocating to the Hillsboro Nursing Home. Friends say she adjusted amazingly well, considering she’d lived in the same house since 1916.

Blessed with vigor and clear thinking until her death, Dina challenged us to live our lives with the same sort of dedication and purpose.

Another loss — James “Buck” Holo died July 18 at the age of 85. Buck lived and breathed music. It wasn’t a gift he kept to himself. No, Buck did not hide his talents under a bushel basket. In fact, he was most at home entertaining an audience — an audience of one or 1,000.

As the music teacher at the local high school for 32 years, he wore many hats — instructor, of course, but also mentor, cheerleader, drill instructor, promoter, disciplinarian and friend.

When the HHS band was the best of the best in the entire state, Buck deserved the credit. He brought out the best in the kids and then showed off their collective talent in state music contests, parades, outdoor band concerts and “special appearances” anywhere a school bus or a left-right-left-right would take them.

His jovial patience — often sorely tested — convinced many an awkward trombone player that they could indeed march — if they’d only use their other left foot.

Buck also shared his musical talents with his church, singing in and directing the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church choir. In recent years, his voice held up better than his legs.

Immersed in music and able to wield the power of it, Buck allowed many of us to find that song in ourselves and learn to sing it just a little louder.

Dina and Buck, we thank you and we’ll miss you.