My name is Leah Young, I am 15 years old, and Harry Hummel is my grandpa. My grandpa was the greatest guy I have ever known. He was so wise. He knew everything about anything. If you needed help on something, he was the man to go to. I miss him and his advice so much. My grandpa was born and raised in Barberton. He attended Hazelwood, and Portage schools. He also graduated from Barberton High School. He then went to Wooster College. He married his high school sweetheart, Normagaye Gribble, my grandma. He had 4 kids; Tom, Becky, Beth, and John. Becky is my mom. My grandpa was also a Barberton fire-fighter. He coached base-ball, CYO wrestling, and was a Sports Booster, Band Booster, and video-taped the BHS football games. He is in the Sports Hall of Fame, and started the Paramedic Program in Barberton. He also became Fire Chief for the Barberton Fire Department. He was sooooooo awesome. He loved B-town. His family was his #1 priority, though. He was the greatest. He would have done anything for us. We would have done anything for him, too. One of the things that I remember most about him, is when he used to tell me about the stars. He told me about the constellations, planets, galaxies, comets, and everything else up there. He read to us all the time too. He took great pride in that. He taught us soooo much. I miss his lectures about life. I miss everything about him.

In January '97', Harry was diagnosed with lung cancer. Our family was devastated. We were going to stand by him though. No illness could take us apart.

My grandpa was so strong through all of this. He did everything as he normally did before he was sick and before his big operation. He even went to South Carolina for our vacation tradition in June; even in his condition. He had to go in a wheel-chair for the trip down. He was so brave.

On September 1st, Labor Day 1997, my grandpa passed away.

At his funeral, everyone was there. The Fire Department, all his family, friends, and other Barberton citizens. Everyone was in so much pain. Everyone loved him. We all miss him so much! He was the greatest.

Grandpa, this is Leah. I love you and miss you soooo much!!!!

I am always thinking about you. I will never, ever forget about you for one moment. Please stay and protect our family from all harm. We will all see you again. I love you!!!! We all love you!!!! Oh yeah, Beth had Noah. She also had another one......Gabriel. I'm sure you know that though.

I love you!!! I will see you when I get there!!!

Love you forever,