Herbert Zilla

Dear Tanta Lucie.

We were so sorry to hear the sad news. We loved Onkel Herbert and we wish you our deepest sympathies and condolences. I was wondering what to do, send flowers, make a donation, etc., but Mom suggested that I simply write you a note. It’s easy to say, but I wondered how should I start, and how could I relay in a few sentences all the ways Onkel Herbert affected my life.

I thought about it for a couple of days and then I remembered Papa’s funeral in...

Herbert was a kind man and a good friend. We have been friends for 37 years and in that
time I can remember how he taught me how to shark fish and showed me a new way to
look at craftsmanship. Whether it was his explanation on how to drink a Vodka Martini with two olives
or exposing me to the fine German music that he loved, he was passionate about life, family and friends.
I can remember how he would drive around the block to pick me up just to go to a local card game or when...

I didn't know big Herb that long, but I will always remember him as Papa Ya-Ya. When ever he came up to Herb and Kokie's and I was there, it made the time a little more exciting,interesting and fun. Papa Ya-Ya you will be missed, but never far from our thoughts and hearts.

What can you say about Herbie that hasn't already been said...he surely was one of a kind. His love for living his life his way, and his passion for his work. Nothing was perfect unless he did it himself. When I first met him upstate, he was sighting his rifle. It was his birthday, and Doug wanted to surprise him. Well, we certainly did--his whole face lit up. From that day, he embraced me, He said "adopted". He would always joke about my lack of perfection with a revolver because I...

Big Herbie was a gentle giant of a man. A master craftsman and a man who always loved and appreciated nature. I will always remember how he loved and spoiled his animals and how our children would gravitate to him whenever they saw him. He was a big grandfatherly kind of a guy and a great friend. He will be sorely missed.

Herbie was an important person to our family who was always there for us no matter what....we miss you very much . I remeber always going to the boat yard with my dad and working on the boats (well i just ran around chasing the ducks)while dad and Herbie worked on the boats..dad said those were the good old days.we will always miss you , Thanks for everything

As a child my favourite people to visit were Uncle Herbert, Tante Lucie, Herbie and Lorraine. My parents and I would make the drive from Canada for vacation time. Uncle Herbert's boatyard fascinated me. I loved being on the water and to this day I carry that love of boating with me.
As I grew into an adult time and distance separated us, but those childhood memories will never be forgotten.

Dear Herbert,
Goodbye for now...until we see you in Heaven.
With fond memories...

There has been a country song out lately that reminds me of Dad and one line is Dad always lived a little left of living right. He could make you laugh and make you mad all in the same 5 minute time span. But you always loved him. He taught me the importance of working hard but equally as important you needed time to play. Dad was a man that enjoyed life. Whether we were pulling an engine or hunting in the woods a laugh or a joke would come readily to his lips.

He taught me the value...