To the Editor:
The recent passing of Bernie Holzer was a very real loss to the many people who were touched by his presence.
Most people weren’t aware that Bernie was an inventor of importance. The original concept of “upsizing” was his long before the idea was stolen by companies hard-selling cereal, soda pop, insurance policies, candy bars, hotel rooms, burgers, and rental cars.
Bernie’s invention applied to life’s sharp experiences. Whether it was building a house, roofing a barn, cleaning up after a party, fixing a truck, or lying on your back under a building thawing out frozen pipes, the chore became upsized by Bernie in the most positive sort of way. Even the most mundane of chores became a gratifying and fun accomplishment, not soon forgotten.
I’m envious of Tommy, Bunky, and Utinum lobstering to the end with Bernie, for they got way more than lobsters every time they cast off.
Bernie had no time for a diminisher. If he pointed out a negative streak, it was only an observation; he would quickly move on with no trace of bitterness.
So please let me propose the shortest of toasts to Bernie: Thanks, from all of us.
Allan K. Miller
East Boothbay, Maine