To the editor:

Notice of the recent passing of Homer Carder included a reasonably complete summary of his life, but there’s so much more that can, and should, be reported to give others a much better insight into this remarkable person.

For starters, he could have served as the perfect Poster Boy for The Greatest Generation, a model citizen and a perfect gentleman.

During WWII, Homer piloted a Piper Cub as a field artillery observer in the European Theater. That was hazardous duty, indeed, but it may have had an element of comedy about it as well. Homer was a large man, well over 6 feet; the plane was tiny. Getting in and out of the sardine-can cabin must have been a sight to behold. And, of course, he sat on a piece of armor plate to protect himself from small arms fire.

Like so many others of The Greatest Generation, Homer returned to civilian life and launched a successful business career. He and his wife, Wendy, were a devoted couple who enriched their lives – and the lives of many others – when they both became trained chefs and connoisseurs of fine wine.

To be invited to The Carder’s for dinner was an unforgettable event. To have known Homer as a golfer, a devoted husband and as a friend, is equally unforgettable. Homer was a one-of-a-kind human being. His passing leaves a huge void.

– Bill Wuehrmann, Tryon