Tribute to Herbert Burgnon: A true gentleman, friend, neighbor, and confidant
By Houston Naron, Special to the Williamson Herald
news@williamsonherald.com
As I sit here this very cold Sunday morning, this 31st day of January 2010, I gaze out my window at the beautiful snow-covered landscape that blankets all of Williamson County and this entire section of the country. I watch as a little squirrel plays in the wind blown snow that covers the ground and the shrubs in front of my condominium, and my heart struggles to fill the hole that exists because my friend, neighbor, and confidant has made that final journey that he had long prepared to take. As I stare at the azure blue sky, I can almost see Herb; gently smiling, and softly saying to us all “Enjoy the beauty of the day as all is well.”
For several months, those of us close to Herb marveled at his confidence and composure as he dealt with the health issues that were placed before him. We each knew that this day would come that we would reminisce about a man that had a great influence on our lives. He taught us more than we can start to enumerate with his enticing smile, his kind voice, and his gentle mannerisms that were a true mark of his gentleness. His countenance reminded me so much of a businessman that had planned his trip well, with all the detailed plans made, with his final destination well within his sight and reach.
From time to time in life, people touch our paths with little fanfare and little notice at the time. But as those “tracks in the snow” and “prints on our hearts” mature, we realize what a genuine impact those touches have had on our collective lives, and the indelible impressions that remain. Herb Burgnon was such a gentleman that left those marks.
When I think of Herb, these words come to mind: well-mannered, kind, considerate, high standards of proper behavior, educated, sensitive, successful businessman, a community servant, a lover of his family and church, and a very gentle man. In spite of pain and difficulties, he never, ever complained. Yes, I will miss those discussions and conversations that we shared under our carports as we solved the various issues of the day. The gentle spirit that he shared with me will continue to guide my future days.
These three proven true sayings will forever remind me of Herb:
• “Anyone can be heroic from time to time, but a gentleman is something you have to be all the time.”
• “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman, as courage.”
• “A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.”
Godspeed, my friend.
Houston Naron is chairman of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners.
Posted on: 2/4/2010
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