Sonny
David Dean Hiebert
October 24 - 1952
January 6 - 2024
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He was my Hero growing up, 12 years my senior.
He was the one who would go looking for me the many times I was lost when I was a little one, too young for school. He would put me on the back of his girlfriends horse when she'd come to visit. I'd spend half a day in the front yard on her horse while they hung out on the porch. He's the one who would stay with me when my parents went out of town. Took care of me when I was sick. Taught me to play the guitar. Followed me to the corner store, when I thought I was getting to go by myself. Stuck up for me when the bullies tried beating me up. Came looking for me after school if I'd missed the bus and was walking home. He stood between me and mom so many times. He helped me take the ponies back after my friend was stepped on and had to go in the ambulance.
I got lost a lot as a kid and had a few mishaps.
Once he was an adult - he spend most of his life living with or just houses away from my parents, helping them and looking after me and my other brother. He always sacrificed himself for the family. We spent a summer together in Montana during my teen years. Memories I will never forget. A lot of Krusties pancake mix and fresh fish! Time together. He took care of my parents to the end. Took care of my other brother until he passed just a few months ago.
Somehow in the middle of it all, he had his own life - he found enough heart to adopt a daughter and for the last 26 years - she too was his world. He spent the last few years enjoying and getting to know his granddaughter, while watching his daughter turn into a beautiful young woman and wonderful mother. She is One with the same giving heart he had. She cared for him the last few years as he grew frail. She was by his side when he passed. The love they have for each other is so beautiful. We should all be so lucky to be so loved.
I've never known a more giving person in all my life. He was my hero.