Arthur Thomas "Tommy" Hartung, of Lancaster, Ohio, was one of the examples of the salt and light of the earth that some never know until those crystals of salt and lights are gone--extinguished like a candle whose wick was "puffed out". I only knew of Tommy like most people who saw this rather different fellow riding on a bright yellow bicycle, wearing his helmet and a fluorescent slip over safety gear. He was always on the move or standing waiting for the "go ahead" from whomever used his services. More than once my wife and I saw Tommy, with a sack from WENDY'S to deliver to someone. This 60 year-old man looked much younger than a man about to enter retirement age. The excellent eulogy below, encased in quotes, was written about Tommy when he passed away May 21, 2009, and appeared in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette; whoever wrote this is assumed to be one of the family.

"He will be remembered for his warm smile, incredible memory, riding his yellow bicycle, singing, lawn mowing, leaf raking, setting out garbage cans, his wonderful wit and running a variety of errands for dozens of east-end neighbors and businesses. He was a true friend to so many.

"Tom was born in Lancaster, Ohio and enjoyed living his entire life here. He was one of the first attendees at the Sheltered Workshop (now Fairfield Industries/Forest Rose) that his parents were instrumental in starting, an Eagle-Gazette newspaper carrier in his younger years and a devoted usher at St. Bernadette Church for over 30 years. He also enjoyed traveling to Athens for Ohio University basketball games.

"Tommy was given the opportunity to grow and learn in a nurturing neighborhood surrounded by a large network of friends who gave him purpose in life and a much-needed daily routine. He had a knack of stating the truth in a blunt, honest, heartfelt way. He was an official goodwill ambassador who understood the simple pleasures of life, small acts of kindness, and the importance of the lost art of conversation. He touched many lives in many ways, reminding you of tasks that needed completed, bills that needed paid, groceries that were on sale for the week."

More than his family will miss this man. The local east-end Kroger store has his bright yellow bicycle chained securely in a little niche at the front of the store, his helmet and some gear with the bike and a plaque mounted on the wall above his bike. A stone marker could not express loss any dearer or clearer.

It was told that his mother had moved into a retirement community so he would have a place to live after she died. Also words were passed around not to give Tommy anymore cigarettes which were thought to have caused lung cancer that darkened this bright ray of sunshine.

One of the Gospel writers expressed it this way, "You are the salt of the earth [and].you are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid..." Matthew 5:13-14 We could say, "Pass the salt please and give me a light so I can see..."

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THE WORDWRIGHT