An obituary usually provides information about a person's birth, death, schooling, military experience, work history, achievements, memberships in organizations or clubs, marriage, family members preceded in death, survivors, funeral services and burial information.
Seldom does an obituary provided insight to the character of a person.
Fred H. Janke's obituary was published in the Syracuse Post Standard on November 10, 2005. It was an obituary as described above. He taught at Cortland Senior High School. He was also a professor at Tompkins-Cortland Community College.
The Cortland Contrarian wishes to take this opportunity to add a singular and memorable side-story to this man's proud history of achievement.
Hearsay is a poor reference for a serious story, but hearsay in this instance furnished the editor of the Cortland Contrarian with a verified story. A casual conversation in a local restaurant gave us the basic information, which we later verified. A long chain of events and persons was involved.
Fred had a very strong character and he often stood for principle rather than expediency. He served ten years as a city alderman. During his time in office, there was an occasion in 1987 when alderpersons voted themselves a pay raise a month or so after most or all of them were reelected. The public had not been informed about the intended pay raise prior to elections.
Fred Janke disagreed on principle and voted against the pay raise. He was the only person to do this. He cited timing and secrecy. After subtracting taxes, he donated his bi-monthly pay increase to charity.
Members of Congress and state legislators will often vote against a salary increase for themselves (after counting votes) and make a great noise about it publicly. Afterwards, they quietly take the increase in salary.
Fred H. Janke died at age 77. The Cortland Contrarian offers this belated tribute. His character and principles will not be forgotten.
If family or friends have additional tributes for Fred, or wish to relate other favorable stories, please leave a comment on this post.
Fred was an ardent supporter of veterans. He and his wife Lori organized the Memorial Day events that occur at Court House Park every Memorial Day. The event has not been redesigned since. When I talked about it with him one Sunday after church he said, " we designed a simple ceremony that came from Logan's Orders." The Civil War general asked that ceremonies be simple and include the laying of flowers on graves, a simple speech and time to remember those fallen. Not parades with bands and fireworks like the 4th of July. When I think of Fred and Lori I think of that ceremony, one I have not missed in over 20 years. I hope all can come out and remember those fallen this Memorial Day. Fred would love to see you there.
ReplyDelete