Travis W. Hugentobler
May 22, 1987 - March 21, 2009
Go Big or Go Home, and for us, going home is not an option. By us I mean us Hugentobler's, not to be confused by some actor, pop star, athlete or anyone else out there. Believe it or not, we live by that, literally, figuratively, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And this, this is to the one man who showed us how to live this way. This is for you Travis, the best big brother anyone could ever have or ask for.
To tell you more about him, it can be summed up in one simple sentence. Travis IS THE MAN! I say is because I know I will see him again. For from an earthy perspective, Travis was THE MAN! Either way says it perfectly.
Travis was a tough guy from the start. I don't mean a cocky jock who flaunts every thing, no. He was tough. I remember hearing stories about him from my oldest brothers from when they were all kids. One that comes to mind first was a time, or two, or three thousand that they were on the trampoline and they'd tease Travis again and again until finally Travis would dive head-long at them and bash his head against the springs/rail and cut it open. (I've seen the missing hair from the scars myself.) Yet, from what I recall my brothers saying, he never cried. He broke a countless number of bones, to name a few, his wrist (a couple of times) along with his ankle (also a couple of times) he shattered his tibia in five places and broke his fibula in half (that's his shin folks) and as soon as he recovered from that, he broke his collar bone. And to top this list off, he has also had brain surgery to remove a growing blood clot on his brain. Accident prone? Or a born stunt man? You pick.
But it's not his many visits to the E.R. that defines who my brother is...no. He is so much more than meets the eye.
Travis and I didn't talk a whole lot growing up. We were close enough in age to go "hang out" sometimes, but not too often, maybe not as often as I would have liked. Growing up I remember setting up and playing a monopoly game in his room during a week night and taking three or four days to finish it. I remember the nights that I would come into his room while he was doing homework and he'd teach me some German words so he could also prepare for tests and other homework. I remember how he helped teach me how to make a perfect knot in a tie, and how to shave the back of my neck without a mirror. I remember the times when he would drive me to school for early morning class and we'd listen to some awesome new band that he had found, particularly 10 Years. I remember going dirt biking with him out to Little Gem or Blacks Creek and buying a Gatorade, Butterfinger, and the French Onion Sun Chips (I have yet to find those chips again). I remember when he got into a bit of trouble, he came and talked to me about it all and taught me what not to do. I remember him going to church and being active with his priests quorum. I remember walking in on him while he was kneeling by his bed and praying, while his scriptures lay open on his bed. I remember the first time I ever say that man cry...when he was set apart as a missionary.
He was patient, full of love, compassion, understanding, wisdom, knowledge, humility, meekness, charity, faith, kindness, hope, and truth. No, he wasn't perfect, he was human, but because of that, he is a perfect brother.
Travis died exactly five years from today, March 21, 2014. I know he is still around, watching over all of us.
For those of you who know/knew Travis, know that he is watching over you and that he loves you. For those of you who do not, know that he is too watching over you and loves you.
Travis died doing what he loves most, dirt biking. I remember when he said, "When I die, it better on a bike." He got his wish, and I know the Lord needs him on the other side.
Travis taught me how to live, breathe, work, pray, ride a dirt bike, listen and obey. He taught me patience, how to find peace, where to look when you are struggling and who to talk to. He showed me how to live happily, all the time, while still living a righteous life. He taught me that I am never alone, even when everyone is gone and there is no one to see. He taught me what the word love and the phrase I love you really means. He never gave up on me, or us, or any of you.
So here is to you Travis Wayne Hugentobler. Thank you for your incredible life, example, friendship, brotherly love, and patience. I think about you more than I can say. I miss you more than words will express. And I love you more than anyone will ever know. 'Til we meet again my brother. God Speed.
