Shootin' the Breeze: Farewell to a pair of icons

Grant lost of pair of icons this past week with the passing of Milford “Pete” Nodlinski, 103, and Leon Kumor, 85. Each leaves behind a unique legacy that will be remembered for years to come. 

Nodlinski was one of those unassuming individuals who quietly went about this way. 

He remained active on the farm, even into his triple digits, gaining notoriety for still running the combine after turning 100. 

It’s hard to imagine that many of things we take for granted today didn’t even exist when he was born in 1917. All that he’s seen and experienced in his span of 103 years would boggle the minds of our young people today. 

Then there’s Leon Kumor. Like Nodlinski, he was a life-long man of the soil. 

He too will be remembered for the legacy that he left behind. Outside of his farming activities, Kumor will be remembered as an avid pilot and an ardent airport supporter for Grant, along with more than 30 years as a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. 

He flew for more than 60 years and was a “master pilot,” which recognizes active pilots who log 50 years without an accident. 

In addition, he was a 60+-year member of the Grant Lions Club and was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club Foundation.

He devoted more than five decades of service to the Boy Scouts and was awarded the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service.

Both of these men will be missed but I’m sure they would challenge our young people of today to pick up where they left off.