The impact of a disaster

BIG CREEK — “It’s a bad day for all of us. But a good day to remember,” said the daughter of John Guertner who died at the age of 54, in the Sunshine Mine Disaster.

The impact of the Sunshine Mine Disaster is as strong today as it was 50 years ago. Although the crowd had somber energy, it was also enveloped by comfort and familial bonds.

Tears were shed, but laughter was also held and appreciated. Most importantly, the men whose lives were taken 50 years ago were not in vain.

Lives were lost 50 years ago, their legacy continues to live on, and Monday’s ceremony strongly showed the legacy left by many of the men. A long line of family members stood and patiently waited to speak of those they lost by simply stating their name or telling the crowd a bit about them.

“It’s hard for me to talk about, even 50 years later,” said Eric Hudson, the middle son of Merle E. Hudson, who was 47 at the time of his passing. When the fire was going on, Hudson explained he was working at the Hecla Star Mine, working there for 31 years.

“I don’t believe I have ever spent such a long day in my whole life, as the one I spent that day. Just remember that the memory never goes away, pass it on to your children and your grandchildren. Never let this die.”

The daughter of Floyd Byington, who was 35 at the time of his passing, was 13 years old when this happened, and after school went to her aunt’s house, who explained that her mom was at the mine waiting for any news.

“She stayed at the mine 24 hours a day, for two weeks until the final outcome was determined. This is in honor of my father, Floyd Byington, and the legacy that exists because of you. A legacy of 22 great-grandchildren and 16 grandchildren.”

Tammy Findley Wasson, daughter of Lyle Findley, who was only 30 at the time of his passing, spoke of the memories she had of her father, and the life lessons she learned from this tragedy.

“Fifty years ago today, I was 4 years old. I would get up with my dad and help make him lunch. He would prop me up on the counter, but I can’t remember the conversation or his voice,” Wasson said to the crowd as she held back tears. “That’s the hardest thing. I don’t remember his voice. I remember the last time he tucked me into bed with my mom and left for work and I never saw him again.”

Wasson explained that although her father passed at a young age, the lessons he instilled in the family would continue 50 years later.

“My two brothers and I all have characteristics of our dad. My brother Rick is the best dad. The dad that our dad did not get to be. My brother Doug, learned to be the hardest working person,” Wasson said. “My lesson was that life is not fair. It’s not fair that my dad was taken from us before my graduation. He was not able to walk me down the aisle or dance with me at my wedding, However, he did give me my faith, and I understand that I will see him again. He taught me that tomorrow is not promised, so let’s live every day to the best of our ability. These men did not die in vain. My dad did not die in vain.”

The story and family of every man who died in the tragedy 50 years ago is of importance, and left an impact. Not only to the families that were left behind, but also to those who continue working in the mines. And at the end of it all. This tragedy teaches us an important lesson, as said by the son of Clarence Case, who passed at 54 years old.

“Go home and hug your family extra hard tonight. To make it last. You don’t know if this will be the last time.”