Wednesday, August 23, 2023
On behalf of the entire Gurth Family, I offer our condolences to the Banach Family.
My Father, Joe Gurth Jr, was a long time friend of Mr. Banach and spent time at his property in Mill Rift. The best way I can describe their friendship is, as a kid, my brother Matthew and I would hear Mr. Banach relentlessly tease the heck out of my "Jersey" Dad, even though all my Dad ever did was help him with things around his small farm. We cut grass, plowed fields, plant vegetables, cut firewood (a ton of firewood) and tend to those loud guinea hens and chickens.
Mr. Banach taught us how to fire a gun and like custard pie (from the Polar Bear). When all that was done, we'd get to dip in the glen. But the most important lesson we learned was to stand still and not run when Chief, his huge German shepherd, ran to greet us. Being a Bergen County NJ boy and having the opportunity for "country live" occasionally was pure gold. Thank you, Mr. Banach, for the amazing memories. Rest In Peace.
