Tracy Krannichfeld, Class of 1974, SHAPE Belgium
Sept. 9, 1956- May 26, 2009
It is with great
sadness I share with family and friends that my good friend Tracy Krannichfeld
peacefully died on May 26, 2009,
after courageously battling a long painful illness.
I first met Tracy on the 4th of July, 1970 at Chievres Air Force Base, Belgium. Amazingly, we have had an enduring friendship for almost 40 years. As we “Spartans” have come to know there indeed remains an indelible, often mystical quality of friendship born under the daunting grey Belgian skies. Something we often ponder yet continue to enjoy, as evident by the reunions across America year after year.
Tracy was a great guy and a dedicated friend, his untimely departure will be difficult, but his charitable legacy will live on. For those of you reading this who didn’t know Tracy, let me enlighten you. Tracy was one of the most talented, big hearted, compassionate men I have ever known. He was always caring for his family and friends, but more importantly for total strangers. I will share with you a short story which personifies Tracy’s strength of character and immeasurable moral courage to do what is right, when no one is watching.
In September of 2005 I received a telephone call from Tracy deeply concerned about the unprecedented pain and suffering many Americans were enduring (especially the children) as a result of Hurricane Katrina. In the midst of vast government indecision, bumbling bureaucracy, but mostly pitiful inaction; Tracy without hesitation began taking in the most destitute refugee families, homeless who had no one to turn to and no where to go. Most had only the clothes they were wearing when Tracy took them into his modest home. He never floundered in indecision, doubted his commitment, asked for recognition or payment. As one family got on their feet he quickly and unassumingly took in the next…and the next. With limited personal resources Tracy willingly bought food, diapers, washed clothes, baby sat, and put gas in their cars, provided console and found them employment. Only a few of his closest friends knew of his one man humanitarian campaign. Word of Tracy’s charitable actions became legend and inspired many others, throughout the country, to follow his lead. Nothing personifies this unsung American hero more than his deep generosity and selfless sacrifices.
Over the years, often separated by many miles, we stayed in touch. Nothing brought more soulful laughs and tender memories than recounting our fun teen years together in Belgium and our many shared experiences. Without pause, Tracy considered his time in Belgium, the time of his life.
Until recently, he’d still call once-a-month and begin each conversation with “Hey Aldo, it’s raining and cold in Tacoma, but sunny and hot in Mount Ida ” and then laugh. I am proud to have had Tracy as my friend. I’ll miss his slow southern drawl, his eternal sense of humor but will take comfort knowing somewhere in heaven is a gilded throne, a dusty fighter pilot’s seat or perhaps just a simple well worn recliner, with a sign, “Reserved: Tracy Krannichfeld, Lieutenant, United States Air Force”. Sit a spell Tracy, well deserved... well deserved.