Martin Lomborg passed away early on Friday morning of this week while he was peacefully sleeping. Before leaving us at the ripe age of 87, he led a life of character, integrity, and humor.
Still, those who knew him best explain that he was never quite the same after that trip to the mall in May of 1998. It was reportedly a busy weekend at the mall, and parking was hard to come by. He drove around for about 5 minutes just looking for a spot, and then just gave up and went out near the perimeter of the lot to park. As fate would have it, walking toward the mall revealed not one, but three other patrons departing from the parking lot in their vehicles with no one immediately waiting for the space.
Ever since that time, Martin was somewhat lost in an abyss of what-ifs and what could have been had he driven around for just another 3 or 4 minutes in that lot. The utter humiliation he suffered from parking so far from his destination was simply too much to bear. He lost sleep for weeks after that day, and continued to question his worth as a human being for years to come.
His wife, Elma, admits that she never really saw him as a man after that day. She frankly would rather have seen him drive around until he died of dehydration rather than take that spot a full 3-minute walk away from the building. At least that way she could have still respected him. Although she is saddened by his passing, she has made several public statements that this was perhaps for the best, as at least Martin can be at peace now.
The service will be held at Ripe Orchard church at 11:00 this Wednesday. Martin's family encourages attendees to arrive early, carpool, or take public transportation.