Tribute to an Icon

In July of 2002, a true icon of our community passed away peacefully at his home. At the age of 80 years, he looked back over many seasons of change and adversity. As he slipped away, he was completely surrounded by a full circle of friends and family, some present and in many in spirit.

During the entirety of his 80 years, not all of his seasons were given to the peacefulness and warmth that his later years offered. Indeed, the degree of love and community that was shown in his last years were mostly attributed to the dynamic midlife alteration of a course of indulgence in alcohol and other forms of dissipation.

If one were to analyze this situation in a strictly logical and material manner, there would certainly be a mismatch of terms. As this person lived, and passed, there was no great accumulation of wealth. There was no extensive tome, written to shine on after his passing. There were no great or extensive works or accomplishments that were attributed to a life which was given to social service and human endeavors. There were no exceeding intellectual certifications or awards to show.

However, at the memorial service which was attended by several hundred, and at the gathering of friends thereafter, countless tales of warm personal anecdotes and humor were offered in an impromptu manner. This person's friends and family told, one by one, of how they were affected and influenced by this person on a daily basis. Indeed, if wealth were measured by a different sort, this person showed True Wealth.

That measure would be the effect that was impressed upon his fellow man.

Indeed, if this person's manner were simply attributed, it would be this: A relationship with his Creator, and a soft and gentle approach to leadership by example. For all those who came to know this warm spirit, and for those who didn't, his final requests:

• The Third Step Prayer: "Higher Power, I have tried to control the uncontrollable for far too long. I acknowledge that my life is unmanageable. I ask for your care and guidance. Grant me honesty, courage, humility, and serenity, to face that which keeps me from you and others. I give this life to you to do with as you will."

• "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a person in everlasting igonorance - that principle is: Contempt prior to investigation."         Herbert Spencer