Saturday, February 10, 2018

R.I.P. Two Great Guys

America became poorer last week.  She lost two more members of the Greatest Generation -- two great Americans, who were also two great guys.  Both achieved better than ninety years of life.  One was a tall, aristocratic doctor from New England, who radiated good humor.  The other was a shorter, muscular waterman from Ocean View, who radiated sincerity.

Certainly, they were different in many ways.  The doctor was an athlete and educator.  The waterman was a speedboat racing champion and restaurateur.  The doctor had a big family, while the restaurateur had a small family.  The doctor enjoyed the symphony, while the restaurateur enjoyed "westerns."  The doctor discussed politics with tongue-in-cheek, while the restaurateur was more quiet, until he became direct and blunt.

But, they had more similarities than differences.  Both were born into modest circumstances and rose high above it.  Both loved this country and the people in it.  Each left behind the secret of their success, i.e., a grand, insightful lady as their widow.  Although both were financially secure, each demonstrated that a person will never "work" a day in their life, if they do what they love.

I learned from both of them and am grateful to each of them.  Some of the things I learned are:

Education need not replace humor.  

Don't ever regret taking a chance.  

The air already has enough words in it.

And, never, never take a grand lady for granted.