Lessons I learned from my Father!

December 17, 2025

“Boldness of enterprise is the foremost cause of its rapid progress, its strength and its greatness.” Alexis de Tocqueville- in reference to American innovation and the American Spirit.

Both my parents died on New Year’s Eve. My Dad died in 1998. My Mother died in 2007. The Christmas Holidays have never been a happy time for me.

My Dad and I were very close. From the time I was 6 years old I was by my father’s side doing everything. My Dad was an excellent woodworker, DIY’er, gardener, golfer, bowler, auto mechanic, and natural born leader. He was a bomber pilot in WWll, flew 38 missions. My Dad never spoke about his time in the 8th Air Force.

My Dad worked rotating shifts (more money) at a chemical plant in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. For most of that time he was a supervisor. My parents raised 6 children.

I think about my dad often and reflect on the lessons I learned from him. Here are just a few:

1. You don’t have to curse to be a man. It is ok to have a drink but do so in moderation.
2. Take care of what you own. Cars, house, yard, shrubs, clothes, tools, and yourself.
3. Look your best. Wear decent clothes, shine your shoes, shave, eat proper food and exercise.
4. When you are unsure, ask for advice. It is ok!
5. Treat all people with respect and with fairness. Do not judge people harshly. My dad spoke the same way to his crew as he did to his boss. And-do not miss work. Be on time.
6. Take your wife out on a date at least once a month. My parents liked to dance!
7. Read the newspaper, books and watch the news. Try hard to be informed.
8. Thank people that have helped you. Visit and care for your parents and sibling.
9. Speak calmly, don’t exaggerate, and never shout to make your point.
10. Save your money.

My dad smoked for 50+ years and died from lung disease. He was 81.