Hall of Fame - who is in yours?

Unfortunate news came on May 3rd in the late afternoon. Herschel Tribbey, one of our landlords had passed that day. . Last year about this time another dear older friend, Lawrence Patrick, passed away. In March 2008, another landlord and wonderful gentleman, Dr. Olin A. Dively, passed away. Something about springtime and passing on.

These three men represent a few of the people in my personal "Hall of Fame". All three were fortunante to have lived long lives - been blessed with wonderful families - given the wisdom of age - gentle in nature.

They all three were very special to our family. Dr. Olin A. Dively gave us our first opportunity to farm. Way back in 1982, two kids in their twenties were given the opportunity to farm his farm near Industry, IL. There was a lot we didn't know, but he was patient and trusted our judgement. He offered insight into all things from the farm using his medical doctor background, and when our first child was born early, he was at the hospital, checked on him personally and said, "He's gonna be fine!" A lifetime thirst for knowledge lead him to read many, many farm magazines and consider the science they were putting forward. He'd suggest, discuss, and then let you go with what you thought was right. He challenged your thinking. I remember him as a wonderful gentleman that everyone loved. He didn't retire from doctoring until he was in his 80s. He lived to the ripe old age of 102!

I came to know Lawrence Patrick as a young 4-H'er. His wife, Catherine, was a wonderful seamstress and I recall her help and assistance on those projects that befuddled me! Lawrence is also in my Hall of Fame. He was a happy person who LOVED his cattle. Also had a very strong work ethic. Always out on the farm - hauling cattle - hauling hogs - interested in the kids and, if they were willing to listen, would have some marvelous stories. He was such a joyous, happy person to be around. Steve told Erik (our son) at a very young age, "When you ride along hauling cattle, just get him started talking and sit back and learn." What GREAT advice. Erik was honored beyond words to be asked to serve as a pallbearer for this 95 year old. Lawrence had those beautiful ornery blue eyes that sparkled and laughed. He enjoyed seeing the kids and visiting with them about their 4-H projects or about Erik's latest cattle purchase. He told me stories about the house they lived in and watching his father build it. He remembered his own father selecting each individual piece of wood to make sure it was good enough to be put into their home. He had wisdom beyond the ages and his humble manner and good nature are missed sorely.

Which brings us to 2010 and the next person I added to my Hall of Fame. I met Herschel Tribbey back in the mid-1980's as a young mother going to purchase a new car. He seemed like a straight shooter and yet kind of enjoyed teasing a little. He was kind of quiet, but that shouldn't have fooled anyone. He had so many interests and knowledge and history, he could have started talking and probably never quit if he wanted. We later were fortunate enough to rent some land from him to farm. He enjoyed riding along in the equipment and visiting with Steve. They had good debates on politics, current events, practices in farming. He was a kind of renaissance man - He had served in the military in World War II in the Pacific, had come home and started a farmily. He started a dairy, John Deere dealership and added Pontiac cars later. He had a whole orchard of peaches, honeybees, etc. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, caning chairs and he and his wife built a new house later in life. He was always great to visit with our children. Erik enjoyed shared times in tractors, trucks and combines and hearing what he had to share. He made it to his 90th birthday and then passed on.

All three of these men were gentle souls. They were genuinely interested in people, their families, life long learning. They had a certain quiet confidence that drew you to them, yet always there to acknowledge others. I know we will never know all the stories of them that we could have, but I'm thankful for what they did share.

Their work ethic was beyong reproach and something to emulate.

They are all three missed and will always be in my Hall of Fame. Who is in yours? What attributes do they have that causes you to want to be like them? Think about it today.