April 21, 2004

A simple and modest man

John Byrne at the FCNow, the Fast Company weblog, posted his moving eulogy to his father who died a week ago.

    It's the simple bio of a simple and modest man. But you don't measure the life of a man by simple facts, simply told. It's been said that you measure it in the truths he learned, or in the times he cried, in the bridges he burned, or the way that he died. In his 79 years, my father learned much, rarely if ever cried, never burned a bridge, and pretty much knew when he wanted to make his exit.

    Here's what he learned:

    He learned that a cold beer on a hot day is one of life's greatest pleasures. ….He learned that you should fill your life with music. …He learned to be generous with himself and with his friends. …He was a man who knew what an honest day's work was and delivered it without complaint or failure -- ever. He learned to live life with optimism….He learned to live life, period. Do things. The more, the better. ….He learned that if you're on this earth, you better have fun…..
    Here is how I measure my father's life….I measure his life in the warehouse of photographs, movies, and soundtracks he leaves. I measure it in the size of his hands….

Read the whole thing and marvel how a simple and modest man can teach a son how to live and love by just being. Rest in peace, Jack, JJ, Red Byrne.

Posted by Jill Fallon at April 21, 2004 10:36 PM | Permalink