My uncle is an inspiration. He passed 28 years ago, but he remains an influence and role model.
He was a simple man who had a full life. He pursued his dreams, enjoyed his achievements and left a legacy of good will around him. He had humble beginnings. He told me stories of unloading railroad box cars in the hot sun for 12 cents an hour. He thought he was a rich man. After Pearl Harbor he volunteered to serve in the army. Because he was a college graduate, he entered officer training school and became a lieutenant. He spent most of the war in New Guinea defending air fields. He came back with malaria. Decades later he would continue to get occasional flare ups which made him miss family gatherings.
He loved sports. He had a masters in physical education and eventually had his own sporting goods shop. The business supported his and many other families. He coached swimmers as a second vocation. One of them became an Olympic medalist. He was an icon in the local community. He had one great challenge, his health. He had two heart attacks and bypass surgery saved him, but kept him from what he loved, sports. He was told he could never ski again. He had this fantasy that when he knew his time was up, he would make one last run down the mountain and accept his fate. But radiation treatment for cancer took away the power of his legs. His last days were tough, but he never complained. He faced all challenges with courage and optimism.
He took me to movies. He taught me how to swim and ski. He told me stories of war, growing up and how to face people with integrity and respect. When I was a corporate attorney, I met with him and my aunt once a week for breakfast. It grounded me and gave me strength to face my challenges. Sometimes they let me pay the bill.
I miss my uncle when I think about him. I realize he lives with me through my values and the ways I interact with people. He will always be with me and for that I am grateful.
RobArt Penguin 
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