Succeeded

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of Intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
     - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The man we buried today had done all of that. He truly was a great man and will be missed by not just everyone in our corner of the world but by many others whose life he has touched.
He came from a simple start in a small town in Ontario, Canada and through the years built up more and more of a following. Everyone that knew him will forever be changed.
After working in and managing several theaters around Ontario, he moved to our town to take a position of general manager of the new ice arena and convention center. Thirty years later he retired and started helping out part time at our funeral home. Over those years, he was manager of the local International Hockey League team and even Governor of the IHL. He was a moving force behind high school hockey, minor league hockey and figure skating. He was instrumental in starting many careers in hockey for many big names in the sport. He was also involved in the city politics and a fighting force for growth and development. When someone that he knew was struggling, there would be a mysterious envelope of money that would show up without explanation. He never wanted credit for anything, but was always there to lift someone else up to shine in the spotlight.
A touching eulogy was given by none other than NBC's sportscaster Mike Emrick. As manager of the convention center he befriended many celebrities over the years including Liberace and Johnny Cash.  Welcoming them into his home as well as being invited to spend time in theirs. In reference to the video that I posted last week, he is survived by his wife of 64 years and will be missed by us all. As the Father said at the beggining of the service this morning, his life was more than that, it was a ministry in itself. He has set an example. An example that I intend to follow. I want people to remember me the way this great man will be remembered.

Rest well "Moe", you have succeeded.