My father-in-law was an imposing figure, over 6’3” tall with broad shoulders and a booming voice. He grew up on a farm in rural Missouri, served in the Navy and worked for the electric company in Tulsa for over 40 years as a lineman and later in management. He climbed electric poles in all weather, installed transformers on skyscrapers and built his house from the ground up. His strong, tenor voice led worship in multiple churches for over a half-century, and even in his last years continued to sing in the church choir. Papaw, as he was known to family and friends, filled any room in which he entered, not because of wanting to be noticed but just by power of his presence.
Papaw was not a Rotarian; he was a Gideon, a church elder, member of the VFW and Masons. Yet he more fully embodied the principles of the Four Way Test than any person I knew. Truth and integrity were at his core; he couldn’t even keep a surprise party a secret as he couldn’t mislead to guest of honor as to the reason for the visit. He was generous to a fault, kind to every soul he encountered,
This is not to say that Papaw was without conflict. In fact, on more than one occasion he was the target of attack at work or church because he was unwilling to diminish his principles or cut corners that could harm the quality of his work. Yet, one of the characteristics that stands out most to me is that I don’t recall ever hearing him speak a derogatory word about another person.
Often, as I share the Four Way Test, I am reminded of Papaw and the degree to which he exemplified it in his thoughts, words and deeds. Reflecting on that challenges me again to follow his example and let go of any negativity about others, to focus on the positive, seek to improve my outreach to the community and increase service to others.