What would Jack Wicks do?

[Drew Dowdell]

My Great Grandfather passed away quietly in his sleep last night. He was my friend and mentor. He had a calm, steady, intellectualism. He spoke 7 languages fluently and has been on every continent except for Antarctica.

He was highschool educated and rose to become President of the Okonite Company, one of the oldest wire cable companies in the country, where he demonstrated pioneering leadership and understanding that taking care of the company's workforce was in the company's best interest.

Just prior to his retirement in 1976, he arranged the following:

For the first eighty years, Okonite was a privately held, limited investor owned company. In June 1976, Okonite became the largest company in the United States owned by its employees through an Employees' Stock Ownership Trust. In this unique ownership structure, the Okonite's employees, whose seniority averages over twenty years, have become intimate participants in the prosperity and future of the Company.

He was a quiet man who's life centered around taking care of others. He never commanded but always suggested.

My whole life I have wanted to be like him and when in difficult situations, I ask myself "What would Jack Wicks do?"

Rest in well deserved peace and thank you for wisdom and guidance. I hope I can be even a quarter of the man you were.

[Camino LS6]

Beautiful tribute, Drew.

Nicely done.

[Z-06]

My condolences to you Drew. Great men like your great grand dad will be missed by the world, both as an inspiration and as a leader.

[A Horse With No Name]

Wow...well written, Drew.

Chris

[ocnblu]

Drew, I'm sorry to hear, but you'll pick up where he left off, just as it should be. Take care.

[usonia]

Drew, I'm sorry to hear, but you'll pick up where he left off, just as it should be. Take care.

Just as it should be is right. It is our responsibility to learn from the best of the previous generations and make the world a better place for the future generations. It's the only way, and it's up to us.

[daves87rs]

Beautiful tribute, Drew.

Nicely done.

Very much so.

So much we can learn from people like him....

[knightfan26917]

Awesome tribute, Drew.

Thoughts/prayers coming your way....

Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...RT 66 drive = Sept '09

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"My time here is over" ... Patty Loveless ... 'How Can I Help You Say Goodbye?'