Up, Down and Around Our Town

They always say that losses come in threes. And, one more time, such is the case. Perhaps we are more aware, perhaps we just add it up during the time that all occurs, or perhaps there is some serendipity to the entire thought process. All I know is that it has occurred.

Two men I didn't know; one I did. We have spoken in this column of the losses of TIm Russert and Tony Snow. One sudden, one fairly predictable with a disease. They had lots in common, mostly their ability to recognize the good in other people. As I get older, I tend to gravitate to those who are more apt to take folks at face value and at least give you credit for making the journey. Russert and Snow also had the ability to put those that they were the closest to in the best possible light; yet another trait that will be missed and the longer this campaign goes on, the more both of them will be missed.

The third member of this class is known well to those in the greater Quincy, Illinois area. Yet, there are men just like him in towns all over America. And there should be. Perhaps in this community you find a man who was supported greatly by a loving wife. Thankfully she is still with us and will be a resource and a sense of continuation that will be in great demand. Perhaps a man like this would raise his own family with the thought of creating a work ethic, a sense of giving something back and the ability to inspire others with nothing more than your actions. Perhaps this man was able to raise the bar; not lower it. There are thousands of people who are thankful for his actions and I am one of them.

Perhaps sports was your bag. Sponsorships of teams was something he believed in greatly and when he sponsored a team, you better be looking in the stands because this gentle man and his inspiring wife would most likely be in attendance to support he effort. They demanded nothing; it was their way of expressing their concern, their love and their experience in person. Those folks don't come along every day.

I speak, of course of Dick Shierling. From a walk-up McDonalds at 33rd and Broadway to a series of restaurants, he never forgot what it was like to recognize the relationship between customer and provider. He always said thanks. Always. And, go into any McDonalds where Dick was present and appreciation was always on the menu.

For his son and two daughters, as well as his wife Mae, he leaves a legacy that will be almost impossible to duplicate. Yet, I know that the effort will be there to not only duplicate it, but surpass it. Listen to son Greg talk about the challenge of customer service and its rankings in his day to day work.

Yes, the Big Macs and the Happy meals will still be served. The shakes and the Cokes will be slurped and the McFlurry Ice cream will be purchased. The one missing incredient will be the pride and the joy that could be found in the dining room almost every day at Dick and Mae's table. They never felt that they should be waited on sooner than anyone else; they just were proud to be not only a provider of fine food, but the springboard for young people (and some not so young) to have a job where responsibility is a prime part of the job description.

Quincy lost a fine man; a great family man and a wonderful businessman. We all lost a friend, a father, a husband and a grandfather. And, like Tim Russert and Tony Snow, we lost a real pro. Unlike Tim and Tony, I will miss sharing coffee and a sandwich with Dick and Mae; seeing them at a basketball or soccer game and mostly knowing that our town was a lot better with him in it. His shadow of compassion will cast a long projection. We are all the better for it.

Communities savor the likes of Dick Shierling. The Quincy community is no different. It just seems smaller today. But, perhaps this is a good thing in a personal way as the torch is being passed. How fortunate we all were to be part of the audience. To be a customer. To be the recipient of a smile. To be called a friend. That's where the real loss starts. We remember Dick not for his food (although we probably should), but for his dedication and passion to make the communities in which he lived and worked better.

That's a legacy I can pass on. Hope you will as well. Till next week and as always, I remain...