A Life Well-Lived: The Unspoken Teachings of Dad

Last Friday, we laid to rest the most kind, humble, brilliant executive that ever lived.

He was my mentor. I called him, "Dad."

There wasn’t just one remarkable thing that stood out about him and he didn’t preach lessons for us to learn. Instead, he lived them, offering us a blueprint for a life well-lived through his actions rather than words. In memory of this incredible mentor, I am compelled to share five of these lessons, hoping they inspire you as much as they inspire me.

Lesson #1: Few can love broadly and deeply. If you can't do both, love deeply. Dad was incredibly loyal, working at Boeing his entire career. He was proud of his company, and all that his teams achieved. When faced with corporate mandates to lay off employees, my father embraced the personal commitment to assist impacted employees, including securing new paths forward where he could. He carried out his managerial duties with a sense of profound responsibility, earning the respect and recognition of those who collaborated with him. Through his actions, he exemplified the profound fulfillment that comes from deeply caring for those around us.

Lesson #2: Keep perspective on what's important. The same day a critical Wall Street Journal article was published about a multi-billion dollar program that he led was the same day my boyfriend, now my husband, was going to propose. Dad stepped away to read the WSJ article and then made the decision to be fully present for our engagement party. The business challenge was tackled on another day. Choosing, in the moment, to focus on our big milestone instead of professional challenges, he showed me the importance of maintaining perspective and cherishing what truly matters.

Lesson #3: Do things that bring you joy, regardless of what others think. For an office Halloween party, Dad wore a huge, handmade airplane that fit around his belly as he passed out candy to the kids. He didn't care that he looked ridiculous or that sitting comfortably in a chair was impossible. Fast forward to Christmas, he waited at home instead of picking us up from the airport like he typically would. This change seemed odd until I learned why: dressed in a full elf costume, he playfully danced across the driveway as we arrived. His willingness to embrace joy, even in the silliest forms, was a reminder never to take life too seriously.

Lesson #4: Express your belief in others so they can find a way to believe in themselves. After accepting a job that I thought was bigger than me, I confided in Dad about my fears. A few days later, he approached me and handed me a glass heart. "Put this on your desk. Whenever you doubt yourself, look at this heart and remember my unwavering belief in you." To this day, that heart often gives me the nudge I need.

Lesson #5: Marvel at the beauty of the world. Diagnosed with Type I diabetes at 18, Dad's greatest fear was losing his sight. Yet, this fear only deepened his appreciation for the world's beauty. A true adventurer at heart, he embraced less conventional paths. His unique journey cycling along the US West Coast—navigating without a map, following the coast using a "right-turn rule"—epitomizes this. Though this method led him away from straightforward routes, introduced dead ends, and extended his journey, he was captivated by the simple surprises. His adventures were a testament to his appreciation for the beauty in our world.

In reflecting on his life, if there is one thing you should take away, it’s this: We live in a beautiful world. Take the time to look at it, to really see it, and to appreciate it. My father’s legacy is not just in the lessons he left behind but in the way he encouraged us all to live fully, love deeply, and never lose sight of what truly matters.

Dad, you are so special. I love you. Rest in peace knowing we will continue the adventure.