Thursday, June 22, 2006

My Obituary - First Draft - I have a lot of work ahead of me :-)



Fogoflife

Born: 9/11/1965

Died: TBD

We’re gathered here today to celebrate the life of Fogoflife. He would be awed and humbled to see so many friends and family here today. As you know, his humility followed him throughout his life, regardless of his accomplishments; he always looked at those near him as the primary contributors to his life’s successes.

He had a passion for life, a zeal for love, a commitment to honesty and integrity, a childlike innocence, an aged wisdom, a youthful silliness, and above all, a love and obedience to God. He was not an evangelist, yet his message was heard through his deeds.

You are here because he touched you, in one way or another. And that was his life’s aim; to make a difference in this world; to touch as many lives in a positive way as possible.

He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. You relied upon him, and he was there for you. His greatest successes are exemplified in his beautiful children and grandchildren who have carried on list zeal for life and love.

His family research brought many of you together, in many unique, interesting, and life changing ways. Through understanding where we’ve been, and what we are, we are closer as a family than we’ve ever been and the results will be felt for years to come, through the scholarship funds and charitable research organizations that carry our name. To be associated with causes that strive to improve life brings dignity and a sense of community to our family that we can rally our children around for generations to come.

As an active member of the community, his efforts were consistent with his spirit, whether serving refreshments at a local fundraiser or emceeing a charity roast, no role was too low or to imposing.

He was an active member of the Church. Reaching out to those in need, touching those who yearned, delivering God’s message the only way he knew how. By sharing his failures, relating his weaknesses to others, and how together, through faith in God, we can triumph over hardship and defeat evil.

He strove to provide a happy and satisfying work environment for the thousands of people that ultimately passed through his companies. His businesses were places people not only worked, but developed and excelled in their trade and in their lives. And when they grew beyond the bounds of the company, they were helped in starting their own enterprises. This concept was unheard of and one that has since enriched the lives of thousands of families and created a groundswell in American small business.

He loved his partners, and his employees like family. He took their dreams as seriously as his own. He never took for granted the help he received. He understood the concept of team work, and the greatness that could be achieved when like minded people worked toward common goals.

Fog is best known for his philanthropy; his work for improving others standard of life, health, education. His work became the foundation of the revolution of business ethics and social compassion we are living today, and that we will pass down for generations to come.

He touched so many with his art; poetry of passion, compassion, reason, philosophy which were captured visually in water color, oils, charcoal and photography.

He was passionate, compassionate, silly, witty and generous. He was also a man, prone to mistakes, and never afraid to admit his mistakes in front of man, and in front of God. And as a man, he had the courage and will to forgive, and leave judgment to a higher power.

And it is for all of these reasons we celebrate Fog’s life, directed by the hand of God, which will remain forever in our hearts, minds, souls, and heritage.

No comments: