posted on October 23, 2001 11:46:54 AM new
Laid to rest today, after a deserved long life, 97 years, was the most respected person I have over known in my life.
A devoted father;
A devoted husband of 75 years;
An unwavering Patriot;
A surrogate father to thousands of kids;
An active participant in various civic, national and international organizations...
A fine human being and my friend, affectionately known as "Cap."
As some of you may remember, I was raised for 12 years in a residential school with a military structure.
The "Cap" nickname came from an honor he held at the time of his graduation, captain of the XXXX Corps of Cadets.
"He received a rare honor from the U.S.M.A., West Point, when it bestowed upon him the honorary title of Captain of the Corps of Cadets."
This man was devoted to our school and the thousands of kids who passed through it, from his entry as a student in 1917 at the age of 13 until his death this past week.
Upon his graduation in 1923, he was employed by the school, first as military instructor, and eventually as superintendent.
In his 77 years of devotion to our school, he missed just one commencement and one alumni reunion.
I, along with so many others boys and girls, black & white, different religious backgrounds, am what I am today, thanks to not only the strict structure of the school, but to our leader and mentor.
He taught tolerance for all, respect for not only your fellowman but for your country, and good sportsmanship. Not only by words, but by example, the best teaching tool of all.
His philosophy as administrator and disciplinarian was firmness and kindness.
I will share an amusing memory regarding sportsmanship:
We were playing a basketball game, off grounds, at the opposing team's school. Now, what that meant was their team, coaches and fans were from the "real" world.
It was a tight game and things were getting verbally rowdy. Cap stopped the game cold, came onto the middle of the floor and proceeded to lecture "everyone" on good sportsmanship.
I'm pretty sure the other side was in shock. We, of course, were used to it, but, nonetheless, embarrassed, as only teenagers can be embarrassed . But, that was Cap. He just wouldn't put up with it.
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The funeral was today, but I couldn't bear to go.
The funeral procession was scheduled to go through the school grounds, with a respectful honor guard, on the way to the cemetary. My heart told me that that was where I needed to be to pay my respects to this fine, fine man, my friend. It was very difficult.
I don't ever expect to have as much respect or admiration for anyone in my life as I had for Cap.
But, I am grateful I had this one in my life.
Femme
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Thank you all for allowing me to share these very personal thoughts. No replies are necessary. I'm fine.
. But, that was Cap. He just wouldn't put up with it.