This morning he arrived at the marina with great difficulty off a pontoon boat.

He with portable oxygen and a scooter, to be taken to the hospital in Toronto. And behind him, every single staff person crying on the dock.

This is a man who has cut a wide swath with his love, humour, and interest in every person with whom he has ever come in contact. He remembers everything about everyone. He asks hard and deep questions lovingly and teasingly and with 100% interest.

He worked hard every day of his life and retired early to enjoy everything with his incredible wife. Together they bought a spectacular island up north to share with everyone and anyone important to them.

It was a revolving cocktail party for many years with friends coming to enjoy their company and cottage. Regularly his wife would take a 15 minute nap on the floor of the cottage to rejuvenate and then spring back to life with the sound of the next round of guests arriving.

There are always children on the beach and friends on the dock. As the place is big and  special, it needs to be run like a company- with each person working there treated so fairly and kindly they could be mistaken for family.

This is his way.

When his wife died quickly and tragically 6 years ago, his children and grandchildren filled in the blanks. They are living proof that his example has been clear.

I never really thought until this summer about how I owe him such gratitude for raising my best friend to be the person she is.

My own father “left”me (as Dementia took over)  several years ago when  I still needed him. He was my number one person. This man has been like another dad to me. He is someone to go to for advice, someone to go to for laughter and love. I remember every single thing he has said to me. He has made an enormous impression on me.

This is the way it is with people who love and live big. This is the way it is with people who share themselves and are good people and know right from wrong. They raise extraordinary children and grandchildren and  they even raise us – those  lucky enough to be close.

Last night his daughter was with me- passing through for dinner and a visit as she does in the summer when I am up here working- and she said “You have been there for me. I have not been there for you with your dad’s illness”

And without thinking I said- “Actually, you have been my dad. And your dad has been my dad in a way too.”

And that is the way it is with people who are so good. The effect of them is deep, profound and lasting and extends throughout their family and beyond.

He has said many things to me over the years and all of it stuck with me. Click here for some of my favourites