Today marks the 4-year anniversary of my father’s passing.
And this year, thanks to a recent radio interview my brothers and I gave with local financial planner Dennis Prout on my dad’s legacy and transition practices, I have had more time to reflect on the life lessons he taught us.
Originally published one month after my father’s death, the following list is a compilation of the key principles of my father’s life and the leadership instilled in me.
The emails, letters, and cards I received four years ago describing the impact my dad’s character and leadership had on countless other lives were both humbling and convicting, creating a renewed sense of urgency to live and lead the way he did.
One of the things I did at that time was to create a list of eight leadership standards, to which I have held myself accountable through an honest weekly review.
These eight qualities reflect the most significant priorities for me in living each day, as Stephen Covey says, “…with the end in mind.” They are:
1) Faith/Prayer: “I am prioritizing intentional time with God and progressively maturing as a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
2) Character: “I am living virtuously according to my convictions, drawing strength and expanding my influence by uncompromisingly living out my values.”
3) Presence: “I am where I am… where ever I am, at work, home, church, with friends, and community.”
4) Initiative: “I am being proactive, taking deliberate steps to engage others, generate ideas, embrace change, and grow myself and the people I lead.”
5) Wisdom: “I make sound decisions, guided by the Holy Spirit, and remain open to the counsel of others.”
6) Courage: “I am embracing opportunities that place me at the edge of my comfort zone. And in challenging decisions, I am not afraid to make the tough call.”
7) Communication: “I am intentional about keeping people informed, connecting meaningfully, and staying in touch with close friends.”
8) Discipline: “I am managing my life–in my eating and fitness habits, how I manage my time and the simple consistent actions I practice–with the end in mind. I avoid short term indulgence for long term goals.”
Wanting to express my personal brand with as few words as possible, I ended up at these eight standards. (There are many more to consider!)
And although I fall short all the time, this list represents what it means for me to live my best life, inspired by my father, week in and week out. If you are reading this post and you know me personally, I give you permission to hold me accountable to each of them.
What about you? If you had to choose five to ten core values by which to live your daily life, what would yours be? What would living out these core values mean to the legacy you leave?
Bill,
This is a great list and a great tribute. One subset of what your Dad brought in spades is the part of Personal Initiative that was powered by Curiosity. He had a lot of spark and fire-starter in that Curiosity Bank, and that always impressed me.
The leading edge of a learner, with the discretionary effort and the habits of good humor.
Dan
Well said, Dan. One of the most difficult parts of dealing with my dad’s passing was how the disease robbed him of the curiosity that defined his success. I hope you know how much he valued your friendship.
Your father was clearly a man that taught his sons to live with intention and purpose. Thank you for sharing your purpose and how you continue to honor your fathers legacy.
“Nothing matters more than knowing God ‘s purposes for your life, and nothing can compensate for not knowing them — not success, wealth, fame, or pleasure. Without a purpose, life is motion without meaning, activity without direction, and events without reason.” -Rick Warren
Thank you for sharing this. I believe that when we lose someone we love, one of the greatest ways we can honor them, is to live out our life in a way that would make them proud, and you are doing just that!
Thanks, Kerry. You are doing the same in the many lives you have positively impacted!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful message to all of us. In the light of everything going on around us on a daily bases, it’s something to hold on to that means more than money or fame. To have peace in our daily lives is far from anyone’s understanding.
Sometimes we ask ourselves what is our purpose and the eight qualities you bring to our daily living expanses our goals to go on and pictures a roadmap of realistic living to be successful.
“Do on to other as they do unto you” Americans seems to have lost that thought and your outlines brings us back to where we all should be.
It may seem like I am repeating myself, but his isn’t something new to you and your family. Wishing you and your family the best during the remembrance of a great man…your father.
Wow, I so appreciate your thoughts, Tony. There is rarely a day that goes by when I don’t recall something that my dad said or shared that helped shape my life for the better. Your comments only reinforce the value of how we approach others every day.
Bill,
I love this. My father is my hero too. We lost him in 1999 and the world lost a great one that day. I appreciate your inspiring outlook and your understanding that you are in control of your attitude and your actions.
Thanks for sharing this… terrific stuff to challenge us to think as always.
PJH
Thank you, Paul. Keeping the memories alive of the people who truly shaped your life is so valuable…especially to younger generations.
Live each day to the fullest. I learned this when I was 18 and one of my best friends died in a car/train accident (I remembered this again from you previous post – She said she just wanted to be 18 so she could leave home. She lived to be 18 and two days!)
Be kind and thoughtful to everyone. You never know what that rude person is experiencing. Maybe a family member is sick or just passed.
Do something for others. It doesn’t have to be grandiose, even encouragement or support counts.
Be cheerful and positive. Being cheerful and smiling is contagious.
Well said, Cindy. Your comments remind me of a quote I recently read on being happy: “If you focus only on doing the next right thing every day, you will always be happy.”
Dad was so very proud of you, Bill! Thanks for sharing these once again.
Thanks, Terry.
Thank you for remembering the best people who are no longer with us.
Those words to live by are worth repeating, over and over again.
He was a special man and I am glad that my son, Russ got to work and learn from
him.
Joan, your son made a huge impact on our company. Thank you for sharing such kind and thoughtful comments, and for raising such a fine son. His legacy lives on in his three wonderful children.
Bill, thanks for sharing. Truly and inspirational list of qualities to focus and live by. Great stuff, thanks again.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback, Bruce.
Bill,
Your dad was inspirational to all that knew him. I am honored to have met your dad early in my career in the auto business. He showed me what hard work and determination really means not just by words but by his actions. I admired the way he balanced family and work and his strong faith in God. I remember your dad saying how much he loved living in Traverse City and raising his family here while growing a successful business. What you shared above the eight qualities of life is so true and that is what I live by as well. As we all fall short at times it is a blessing that we have a forgiving God and that he will never leave our side. He will give us peace and strength to carry on. God bless you and your entire family.
Thank you for such kind words about your experience with my father, Gus. Those were exciting times when he was highly engaged in growing our company. I also know that he thought a lot of you as well.
I have read a male does not grow up until his father passes away! At that time the torch is passed and you must be accountable for your actions. Kindness, patience, and respect for all must return! Being honest with others and yourself will never let you down so you have to make excuses or create falsehoods for any mistakes.
Well said, William! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight.
Bill
What a nice tribute to your father! It’s speaks to how all of you were raised. It’s too bad more people do not live by the eight leadership standards. I always try to live by the words mans humanity to man. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. Thank you for sharing!!!!
You’re welcome, Jim. Your comments remind me of what Jesus said, “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.” We have been given much, thanks to my father’s leadership!
I never met your Dad but felt as though I had by hearing so many good things about Mr. Marsh from Bob Truax. May the good Lord continue to Bless both of them and the Marsh family.
Thanks, Nancy, Bob was such a reflection of the good things about our company culture–we all miss him, as we miss Bill Sr.
I had several professional and recreational exchanges with your father over his years in TC. These started with his time at the Ford “store” and included purchasing vehicles, working on your dealership’s construction projects and on his race boat. Your father was a man of integrity who’s personal standards brought out best in those around him.
You and your brothers are doing him proud.
Thank you for building on your father’s legacy and your personal testimony.
Charles,
Those were good years! I vividly recall how the boat race energized my dad. I appreciate your encouraging words–we have big shoes to fill, but are deeply grateful for the seeds my father planted in us that continue to bear fruit in the lives of our fammilies.
Bill your father had such a profound influence on myself and my brothers. I think of him often, and even question what he would do when I encounter tough situations. He inspired me to be committed to my faith and was a example for me, of what it means to be a father. He has left a legacy by being an example of how you should live a life, with character, devotion, and passion.
Doug,
Your wonderful feedback reminds me of our childhood years and the summer days spent in Grandma Marsh’s swimming pool as well as our Canada cottage. Thank you for sharing such thoughtful memories—you are, indeed continuing his legacy in the family you and Amy have created!