Rich in friendship
When I began to read the tribute articles regarding the passing of Jimmy Garton, I expected to read that he was a real character, one who brought a smile to the faces of others with his infectious smile and outgoing personality. I already knew this, being a lifelong resident of Columbus.
What I didn’t realize was the depth of his various talents and the lasting impact that his friendship meant to those close to him.
Slim Smith’s article, with the comments by Bobby Patrick caused me to pause and reflect upon the things that are really important to us all, and the impact that we have on others. If you aren’t enjoying this life, or bringing enjoyment to those around you, you ain’t doing it right.
Then in reading further, the editorial “Our View” drove home the concept of ” We can all make a difference, whoever we are and whatever we do.”
The tribute article’s closing statement, made by Mr. Patrick:
“Jimmy wasn’t a wealthy man, not in the material sense, but in so many ways he was the wealthiest man I’ve ever known. He was rich in ways you don’t measure by money.”
What greater honor could words bestow on a man?
I kept going back to those words, as they ran over and over in my head. Then an old memory came to me, something that Mr. Fenton Andrews of Andrew’s Shoe Store used to say over 40 years ago:
“Oh yes, I’m a rich man! I’m rich in friendship!”
Truly Mr. Garton was a man “rich in friendship.”
Some people know how to appraise the things in life that are really valuable. I think “Cootie” was a master of the art.
Don Newman
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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