I too, lost both parents at a young age… I was 12 when my mother passed and 20 when my father passed! I too, believe that everything happens for a reason, and it is a blessing when we can understand that reason. Thank you for the (tearful) entry about your wonderful, eccentric father! The 3 Russian hats pay homage to your fathers’ love for you and your sisters.

From the next generation pursuing organic life, thanks for the poignant picture of your father. His words still carry a tremendous amount of meaning, even two generations later!

May your years in the ‘top seat’ be fruitful, enjoyable and enduring.

What a wonderful tribute to a great man and, obviously, a wonderful father. Thank you for sharing this memory.

I have great memories of your dad. There are two that I remember vividly. When I began at Rodale, I worked at Fitness House for many people who had their offices there. One of my responsibilites was sending out booklets on Fish Farming. One day, my phone rang (it was one of those old black telephones and there was no caller id back then). The guy asked for a booklet and I said, “well that will cost you a dollar sir”. Your dad said, “this is Bob Rodale. I don’t think I have to pay for it.” I was so embarrassed, but I guess he knew I was doing my job.

The other memory was the day I had to go out to Bob & Ardie’s house and teach Bob how to use a computer. I was the “trainer” at Rodale–we had just gotten stand alone computers. When I arrived, he told me I had to be quiet since Anthony had been out late and was sleeping. After about two hours of teaching him the basics, Bob said, “I’ve had enough. Thank you” and I was on my way. Makes me smile every time I think of it.