In the end, it was dad’s heart that failed, but his love will live on forever.

I will never forget observing my father love people at work and pretty much wherever he went.

Dad was a business coach before we knew what business coaching was. I watched him like a hawk as a kid. He was my first hero in business. I even had a make-believe business in the basement (The Hornbasket Inn - NO VACANCY FOR SIBLINGS!).

I always wanted to be like dad in business; a lover.

Dad was a world-class hugger. He loved the people who worked for him. He greeted them warmly, often with appropriate hugs.

Dad knew the names of their spouses and kids. He wrote many personal notes of praise and thanks.

Dad had massive empathy. He was a professional listener and taught me the power of caring so much that we can sometimes hear what is not said, but felt.

Thanks again, dad. You helped me learn to love even at work. You made me a better coach, especially at work which is why I love my job.

P.S. My father’s name was Clifford Jones, Jr.