"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."- Henry David Thoreau. He admired people who, as he liked to put it, "called a spade a spade." He didn't mince words when telling the truth, as he saw it, in matters big or small. He was known for clarity in his thinking and planning and didn't like people being "wishy-washy," as he put it. I think that's why he loved math so much- there is no doubt whether you are right or wrong in your answer. If a dish was cooked well, he was the first to praise the cook and if it wasn't, he said so, and pointed out what was lacking. He was contemptuous of those who "changed their tune" based on whatever the popular opinion was. I didn't agree with him on certain issues but what I could always count on was that he meant and believed every word he said. He was as straightforward in his assessment of things he had done well and things he hadn't. Recently looking through a file of investments he had made, I came across one of his notes on a stack. It said, "I've written these off. Money down the drain." He faced life honestly and thoughtfully and didn't have a lot of patience, if offered what he saw as "lip-service." You knew exactly where you stood with him. That's why his opinions mattered a lot to everyone who knew him. In the midst of all the changes in our lives, he was our compass pointing steadfastly north. As I think of how he would confront each challenge I now face, I realize he still is.