OK allow me to say it: it’s a very sad day with the announcement of Arnold Palmer’s
death. The last few times he was seen on
TV he was clearly showing his age which made this blogger think “Whoa, we will
all pass away but this is gonna be a “big one” for western Pennsylvanians when
Arnold goes”. And so it’s happened. Always a bad morning jolt to hear that 6AM
National Public Radio report with news like this.
Later, on that same “Morning Edition” broadcast, an ESPN golf analyst heaped praise on Mr Palmer for what he did to raise the status and awareness
of golf in America. What caught my ear
was the report’s focus on what a “nice guy” Palmer was, in all aspects of his
life including his businesses and his sport.
A couple of Palmer’s contemporaries provided short excerpts giving
testimony to how Palmer would engage with people – his Army or those that
became his Army as a result – many of whom were dismissed by other golfing
professionals. Of course he did. He was from western Pennsylvania.
Recall
that Mr Rogers, Fred Rogers, was from Latrobe also. I was really sad when I awoke to news of Mr
Rogers death as well. And I cried the
morning I awoke to the news of John Heinz’s death. Heinz was one of the nicest guys in politics
and in my mind, destined to be President.
In light of this 2016 campaign, heck, the last four Presidential
campaigns, I don’t think nice will ever again make a national political comeback.
Nice
is Pittsburgh, western PA and the Tri State region. Growing up our family would regularly car trip to the
beaches and historic sites along the East Coast and people would say “Oh of
course you’re from Pittsburgh; you’re so nice.”
It’s been a bit of an economic handicap for years when the region’s
leaders could never be seen to brag about all the advantages for living and
working here. But it also has made the
area a desirable place for many who seek the authentic in their lives and
community relationships. It should
always remain so.
And
so sad to know Mr Palmer is no longer among us.
We all need a hug.
