Do Your Duty: Larry Pitt


“Do Your Duty”
Dear Brothers:
Larry believed in the “old ways” and would be pleased that a “band of brothers” served as his pallbearers. I can see him nodding his head in agreement that a friend, a son, his son-laws, and most importantly his grandsons escorted him with honor and grace.
Larry would not want a frilly epitaph on his tombstone. A physical memorial is something he would consider to be frivolous. Larry was a working-family man who would want his “band of brothers” to carry on his “old-ways” legacy.
A legacy of “doing your duty” that he learned from his father and the men of influence in his life. A legacy of:
Working hard:
Larry would not want to be remembered as a manager. He was first and foremost a worker. When I first met him, he worked at MFG, cleaned offices, and mowed lawns. He knew the only way a man makes a life for his family is to work hard.
Practicing self-reliance:
Larry was a working-class kid who knew that the only way to get ahead in life is to be self-reliant. A self-reliant man knows that he is responsible for fixing his problems and finding the resources or learning he needs to be successful.
Living your life:
Life is not a passive adventure. Life is something you do. Larry lived life. From celebrating with friends and family to playing gold, Larry lived life with his foot on the accelerator. He didn’t wait for life to find him sitting on the couch.
Persevering the Challenges:
Life is not always easy, but a man of honor perseveres with a faith in God. The words from Romans 5:3-5 describes a “do your duty” perseverance:
5:3 …we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 5:4 and endurance, character, and character, hope. 5:5 And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God 5…
Being There:
Larry was in the front of the line to help someone. Being there to help and support family and friends is the expectation.
Loving your Family:
Larry would be the first person to share that the only reason he had love in his life was because he had Bev as his wife. She knew the caring heart he tried to hide and she knew when to set him straight and he loved her for both. A husband’s calling is to love and support his wife. She comes first. His greatest joy came in celebration with his family. He loved his children and grandchildren. Larry openly hugged and expressed love for his family.
As a “band of brothers”, we share the honor of perpetuating Larry’s legacy. We will not build a memorial or state a fancy epitaph. We will take on the honor of instilling the “do your duty” legacy in his grandchildren’s hearts so someday they will teach Grandpa’s legacy to their children.
I am honored to call you friends and blessed to call you family. We travel a path as a “band of brothers” with a legacy to carry-on.
Respectfully,
Rick

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