The Eulogy: Words Can't Say Enough

Written by Ivy | 12 February 2012

This is the eulogy I delivered at my dear friend George Esper's funeral this past week. It may very well be the hardest thing I've ever done in this life. I felt I should share it here as well. You can read George's official obit from the Associated Press here. It was written by his dear friend and colleague Richard Pyle.

* * *

How do you put into words the life of a man like George Esper? He was a man whose influence literally reached around the world. He was a legend in the field of journalism, the heart and soul behind the stories that fill history books, the name behind the headlines.

But George was much more than his professional title. He was loved as father, grandfather, or Georgie to his granddaughters, mentor, professor, and always friend.

This isn't news to anyone in this room, but George was special. He was instantly the biggest fan of every person who walked into his life. If you knew him for 20 years or 20 seconds, you were forever changed when you crossed his path.

George was one of a kind. He had many special skills. He could get you to spill your deepest secrets with a smile. He could inspire you well after you've given up. He could turn any task, big or small, into a life-changing experience. He made you feel like the most important person in the room... when in fact, most of the time, he held that title.

His most impressive skill was his ability to step out of the spotlight. There are few people I've ever met who truly deserved the heat from that shining light as much as George, but he never let it shine on him long enough to feel the warmth. You see, George wasn't so concerned with George. He wanted to know about you... ALL about you.

So how do you put into words the life of a man like George Esper? I think the words that sum up his life the best are the words that meant the most to him. Words we've all said countless times, as well as heard countless more times from him.

Those words are "thank you."

And we all have a lot of reasons to say it.

Thank you George for changing every life you smiled upon. Thank you for inspiring us to be better versions of ourselves. Thank you for making us feel important. Thank you for listening to our stories. And most importantly, thank you for letting us be a part of yours.

This week a friend, who I came to love through George, sent me a quote from a respected author. George knew everyone, but I never heard him mention an encounter with Dr. Seuss.

It seems fitting now to bring the two together. The quote is "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

George gave us many reasons to smile. These are the words I'm choosing to focus on during the tough times ahead.

In a final, but well overdue, act of gratitude. I'd love if you joined me in a standing ovation to celebrate, honor and thank our dear George Esper. It's time he takes the moment in the spotlight he's deserved for so long.

Thank you George. We love you.