Dell and family

Dell was complicated. Throughout his life there were challenges and victories, mistakes and corrections, moments of intense lows and incredible highs. This can be said of any of us, although Dell's experiences were characterized with far more intensity. Whatever he did though he did with passion and dedication. This came through in his work, his play, and especially his family.

He considered himself an actuator (see previous blog); someone to drive others into action. I have been the focus of his attention in this area but none more so than those who shared his bloodline. Always the visionary, he would aid others where he saw value and loyalty. Sometimes through words, often through resources or time. And through it all Dell would enjoy the encounter. Although concrete was his job, the people he loved were the center of his life. To enjoy their company, so understand what drove them, and to facilitate success where he could.

This was never done in the gentle manner of a benevolent philanthropist who would support a cause but stay out of the way. His method was always to act through direction, encouragement, and example. He would never ask someone to do something he would not himself do, nor would he tolerate someone whose abilities far underrepresented their accomplishments. Dell was intense but with a good heart and directed much of his resources towards supporting those he loved.

Consider those that worked for him. How many of us were family or closely connected to him? Think of his open-door policy about home. Who did not spend time staying over at his place, particularly when there was nowhere else to go? Even his great passion for camping was shared with others; who did not go to the cabin and experience the essence of what it was to be Dell? He gave what he had and shared who he was that others would benefit. His door, metaphorically, was always open.

This blog and this page are devoted to sharing what I believe to be the essence of Dell. I think we are all much better off having him in our lives. It has been over ten years now since his death but he still lives in me; that passion that drove him continues to encourage me through difficult times. I am greatly saddened by his loss; rarely a day goes by that I don't think of him. I hope that others see in him what I have seen and been witness to. Thank you Dell, you made a big difference.

Thanks for reading.     Ericspix     Eric Svendsen

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