John Wiese
I grew up across the street from Gid and Carmen. As friend to both Jon and Hadley, I spent many happy days in Gid’s home. He was like a second father to me. Gid possessed uncommon wisdom, compassion, and generosity. He also possessed a gentleness and sincerity that I have since rarely encountered. I am grown up now with two children of my own. As I embarked on the responsibility of being a father, I asked myself, “What sort of father would I like to be? Who exemplifies the traits of a loving father?” Gid was the father I chose. He was firm but fair. He was loving and forgiving. He was a teacher but also a listener.I know I will never be as good a father as Gid. I lack so many of his essential traits. I lack his patience and humility; try as I might, I am too easily distracted by selfish interests. Nevertheless, I have Gid’s standard to strive for. In moments of frustration, I can call upon his example and ask, “What would Gid have done here?” In attempting to answer that question, I am both grounded and inspired.I love you, Gid. God Bless You. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you did for me and so many others.