A Tale of Two Farmers
Every once in awhile as a Realtor you will be presented with a life lesson. In this case, it was distinctly different impact made by two farmers on their family and communities.
Both of these gentlemen were bachelors. Each was adept at farming accumulating considerable holdings and wealth over fifty years of working the land. Both had a grade eight education, the highest that the public school system would support at the time they were children. The lack of a formal education did not deter their later progress though; if anything it may have made them more determined to be successful. The difference between them was how they lived their life and used their good fortune.
You could say Joe had a bit of mean streak. Maybe it was the bitterness he felt when the girl he had hoped to marry in his early 20s left town with another man. It may have been his upbringing by a widowed abusive father, we will never know.
Neighbours told stories about how he would borrow a tool and never return it. How he always seemed to have more calves to market than would be normal from a herd his size, while several cows in neighbouring pastures always seemed to lose theirs. Or that hired men never stayed for more than one season. In any case, people were careful in their dealings with Joe.
When approached to donate to the construction of a new hockey arena and curling rink, Joe practically ran the committee off the place, saying he didn't see the need for the building, it only made people waste time that they should be using to improve themselves.
Joe died alone, in his chair. His one nephew came from Vancouver, held an auction sale for the equipment, and sold the land as soon as the crop was off. All the money went back to BC.
You could always count on Bill. When he finished his crop, his combine, truck, and hired hand could be found at one neighbour or the other, until the whole district was finished. He served on the municipal council for several decades, consequently being appointed and contributing wisdom to a wide variety of boards and initiatives.
When times were tough in the community, more than one child had their season fees and sports equipment costs quietly paid by him. He established a major scholarship for boys and girls at the local high school. A significant part of the local contribution required to construct community buildings and health facilities was donated anonymously by him.
Bill carefully planned his estate. I know because I was one of the people he asked to help him work through the options. The land was transferred to a foundation, with annual rental income going to support local health services. He set up a fund that would ensure the scholarships would continue. The remaining dollars were divided between several charities including the TeleMiracle Foundation. Bill always did believe that you should give to your community, because it will only be as strong as you make it to be.
Vern McClelland is associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster. If you have questions or comments on this article or other real estate matters, he can be reached at 780.808.2700 or through the McClelland Group website www.hometeamhotline.ca
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