Jack Rosen was laid to rest last week.

 

My Uncle was 81 years of age. He lived a complete life and, despite the horrific nature of his battle with cancer - he seemed to go out on his own terms.

 

His life was a good one. He had many children and grandchildren. His life was filled with many wonderful memories.

 

Thankfully, he was healthy for 80 of his 81 years.

 

His funeral was last week. Do you know how at many funerals, the deceased are usually heralded as the best, most heroic, most benevolent individuals ever? Like the recently departed could do no wrong during his or her life?

 

Jack’s funeral wasn’t like that because Jack wasn’t like that. He wasn’t perfect and even in death he wanted to share his perspective. When he learned he was terminal, he set about planning his service. His goal was to pass on his lessons whether the mourners wanted them or not.

 

This week, instead of sharing some of my lessons, I cede the floor to Uncle Jack for a few business lessons based upon what he taught me. I don’t see anyone writing a - What Would Jack Do? book, like the ones about Steve Jobs; but there is a lot to be learned from this man.

 

He was much more than what follows but, for the sake of brevity, here are a few lessons from Jack.

 

 

In a time of all sorts of note-taking gadgets, Jack simply carried a small notebook in his front shirt pocket despite the fashion faux pas it was at times. He wrote everything down explaining to me once that many of his best thoughts were fleeting and if he hadn’t been prepared, he would have lost them.

 

Even with devices such as the new Apple phone (with Siri) and all the available technology, sometimes it’s still easier to carry a small notebook with you. Jack was never without one, which may be why he always had so much to say. He never forgot anything.

 

 

Jack wasn’t shy to share his thoughts about the way I ran our family’s business – or about me for that matter. He often had words of advice and words of encouragement. I’ll always remember how he told my wife that one of her paintings was "disturbing." That one didn’t go over so well but we knew he meant no malice. All we could really do was laugh. It reminds me of the expression – It’s not what you say it’s how you say it. His goal with me was not only to help me improve, but also to grow as a man and a business professional. He never put me down. He never mocked or scolded.

 

As you’ve read many times in this space. Problems don’t magically disappear. Situations must be dealt with. Jack taught me that there are ways to share thoughts that others may not want to hear. He was well intentioned but never held back. Always considering the feelings of whom he was talking to.

 

 

I saved the best for last. Jack completed his 2011 taxes the night before he passed away. Though his body was weakening, his mind was still sharp as a whistle. Perhaps he didn’t want Aunt Bev to bear the extra burden. Maybe he just wanted to leave his affairs in order. I’ll never know but his actions remind me of a great time management secret.

 

You know what happens before you leave on vacation. That’s when you’re at your most productive. That’s when you’re prioritizing and handling all the tasks that need handling. That’s why time management experts suggest this dynamic to demonstrate how such a single-minded focus is so powerful.

 

It was almost as if Jack knew that once he completed this final task, he could slip away on his eternal vacation.

 

Whatever the case and wherever you are, Uncle Jack. I hope it’s warm and beautiful.

 

You’ll be missed because…

 

That’s just the way it works!