Jack Howe always ended by asking "How can I help you?"

The last time I talked with Jack Howe was May 23, 2012. I was sad to learn from a mutual friend, Lin O'Neill, Jack died in his sleep June 9th, found by his loving wife Betty.

How do I know the date of when I last talked with Jack? Because he was that important to me and the many other people blessed to have crossed paths, or walked paths, with Jack Howe.

As often was the case, Jack had an agenda when he called me in May. But more often than not, Jack's intent was to simply ask how I was doing, listen carefully to my response and ask if he could be of any help. He ALWAYS ended every discussion with "How else can I help you today?"

Jack did not simply teach and talk about servant leadership, of which he was a master at both. More importantly to me and the thousands of people Jack's life touched, Jack walked the talk.

Bob Goff says in his new book, Love Does, "You know what it is about someone that makes them a friend? A friend doesn't just say things; a friend does." Jack did servant leadership, daily.

Even though I've only known Jack for five years, he was such a good friend, I feel like it's been fifty. As a result, Jack's passing leaves a huge void in my life.

Jack's business acumen was boundless. His laugh contagious. And his love for Betty and their life together endless. Thank you Jack for making us all better than we were before we met you. God's speed.
tpryor@uta.edu