Dick Donnelly argued more than most lawyers and he produced a couple of them along the way . . .

Richard S. Donnelly passed away this week at the age of 80. When he returned from serving in World War II he went to work at Caterpillar and my Grandfather was his first boss. Years later Mr. Donnelly would help Gramps keep an eye on me. "That Dick Donnelly is a good boy" Gramps would say of the then nearly 50 year old Mr. Donnelly.

From as early as I can recall Mr. Donnelly was talking to us about politics, the law, arguing the state of world and local affairs. He would would challenge you to think, take a position, contribute, engage. I'm not sure we appreciated some of those discussions as kids but his son Harold (now a Nashville lawyer) and I sure did benefit from his prodding back then and we sure did come to appreciate his wit, wisdom and ways since. I'll miss seeing his smile, that twinkle in his eye as he threw a strike or fibbed a bit about his golf score. But his voice and example are stamped on most every area of my life, from father to coach, lawyer, teacher or parishoner.

So I salute an amazing Irishman. One of the Chiefs in my Village, a guide who did for me what I hope I've been doing for a few others along the way, think, take a position, contribute, engage.