Instead of a client question this week, I wanted to share some of the beautiful sentiments clients and friends of Windermere have shared in the wake of my Dad’s passing. My mom, sister, and I are so blessed to have your support and grace during this time.

I also am so glad he followed his dreams and bought his farm.  The stories he told of being with the animals and on the land were so great to hear.  

The fact that you founded Windermere with your Dad is absolutely incredible. You definitely continuing his legacy and I’m sure he is so very proud of you

He loved his place in Canada so I sure that was a blessing for him

We know how proud your dad was of you and Kim.  He was fortunate to have seen you grow to be the accomplished women you are

What we have learned over the years is the truth of the old Girl Scout song, “Make New Friends, But Keep the Old.” Even though lots of miles separated us from Ken, we always thought of him as a good friend and wished the best for him

He had a big impact on you. Know how proud he must have been of the wonderful woman you are

Ken was the first CEO that I worked for and was a great leader, mentor and friend. He will be missed

Your description of your dad paints a picture of someone who lived a remarkable life, surrounded by the people, animals, and land he loved most. It’s clear how much he meant to you, not only as your father but also as your business partner and friend.

While I never had the opportunity to meet him, I can tell from your words that his kindness, dedication, and spirit helped shape Windermere into what it is today. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the company he built with you and the relationships you’ve created over the years

He was always one of my favorite people.  You mentioned that I was an early supporter of Windermere, but Ken played a significant role in my professional journey as well. Windermere was one my very first clients and I will always be grateful that he believed in me and offered his support when I was new, giving me the chance to grow and succeed

I also admired his adventurous spirit, whether that was deciding to leave Jacobus to start Windermere or to move to the middle of nowhere Canada to start a cattle farm.  That kind of enthusiasm and willingness to pursue what truly mattered to him was inspiring

You had a visible spark when sharing a story about your father on the farm or the commitment he had to you and the business, so I can only imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing now. That said, I do hope you find moments, even small ones, to be at peace and share memories about him

It was always clear from the way you spoke about him that he was a remarkable man. The image of him spending his final days on the farm he loved, surrounded by the land and animals that brought him joy, is a beautiful one. Building Windermere together and dedicating so many years to serving clients is an extraordinary legacy

What I know is this, he’s gone from this earth in the way that you knew him, but he is not gone and he is not lost. I trust that you’ll see him and experience him in ways you never expected, as I have with my parents. And in those moments when you feel him, know that you are deeply loved