Club Management - January/February 2008 - (Page 29) and enthusiasm. I had the opportunity to work for my Dad. I soon witnessed how much respect and encouragement he gave others. On some occasions, some reached for him as they would their own Dad. He was lovingly called ‘Pop.’ He helped many by being God’s example of a good man. … He was always supportive of me. He accepted and loved me unconditionally. He taught me that being a good man comes from the heart. … He will always be my hero.” One of Warren’s final mentoring programs was a presentation he and a few colleagues provided for the Carolinas Chapter entitled, “What if I get sick?” Along with Jack B. Quick, CCM, and A. Reginald Spell, CCM (who passed away in April 2007), they created a guide and wealth of information dealing with protecting yourself and your family financially before a medical crisis occurs. Not only did Warren provide his favorite reading material regarding coping with cancer and life’s journey, he gave each of us a silver angel about the size of a quarter to protect us, guide us and watch over us. Warren was a mentor to many, always willing to support and guide others, helping them accomplish their dreams. As Jeff Arseneaux told me, “He helped so many realize they had a purpose in life.” Exam question # 4: Who are you mentoring? Are you guiding and watching? Are you supporting someone’s dreams, or are they just another pawn in what you need to accomplish? My last conversation with Warren came a few short weeks before his passing. We talked about the little things, but we began to expound upon the bigger picture: our life and the journey. Ever the humble, caring and compassionate man, he soon cajoled and turned the conversation toward me, asking how I was coping with my fight against Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Once again, the outpouring wisdom of the wise old owl encouraged me. He said, “Todd, I have had my time, and yours is just beginning, my friend. You have much more to give, and your journey is just beginning. You will get through this.” And his fi nal words, “I love you, my friend” and mine, “I love you too, Warren,” sent me forth to continue my own journey. I frequently look up on my office wall and see the golden framed reprint of the hand-written note Warren sent me after the 2000 National Assistant Manager’s Conference. I was a committee member, a young 31-year-old, and receiving his accolades meant the world to me. In part it read: “I would hope that you hang onto my words and one day in the future say, ‘Warren was right.’ Your attitude, demeanor and talent all tell me that you are indeed a leader for today and tomorrow. Enjoy the journey, Todd, because it will be an exciting one for you.” I am indeed enjoying the journey, Warren. Thank you, my friend, for coming along. Thanks to Claudia Arseneaux, Jeffrey Arseneaux, Patricia Calder, CCM, Michael Ambrose, CCM, Jill Philmon, CCM, and Ron Banaszak, Jr., CCM, for their contributions to this article. ❚❘ About the author Todd M. Cromie, CCM, is general manager of the Country Club of Salisbury in Salisbury, North Carolina. He is the immediate past president of the Carolinas Chapter. 356184_TheVerdin.indd 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • PM 11/13/07 7:18:52 29 http://www.verdin.com
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