I Have Sad News to Share

It is with a heavy heart that I share some sad news with you today. My father (George Neff) passed away suddenly last week.

We were extremely close.

He was such an integral part of all that I do and I have spoken of him so often, that I know some of you may even feel that you knew him.

At 86, Dad was still a full-time nuclear physicist running an engineering firm in the aerospace industry. But he was also an incredible gardener/landscaper who ran circles around the rest of us on our family farmstead.

Seriously…I could hardly keep up with him.

I inherited several traits from my father that impact my work:

• A deep appreciation for the great outdoors
• A knack for explaining technical material
• A green thumb
• And a love for old Zorro movies

How does Zorro fit in?

They were stories of being courageous despite the odds – which was an ability he had in droves.

A few months ago, I found myself up north at the family farmstead and unable to record my usual podcast.

However, I had my trusty field recorder with me.

On a whim, I decided to walk the property telling the story of the heirloom tree restoration project my Dad and I had been spearheading.

It has been one of my most popular episodes.

This week, there will be no new podcast episode or blog post.

Instead as a tribute to my father, I encourage you to take a moment and listen to Episode 14 – The Farmstead Restoration Project.

Even if you are not a usual podcast listener, I really hope you will listen.

This episode is different. It’s a story.

The farmstead was very special to my Dad and I will continue to carry on his legacy and work to restore the heirloom fruit orchard there.

But I will do so with a huge ache in my heart.