The email that came through this week titled "In Memory of Harvey Gates" mentioned he was Owner of RE/MAX Country Properties, which is now operated as RE/MAX 100, and Past President of SMAR, the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors. It mentioned he passed away January 10, 2010 at his home in Hawaii. An address was provided to contact his wife, Carol Wilson-Gates. That's all it said. So let me say a whole lot more.
There are all kinds of people in your life. Some pass through. Some stay. Some make a big difference. One of my favorite quotes is that "Not all people deserve a front row seat in your life. Some you send loving thoughts to from a distance." In otherwords, some you toss of the bus.
Anyway, Harvey was one of those pivitol people in my life and in the many lives of those who knew him.There is noone I would have rather taught me the Real Estate foundations than him and his wife , Carol Wilson. The lessons stay with me to this day. I hear his scripts frequently. "Loose lips sink ships." "Don't be in such a rush to put the fire out that you forget to turn the hose on." "The purpose of the phone call is to get the appointment." "When you write an addendum, write down the consequence if it does not happen."It goes on and on,,,all they Harvey-isms. I cannot be grateful enough for the foundation he provided me . He mentioned that the Linigers would not sign the corporate lease until their Golden was included. That did it. I made the switch to Real Estate 25 years ago and knew that RE/MAX was the only place for me. How often in your life do you know something with that much certainty? That's a gift he gave me. And the Real Estate foundation stays with me each and every day.
So when I think of my former Broker, Harvey Gates, which I have done a lot the past few weeks, I remember his laugh and his honesty and his hard work ethic and am greatful for all the guidance he gave me. He really mattered in my life and in the lives of the people whom he touched. He was and always will be unforgettable to me.
So, in memory of Harvey Gates, I want to say ,"Thanks, Harvey. My new Golden Retriever is named Riley Rover and he rides copilot in my Jeep everywhere in Southern Maryland during my Real Estate and Panera or Starbucks runs. You wouldn't believe how much the Real Estate Business has changed since you retired. But you need to know how much the foundations that you taught me have remained the very same. My folks miss you, too. I know how much we all will."
You'll Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services. Visit www.GoldenResults.com for Southern Maryland Real Estate information.
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