A Teacher, A Principal, A Boss, A Mentor, and A Friend...

i recently went to a funeral. it was a very difficult funeral. my 6th grade teacher, my principal, my boss, my mentor, my friend passed away last week. what a wonderful person he was. i remember so many wonderful things about this man, not only from my childhood, but also as a boss and a friend. his name was mitchell west. he was born and raised in miles, texas. he lived there all of his life except for a time when he went to college at texas tech, and also was a military police in the military.
when he got out of the military he met and married his wife of 52 years and they settle back in miles. he was the heart and soul of miles elementary. he taught, coached, and was a principal there for 39 years. after he retired, just a few short years ago, he began subbing at the school. he just couldn't leave. and we didn't want him to. we all loved and respected him so much.
he had a loud booming voice and a gentle heart. he walked tall, but with a gentle spirit.
he had flaming red hair. he wore the same kind of pants that my dad did. i don't know why i remember that, but i do. he also carried a little plastic comb in his pocket.
i will never forget the day that he interviewed me about ten years ago. i walked in his office like i was still in the 6th grade going to see the principal. well i was wasn't i? the office smelled just like it did when i was going to school there. my childhood came flooding back to me. he greeted me with the biggest smile. he was so warm. imagine interviewing with your old teacher and principal for a job. i was nervous to say the least. i go in and sit down. i ask him if he wants to see my professional portfolio and he just grins at me and says lets just visit. so we did. he asked me about my parents and how they were doing. he made me feel so at ease. i imagined that he did that with all of the people that he interviewed with. he was the type of man you could see fishing with his grandkids. he also was a part time farmer. i can just see him sitting with his grandkids on the tractor.
i will miss you Mr. West. you were the heart and soul of our school. your funeral was jammed packed standing room only, in your little methodist church that you attend most of your life. you will be sorely missed. i know you are in heaven.
rest in peace in the arms of your heavenly father.

farewell....