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April
27, 2005 will forever be an unforgettable day for everyone
at Legacy. This was the day a very special person unknowingly
walked into our lives and forever changed our destinies.
Jack Shirley walked through the door looking for a job and
needing help to get back on his feet. All he ever wanted
was an opportunity to prove him self worthy of a team, and
become part of a family. Not knowing anything about the
automotive aftermarket business Jack always gave it all
he had to try and adapt to his new environment, and new
attitudes. Times were hard for Mr. Shirley when as he learned
a whole new language and drowned himself into this new seat
cover world.
As the days went by and the very shy Jack Shirley
began to open up and let us into his world. We found out
that Jack Shirley was had recently moved to Arizona from
New York and at some time also lived in Chicago. He also
had a wife, and a daughter he adored whom he sorely missed.
During the Arizona hot summers Jack enjoyed swimming to
cool off at the local YMCA in downtown Phoenix where he
also resided. Although Jack made the best out of his new
home in Arizona his heart was in New York where as he described
had a real transit system, and the best pies (pizza).
Jack could not wait to retire so he could go
back to New York for visits. He also dreamed of going to
Hawaii on a vacation, and we told him that as long as he
worked here we would send him on a one week paid vacation
to Hawaii as a show of gratitude for his loyalty when the
company grew and flourished. The sound of such words would
bring a smile to Jacks face that would simply lighten up
the room, and warm your heart. Jack also loved helping others
and he wanted to open a homeless shelter that actually treated
the homeless as regular human beings and did not look at,
nor treat anyone as a second class citizen. He understood
first hand how society looks down on the less fortunate
and kick them while they where down instead of lending a
helping hand. The shelter would consist of separate rooms,
decent showers for people to bathe, and good meals. Jack
wanted the people whom entered his shelter to feel at home
and not like they have committed a crime by asking for help
for Jack new they were just a helping hand away from bettering
their situation.
The last days with us Jack made us so proud
because he had finally turned the corner and begin to understand
all the intricacies of our business. He was so happy to
hear how his hard work as a quality control manager was
bringing joy to our customers as the seat covers were going
out in time for Christmas. We could not help but smile as
we seen box after box of seat covers go out of our manufacturing
plant in record numbers. We told everyone we knew how great
of a job Jack was doing and how he we had finally reached
him and taught him our business. On December 23, 2005 Jack
left the premises for the last time never to return but,
he has forever stayed in our hearts.
The following day we received the dreadful
call from the hospital that Jack Shirley had passed away.
The news broke our heart because, Jack was no longer another
employee of the company, Jack had become a family member.
It's funny how we could go through life being
so selfish, self centered, and be under the impression that
we are doing others a favor; by teaching them our craft
and giving them a job opportunity. When in the greatest
gifts in life is to love, and respect one another as equal
human beings. Jack taught us that the greatest measure in
our life should not be how many cars we drive, how nice
our house is, or how much money we have in our bank account.
Ones true Legacy should be measured by the positive impact
and righteous teachings we had in other people's life. Jack
taught us to love and respect one another; and the only
way to truly live a fulfilling life is to help others accomplish
and reach their dreams. For by helping others manifest their
destiny would bring us closer to our own goals and aspirations.
This was Jacks true Legacy and we are deeply saddened that
we would never be able to send him to Hawaii or other parts
of the world.
We were all looking forward to seeing you back
at work on December 26 but, God had other plans for you
buddy. We miss you everyday and hope to see you in our next
lifetime. Jack as time permits, the business prospers and,
flourishes we will open the homeless shelter you desired
and build it according to your dreams. We will also name
after you buddy the Jack Shirley. Thank you so much for
teaching us what the true meaning of life is and for bringing
so much joy to our lives.
Your Legacy will go on and be passed down to future generations
of Legacy employed family members, and they will have you
to thank.
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