There are many common definitions for greatness. There is the greatness assigned to those of great wealth or ability. There is the greatness assigned to those who have achieved high positions in companies or who have achieved fame. But there is a more important type of greatness that I would like to talk about today. That is the greatness that comes from being a good human being. If someone were to read the biographical facts of Uncle Steve’s life they wouldn’t necessarily conclude that he was a great man. Yet, if you talk to those of us who knew him you would get a very, very different story.
He was born in 1920 to Polish immigrants, Peter and Eva Igras, in Whiting, Indiana. He served his country in World War II – traveling through Pearl Harbor only months after the attack by the Japanese. He was stationed in Iran, finishing his trip around the world after victory in Europe was achieved. He went on to work for Standard Oil, becoming a skilled welder. He was a father to two wonderful families. He went on to retire from ABEX in Hammond, where he made parts for rail cars.
He led an active life. He loved dancing. He loved working on his yard – doing so even as late as last week. He participated in volleyball and other recreational sports with his family and friends. He loved his three-quarter acres of land in Portage on Central Avenue where he lived his last 24 years.
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So what made him so great to us? I think it was his attitude and behavior. He always had that pleasant disposition and that smile and laugh. He was always glad to see you. He truly cared for and enjoyed being with people. His last job may have been his most rewarding. Delivering flowers in Northwest Indiana gave him that human contact that fueled him. He was a true friend to all. He was one of the most unique and likeable people I have ever had the privilege to meet.
The things I will always remember were his stories and jokes. His playing dart ball at Trinity church [They have a complete team up in heaven now]. I remember our family volleyball games – that continued on – even though he was unable to participate. Let us make sure those games continue, for our spectator gallery from heaven is getting quite full now.
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The term Christian was derived from a Latin word that means “Christ Like”. When I think of Uncle Steve I see a person who had humility, seemed not to judge others, treated people as he would like to have been treated. He was a loyal and caring father, uncle, and friend. I never heard a credible bad word said about him. He personified a philosophy that I only now have come to understand and appreciate. He truly lived life as if every day above ground was a good day, even through his prolonged illness.
What I want us to think about is - what can we all take from Uncle Steve’s life and apply and use in our own.
How do we treat those around us?
Are we compassionate? Forgiving?
Do we think of their feelings?
Do we address their needs?
Are we loyal and do we stand by each other?
Do we take care of our responsibilities and meet our commitments?
The last thing I would like us to think about as we say goodbye to our dear friend and family member is - are we living the kind of lives that he exemplified?
Goodbye dear friend – you will be missed. We will try and live by your example and your memory is safe with us. It was an honor and privilege to know such a great man.
