An Amazing Life—David Frum

Let's all try to deserve an obituary like this, of Arthur Sekoff—father of Huffpost's Roy:

“He was a walking textbook on how to get along with people,’’ said son Will Sekoff, who worked at his father’s side. “You watched him and you knew what to do, the way he conducted his life, his work ethic, the way people responded to and treated them.’’

His nickname [the "Big A"] came from his “big booming voice and big personality,’’ Will Sekoff said. ...

His business philosophy, according to Will: “He was always right, and the customer would end up seeing that.’’

Difficult customers invariably succumbed to his warmth, Will said.

“They’d have no answer for his wit and charm, though heaven help the [delivery] truck driver who double parked in the back.’’ ...

Sekoff had a million quips. When someone asked how he was doing, he’d say: “older, dumber, fatter, grayer.’’

To waiters at The Palm, one of his favorite restaurants: “It’s excellent , but keep the ambulance handy.’’

According to Roy, Big A's last words were "Ta ta."

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