Wisdom Personified

There were certain television programs during my very young years of the 50s and 60s that were not to miss. First was Zorro—"the fox so cunning and free.” Famous for leaving his mark: the “Z.” He was able to out-duel, outrun, and outsmart anyone. Especially the rather hefty Sergeant Garcia.

Two of my other favorite adventure programs were Sea Hunt (starring Lloyd Bridges) and Whirlybirds, the helicopter aces, starring Kenneth Tobey and Craig Hill. That last show only had a three-year run but I wouldn’t miss it. And the same for Sky King on Saturday mornings!

I know. I know. All of those programs are likely lost on Gex X and Gen Z readers. I don’t think you can find the reruns anywhere. At least I haven’t found them.

There were several wonderful family oriented programs in that era. The Donna Reed Show. My Three Sons. Ozzie and Harriet. And the king of them all, Leave it to Beaver. Just about everybody has heard of the Beaver, his brother Wally, and the rest of the cast that included the always annoying trouble maker friend of Wally, Eddie Haskell!

Without making any blanket indictment, it seems that by-and-large, the “stars” of yesterday did a pretty good job of keeping their lives together as they aged. The family life portrayed by these actors and actresses seemed to be something they truly embraced. In my estimation, they saw their roles as influencers as being important.

This was brought to mind this week as I read of the passing of Tony Dow, known for his role as Wally in Leave it to Beaver. Sadly, his death was reported twice, once prematurely. Tony suffered from cancer and that is what sealed his fate at the age of 77.

He was married twice. The second lasted until his passing. That knot was tied for 42 years. Tony fathered one child – a son, Christopher Dow.

The “Beav” (Jerry Mathers) had this to say about his actor friend on a Facebook post: (Tony Dow) was "the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man," whom he had the honor of knowing for nearly 65 years. Few of us could likely attain to such a tribute.

Dow’s son Christopher weighed in on what kind of father he witnessed, saying on Facebook: “He was the best dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero." Worthy of tears to almost any father’s eyes. 

Eddie Haskell, played by Ken Osmond, preceded Tony Dow in passing. So it was Dow who paid tribute to him in May of 2020. As he noted then, “We remained friends for sixty-three years. Plenty of memories!!”

Jerry Mathers commented on Osmond’s acting skill, saying he was the best actor on Leave it to Beaver. Why? Because "in real life (Ken’s) personality was so opposite of the character that he so brilliantly portrayed." He went on to describe Osmond as a "devoted family man," "decorated police officer," and "a wonderful friend."

Decorated police officer? Indeed! While Osmond sought out other acting work after his Eddie Haskell days, apparently producers felt he was too “type-cast.” Years later, the memory of that character faded and Osmond returned to some acting roles. (Imagine being pulled over by policeman Eddie Haskell!)

Fame, and accompanying resulting wealth, will often change or reveal someone’s character in really negative ways. Arrogance can set in. People start believing their own press.

This can happen just as easily to people in business. In the nonprofit world. And, of course, in the ministry.

The writer of Proverbs assessed life this way, “I ask you, God, to let me have two things before I die: keep me from lying, and let me be neither rich nor poor. So give me only as much food as I need. If I have more, I might say that I do not need you. But if I am poor, I might steal and bring disgrace on my God.” Proverbs 30:7-9 (GNT)

That…is wisdom personified!

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.inquisitr.com/6061317/tony-dow-ken-osmond-tribute/