Kristina
Morrison
Tribute
Speech
I
would like to thank everyone who was able to make it out tonight to help
celebrate the retirement of a man, who quite frankly no one thought would ever
retire. So no one be surprised if a month from now, we’re having a “coming out
of retirement party.” But in case this retirement does stick, I would like to
go ahead on with my speech as prepared.
We
are here today to celebrate both a life and death; the life of Mr. Jeff
Morrison, but the death of his career. He has not only been a role model for me
in his work ethic, but a role model in his actions, a role model in his
achievements, and a role model in his compassion (anaphora). We have laughed because
of you; we have cried because of you; we have sworn because of you; and tonight
we are here because of you (epostrophe).
Most
people take college to decide on a career path, then change it, and follow a
new one after college. Not Jeff. As most of you here
know, Jeff went into college knowing exactly what he wanted to do and what he
wanted to be. He knew this because he had been working since he was seven.
Although he has no farm land to show for this anymore, his roots have always
stuck with him. He was the third person in his entire family to attend college,
a feat he does not take enough credit for. He graduated from
“Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you (chiasmus).” This is a motto my
father has always lived by. He has instilled this into us. Don’t ever cheat.
Don’t ever lie. Don’t ever concede when you’re right. Don’t ever have regrets (parallelism).
As I stand here and look at all of you, I realize that each of you have been
affecting by Jeff in some way personally or professionally. You had to have
been, because let’s face it, Jeff doesn’t have any friends. My mom, my sister
and I put up with him because we have to, but you are here because you chose to
be. You are here with us tonight to honor a man who has been a friend and
colleague.
I
have known Jeff my whole life, as most daughters would. He sometimes questions
his paternal ties, but after one look at the pumpkin head on me, I cannot be
denied as his daughter. Born and raised a daddy’s girl, it was only fitting
that I be the one to talk about him. I can remember even from a young age my
father telling me one thing every day before I would leave for school. He would
say “What are you gonna do today?” and I would respond by saying, “Learn
something, and act like somebody.” These words have always stuck with me. I
have always believed that if I followed them, I would find success.
My
father has always encouraged my sister and I to do
whatever it is in life that makes us happy. Money is good, and stability is
great, but if you’re not happy with what you’re doing it will never stick. I
can remember back in college when my dad would ask me what it is I want to do
after I graduate. For the longest time I didn’t know. I think even after I
graduated I still didn’t know. But he was always there to encourage me to find
a career. Not a job. A career is something you work towards to build on. A job
is something you constantly want to take a break from. I want to thank him for
all his encouragement, and for keeping me focused so that I could find
happiness in what I do, just like him. Dad, you have been the driving force and
true pillar of guidance in my life (synecdoche).
“To
err is human; to forgive, divine (antithesis).” Today we must forgive my dad for
retiring, but more so, we must forgive my mom for anything she might do to him
since she will now have to suffer through 24/7 “pull my finger” and “The Little
Rascals” movie marathon.
I
am blessed to be here tonight and to share in the life and times of the great
Jeff Morrison. May retirement be everything you hoped for.
May you travel the world with the limited means you have left that won’t be
spent on grandchildren and may the grass always be mowed. I would like to thank
you all for being here tonight, and would wish for you all to now raise your
class with me in honor of my dad. Happy Retirement!