Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Gottschalk left behind noble legacy

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

Thank the good Lord for people like Bob Gottschalk.

We think of them as "the salt of the earth."

They go through life with dignity. They do not seek public adoration nor notoriety. Their legacy is a loving family and the esteem of friends and associates.

Bob Gottschalk, a Lovelock rancher, was remembered recently at a memorial service attended by most of the residents of the small Nevada community.

The tributes paid to him by family members and friends were reminders that the world would be a much less pleasant place if it weren't inhabited by good and decent men and women.

Although Bob Gottschalk would never think of himself as a successful man, those who knew and loved him know better.

True success in life is not to be judged by fabulous wealth or great homage. Rather, it is how we use our time on Earth. Have we gained the respect of our peers?

We don't ask questions such as, "How did he die?" Instead we say, "How did he live?" Not, "What did he gain?," but "What did he give?"

As a navigator on a B-25 bomber in World War II, Bob Gottschalk faced the perils of war with the same courage that helped him through some difficult times as he and his life partner took on the back-breaking task of establishing a successful ranch operation.

Sixty years of marriage, an adoring family, hundreds of friends and the respect of an entire community was the reward.

There are many, like Bob Gottschalk, who live lives of integrity dedicating themselves to family and community and leaving without great fanfare. They are the backbone of our society -- the true hope for the future.

Bob Gottschalk was such a man. Would there were more like him.

Guitarist and vocalist Don Mac Lagan shares my opinion of some of our contemporary music -- we don't like it.

Mac Lagan sent me a disc, "A Sentimental Journey with Don Mac Lagan," which contains many old favorites and songs he performs serenading seniors at various day centers.

Another disc came from Barney Rawlings -- a gift of music that contains his famed rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has taken some pretty good hits lately. Although the critics must get under his skin occasionally, he needn't worry. Re-election is a sure thing.

Goodman is no politician. Perhaps that accounts for his popularity.

Readers are still submitting "remember whens" as a result of a recent column item.

The latest is a reminder from a former showroom waiter who remembers when you didn't need tickets for the shows in the Strip hotels.

At the late show you could see star entertainment for the price of a drink or two -- and, or course, that tip for the waiter.

"If you can't grow old gracefully, do it the best way you can." -- Sunshine Magazine.