Dick Tupper, pictured in the back of the truck, devoted many years to organizing the annual Founders Festival Botsford Parade.
I heard this story today, second-hand, and while the details are a little sketchy, there’s a truth in it I thought well worth sharing.
Tomorrow at noon, the Farmington Exchange Club will meet to recognize the Farmington Area Goodfellows for the organization’s commitment to making sure no child or senior is without a Christmas.
The two organizations are linked by history. Exchange Club members formed the Farmington Goodfellows group more than 60 years ago, and even though the Goodfellows later became its own entity, the Exchange Club has continued to provide strong support.
When word spread about Dick Tupper’s unexpected death Sunday, some wondered whether the event should move forward. Tupper’s dedication to the Goodfellows is the stuff of legend in Farmington. He worked tirelessly to see that food and gifts were collected, stored, organized, packed and delivered to hundreds of area families in need every holiday season. And he made it look like fun.
A member of the club contacted Donna Tupper to ask whether they should postpone the recognition. Her answer was not at all surprising. Based on all I know and have seen over the past 10 years in this community, putting others before self is just The Tupper Way.
So tomorrow, there’ll be a gathering where stories are shared, along with a few tears, I’m sure. The Goodfellows will receive the thanks they so richly deserve. And next holiday season, they’ll pull together once more and get the job done. Which is also The Tupper Way.
We need more of that, especially now.
–JH-G
