J. Verl Silvester -- cowboy, poet, actor, author.
We met at the Banning, California Stagecoach Days. I was immediately taken with his quick smile, wit, and charm.
Mr. Silvester shared with the crowd his "Code of the West", an epic poem that read more like a conversation between one who's lived an honest, principled life of hard work and a youngster just starting out in this world. Heartfelt and earnest in his delivery, Mr. Silvester explained that life's rewards are found in honesty, respect, responsibility, and good old-fashioned courtesy. I know I wasn't the only one in attendance with goosebumps. The awe on the faces of the crowd said volumes.
Part Gary Cooper, part Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, Glenn Ford, and yet wholly himself, Mr. Silvester embodies the definition of gentleman, of the American West.
I wanted so much to take his words with me to share with my son and daughter so they might have the chance to apply the ideas to their lives and share them with their friends. These are the words our children need to hear, the words we all need to hear, and the principles we could all stand to implement in our lives.
It's with great hope our paths cross again soon, so that I can thank him once more for his inspiration and vision of what we all can be.
To some, he might just be a cowboy, a poet, an actor, or an author, but to me and many others, he's a hero.
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