golf TForrest; What would you say the most significant single act you performed in your life would be? ~Jdiggins

 

.

Most significant act? Hmmmm…
I guess it would be when I married Peggy almost sixty-one years ago, because she has played a major role in everything that has happened to me since then. But I don’t think you were asking for that kind of answer, so let me think.

In 1954 I played golf at Scott AFB with Lt/col Bill Hale. I was a lowly 2/Lt but we became fast golfing and fishing friends. He was the administrative assistant to the general who commanded all of the combat crew training in the Air Force. At Bill’s prompting, the general asked me to become his aide de camp.

The three of us travelled a big hunk of the world meeting with commanders who would influence my assignments for the next fifteen years. I was able to pick what I wanted. When the general retired Bill and I served together in Europe and Africa. He named one of his sons Forrest. Later Bill worked for me in our Santa Fe gallery. So I guess meeting Bill Hale was the most significant act I performed in my life. He’s gone now but his influence lingers.f

 

33 Comments

  1. Thanks Forrest!

    How special your friendship with Bill sounds, and your answer of ‘marrying Peggy’ is……..Although it has only been 26 years for me, ‘marrying Mahlon’ would have to be my most significant act. He’s been my most valuable treasure found.

    Over sixty years of marriage…..seems like you should be asked the customary question of ‘what’s your secret to a long marriage?’ I’m not thinking you will offer a standard answer…lol….. Do you think we can guess it?

    Jenny Kile
  2. Funny you should ask that question Jenny. A few years ago Peggy and I were having lunch with Senator Alan K. Simpson and his wife Ann. They were celebrating 47 years of marriage and I asked him the question you just asked me. He said, “Ann and I have a rule, we never go to bed mad.” And Ann quickly replied, “Yeah, we just stay up and fight.” Of course we all laughed and I learned later that they used that comic routine every time the question came up. I was going to tell that story in my book TFTW but Peggy talked me out of it by saying that someone might believe it’s true.

    I have had a few arguments with my wife but she has never had one with me. She learned early in our 61-year old marriage that when she sensed a serious discussion was on the way she would say, “Well honey, I’m sure you’re right,” and she’d walk away. That always worked for us because she was willing to let me win, knowing that in 5 minutes we were going to do it her way. And I was always happy because I won the argument. f

      1. Congratulations on 61 years of making it work. What a terrific example to your grandkids. Marriage takes effort and Peggy is a smart woman. Also, it can’t hurt that Forrest is fun and willing to concede. No one wants all of life to be serious with someone telling them how everything must be done.

        lia
  3. Marriage has to be one the most significant things people do. I’ve been married since 1979. I say it that way because I don’t have my calculator to know how many years that’s been. Our secret is that we have different locations in the house we retreat to in the evening. Kind of like, making bells during dancing with the stars 🙂

  4. Congratulations on your anniversary coming up in a month. Anyone being married as long as y’all have are truly in love and know how to live together. It seems so many don’t understand it. I just shared my 14th year anniversary with the love of my life a few days ago. It’s always an adventure and lots of fun. Congratulations again!

  5. Forrest Fenn, I admire the fact that you choose to talk about two influential people when answering this question rather than talking about your many accomplishments. I think you prove the point of the old saying that the way to great friendships is to be a great friend.

  6. Thank you for answering my question, Forrest. I admire your decision that your most significant act(s) involved others. Congratulations to you and Peggy for your blessed marriage. And, it just so happens, much of my own significant acts have to do with a man named Bill too! 🙂

  7. Don’t know how you get on the waiting list of asking Fenn questions through here but here is a most:

    f,
    Correct me if I’m wrong but you once said there are lots of placed warm waters halt in the Rocky Mountains. Now would you say there a lot of home of Brown’s as well? Or would the answer to that be too revealing.

  8. Wow, this means so much more now. As does everything. I think we are truly blessed with you, Forrest. Truly blessed. Regardless of what anyone else might say, I think you’re alright! I hope you are feeling well, and enjoying the warmth of test questions and your little fire. God Bless.

    Jdiggins
  9. So, something I predict, Forrest Fenn has achieved legend. No matter how many years, decades, millennia….Forrest shall never be forgotten. He is the embodiment of what legends are made of.

    Thank you Mr. Fenn, for your investment in the future. Thank you for making a profound difference in our lives.

  10. I think I’m a little puzzled with the comment that he could choose whatever assignment being a Second Lieutenant. I don’t know much of anything about military protocol, and don’t know if this is possible. As for the long friendship, it’s very nice to have a friend like that. Certainly a different kind of treasure.

    pdenver
    1. A long time friend is a true treasure!

      However, I’m wary of posers.

      This week I discovered one I considered a true friend was in reality a long time stalker who for many years wished my entire family diabolical harm. What’s wrong with people, that they can’t just leave others alone?
      Seems like Ive heard forest ask that same question.

      Anna bloom
      1. Sorry to hear about your misfortune Annabloom. My family has suffered a few of those types in the past.

        There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who just want to be left alone, and those who will just never leave you alone.

        tomtom
    2. PDenver, I’m so glad you posted on this thread today. I noticed my post above and can say with the same feelings…I still feel the exact same way.

      I think Forrest is amazing. What he has done is amazing. Could we, would we all be as amazing? I think that is the quest for me.

      A random thought: Being amazing puts a person under a microscope that few would willingly tolerate, or survive. He has done both with grace.

      Twingem
  11. Anna, I’m sorry you were harmed.

    Sadly, some people’s “most significant acts” involve sexually abusing innocent children; and are sick enough to brag about it publicly after the Statute of limitations ran out.

    Butt I’m sure Peggy (and ff) would agree those guys should be castrated and locked up for life. With the abuse done in Catholic Churches & Hollywood, I believe statute of limitation victim laws will be changed.

    https://www.rainn.org/pdf-files-and-other-documents/Public-Policy/Legal-resources/2009-Statutes/09MontanaStatutes.pdf

    Stade

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