Ahead Of His Time is a photograph by Rory Siegel which was uploaded on September 15th, 2012.
Ahead Of His Time
A portrait of my most beloved Bop who truly was a man Ahead Of His Time. He ran away from home at the age of 13 when his widowed father remarried a... more
by Rory Siegel
Title
Ahead Of His Time
Artist
Rory Siegel
Medium
Photograph
Description
A portrait of my most beloved "Bop" who truly was a man "Ahead Of His Time." He ran away from home at the age of 13 when his widowed father remarried a woman who did not want him in the house. He survived his early years fighting as a featherweight boxer, pretending to be older than he was in order to enter pursed matches. He lived through the great depression, supporting his wife (my "Nonnie"), by personally contacting the local police and fire departments in his city and showing them his own designs and samples for a more cost effective, quality alternative to the uniforms they wore at that time. Then he set up his own manufacturing plant to produce them in quantity! Later in his career, as an executive supervisor in the garment industry, Bop was the first to hire African Americans at a time when it was still a very controversial act. He met the ensuing criticism for his actions with his usual evenness and good temper, finally neutralizing the objections of others. He met my grandmother at a dance hall, went home to meet her parents that first night, and their marriage of 68 years commenced when they married 3 weeks later. The son and grandson of inventors, Bop invented a machine that could measure the stretch in stretch fabrics while working for the White Stag Company. This device saved thousands and thousands of dollars by allowing manufacturers to correctly assess how much fabric was needed in sportswear designs made from stretch fabrics for items such as ski wear. Bop was one of the most honorable, kind, and loving men I have ever known. He traveled the world and was not only admired for his fabulous problem solving skills, but was truly loved for his amazing ability to treat others with unfailing respect and good will. He showered me and the rest of our family with a love that never faltered and had an uncanny ability to calm both people and animals in stressful circumstances. Bop passed away when he was nearly 98 years old...three weeks after my grandmother died. Like the gentle and courteous man that he always had been, he waited for her to go first, but did not want to live in a world that was without her.
Uploaded
September 15th, 2012
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Comments (18)
Sarah Rachel
Oh my goodness what you've written about your beloved Bop just made me cry....what a truly remarkable and wonderful man he was! I believe that love is the only thing that is real in this mysterious world we find ourselves in and to hear such love, really pure love, from you is such a wonderful thing. The photo itself is so full of life and energy that I was instantly drawn to it, I'm very glad I've seen and read this.....I bet Bop was (and is) so very proud of you Rory L/F
Brian Sereda
Dear Rory, Your prose and this image go hand in hand to create a beautiful memory. Well achieved.
Guy Whiteley
this photo and the accompanying story construct the perfect portrait. w-very well done, Rory. f/v
Rory Sagner
Thank you so much Jolanta! It seems like the words just flow right out when I am inspired by love. I am so glad to have touched your loving heart!
Jolanta Anna Karolska
Your story is filled with love, admiration and good memory of your grandpapa - I had tears in my eyes reading the story...and what a fabulous story teller you are Rory...amazing portrait - amazing man! f/v
Rory Sagner
Bop would have been so pleased....I thank you on his behalf for the honor you do both him and I, by featuring "Ahead Of His Time" in the 3-Day USA Artist News group! A wonderful surprise!
Basant Soni
GRAND memorable portrait..best moments captured ...Rory ..+V
Rory Siegel replied:
Hello Basant...so lovely to "see" you..guffaw! Thank you for your sweet comments!
Deborah Benoit
Wow, wish I had know him Rory. He sounds like he was an awesome person. A fabulous tribute to him. f/v
Rory Siegel replied:
Deborah, your comment is so sweet! I wish you could have known him too...and that is partly my motivation for doing this series...to try and share some of what has been so meaningful in my life. Thank you!
Bob Orsillo
Such a dear portrait Rory. Heartwarming description we need more people like him. V/F
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you so much Bob! If I can even give just a glimpse into how amazing these members of my family were/are...then I will be happy. Photographing them played a pivotal role in my evolving love for photography. In seeing all that I loved in them shine through in these photos, it taught me much about the power of what can be achieved and communicated when our hearts, mind, and eyes work together with a camera!
Drinka Mercep
Touching story and emotional photo of wonderful man !!!
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you dear Drinka for all of your insightful comments both here and on FB. I know we share the same love and respect for our families!
Odd Jeppesen
A heartwarming tribute in image and words.
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you dear Odd...your comments are always much appreciated! I hope the article feature on you and your work is bringing you tons of well-deserved attention!!!!