Clovis knows whose character counts

Project: Reader Reaction

Clovis’ public schools are celebrating Character Counts week. A recent Project: Reader Reaction question asked participants for examples of people whose character is a standard for others to follow. Some responses:

“My grandfather, O.H. Gaedke, was a man of impeccable character. He was scrupulously honest, a hard-working businessman who became president of his own agency of the Maryland Casualty Company, and a dedicated family man who assumed lifelong responsibility for his extended family. His life spanned some of the more exciting and some of the more trying times in our country. He was born in 1880 and died in 1959.”

— Billy Gaedke, Clovis

“There is only one person I believe whose character is a standard for all to follow. Everyone should follow his example but no one seems to be able to walk in his footsteps alone. Although many believe they are up to the task they seem to stumble along the path of life. When that happens, he picks them up and guides them back to his footsteps while forgiving them for their indiscretions. We can only hope that some day he will meet us and welcome us to his side.”

— Jim Sitterly, Clovis

“He’s a politician. He stands up for what he believes in. He doesn’t pander to special-interest groups. He stands by his word and makes good on his promises. He’s more interested in doing the right thing than who he offends. He doesn’t care to compromise on things he truly believes in. I’d like to meet him some day.”

— Richard Lopes, Clovis

“There are five people who have so much character that if more people followed their standards the world would be better off. Three of them are brothers; two dead and one living. They would do anything for anyone and you could always count on them to help at church, at a family gathering, a friend in need. I don’t know how my childhood would have turned out if it hadn’t been for these three men and my parents. As it is, I had a wonderful childhood and morals to live by thanks to Gene Wall, Charlie Wall, Herschel Wall and my mother and my father.”

— Ardyth Elms, Clovis

“There is one individual who comes to mind when I think of someone that has a character that should be a standard for others. I don’t want to embarrass him so I’ll just use his first name, Jack. He is a very gentle, humble man. He’s a true old-fashioned cowboy. His manners are impeccable! He tips his hat to the ladies and greets the men with a firm handshake and yes sir. His words of wisdom are always as precise as his stature. He is the standard by which I try to emulate. Thanks Jack for all that you are.”

— Michael Williams, Clovis

“As for someone whose character is a standard for others to follow, I would have to say that it is our mayor (David Lansford). He looks out for the people of his city and cares about them more than any other individual that works for the city. He is people oriented and has showed this by the many functions he partakes in for the residents of his city. He is one outstanding individual.”

— Gerald Majewski, Clovis

“Della Garlitz’s character is charming and genuine. I work with her at Red Lobster. If you go in during the day, during the week, she will greet you at the door, she will make you smile and she will make you feel special. She smiles and always has a positive outlook on every aspect of the day. If you’re down, she brings you up; if you’re sad, she brightens you up. Della sets the standard for character excellence. Della takes the negative and turns it into a positive. Her attitude and spirit will make your day.”

— Tanya Hughes, Clovis

“John M. Carlson, flight instructor, United Aero, is a living role model and should be recognized by us all. ... He is more than worthy.”

— Denver Jones, Clovis

Editor’s note: The Clovis News Journal asks readers to respond via e-mail to a series of questions each week. To participate in Project: Reader Reaction, contact editor David Stevens at :

[email protected]