Bob Thomas Writes

George Lapas

George Lapas acquired wealth in a way everyone should, but few do. His wealth was counted in hundreds of “Selfless Acts of Kindness.” His very last act in this mortal world was an act of kindness. He donated his organs so that others may live, or have a better life. It was not something he had to do. Those who knew him were not at all surprised by his decision.

He had many interests. One was photography. Even this was an act of giving for him. He loved to give away his photos. His satisfaction came from the happiness he dispensed with his photos. His greater hobby was photographing his children and grandchildren, and then showing them to everyone while asking ”aren’t they beautiful?” He loved to spend time on his boat with his family and often spending the day fishing, or wandering the beach searching for shells. He occasionally sprinkled ‘store bought’ shark teeth in the sand for his daughters to find!

His other hobby was helping people. He gave food, money, housing, his time, his knowledge and himself to help anyone who needed it. He gave not for recognition or reward, but because he saw a need to help someone. He sought out the weak, powerless, mistreated and abused people in his word and gave them comfort, opportunity, encouragement and hope. He excited them with his enthusiasm and implanted in them the realization that their life could be better if they were willing to ‘do the work’ required. And he showed them how to accomplish their goals and kept them on the path to fulfillment with his constant faith in their ability to succeed.

Laughter was not only the spice of life to him it was the elixir that made life enjoyable. Everyday, even on his worst days, George laughed. He was in the business of caring for children. He was a founder of Nova, Inc., group homes for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children. Prior that that he was with private and state run facilities for the mentally and physically handicapped. 

I suspect that just living a good life, one of “Selfless Acts of Kindness,” would be his greatest accomplishment. He truly understood that the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time. Thankfully, he took us, the people he touched, along for the ride. For that, I will be eternally grateful to him.

Bob Thomas