Where Did They Go?

A couple of days ago a generational change happened in our family. While Darrell Earl Sutor was a distant cousin at the age of 95 he represented a generation that we shall dearly miss. He was part of a generation that grew up on the Kansas prairie. A cattleman at heart and soul. He was born in 1920. When the Sutor Brothers ranch was broken up and passed to the heirs he was 18. The United States entered World War Two when he was 21. He didn't serve in the military during the war. He tried to enlist twice and was turned away both times. It was not an issue of health or any other inability. He was told some men had to stay behind to raise the crops and livestock that would feed the troops. While others went to fight he had to stay and do his part at home. His part of the effort was as vital as the soldiers. 

I want to share two portions of his obituary. 

"Darrell Earl Sutor passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 95. He was born on August 1, 1920 just 3 ½ miles southwest of Zurich, Kansas, on Rooks County Section 5-10-19, to Earl and Eliza (Rogers) Sutor. That particular quarter of ground was owned by his grandmother Martha Sutor, and when Darrell was 5 years old the family moved ½ mile west of Zurich so he could start walking to school. Darrell was almost 7 when his sister Darline was born and in 1931, the family moved to Section 21-10-19 which was four miles south of Zurich. Both farmsteads were owned by the Sutor brothers." 

"It has been said the Cattleman’s Motto is: “If it’s not yours, don’t take it. If it’s not true, don’t say it. If it’s not right, don’t do it.” Darrell lived every day of his life, teaching us by example, how to work hard and be thankful for what we have, and how to love one another through everything we say and do. Not just because it’s right, but because it’s the only way a true cattleman should live."

I was struck by the Cattleman's Motto.

If it's not yours, don't take it. If it's not true, don't say it. If it's not right, don't do it.

Simple, clear, honest and sincere. Regular readers of this blog know I reduced the 10 commandments to the simple admonishment, "Don't be an asshole." Darrell and his generation did it much better. Isn't that the world we all want to live on. Three simple sentences to live by. His generation was trying to create a better world. What do we do now? Play Pokemon Go? They have to announce on the news telling people to look up from their phones while they are chasing something that isn't there. People are walking into light posts, in front of moving traffic and off of cliffs. Chasing something that isn't there. We are stupid. We are self centered and self absorbed. There are far too many of us who talk but don't live up to our words. Sign contracts they will not fulfill. Lie to gain advantage. A handshake and a verbal agreement meant everything to men like Darrell. Now, men agree to things in writing that they never intend to do. Promises they will never keep. 

They, Darrell and his generation, tried to show us how to live. We, or at least too many of us, were looking for an easier, looser way. Hard work, no way. Let's find a shortcut. It doesn't matter how you get money. Just how much you get. Doesn't matter who gets hurt as long as you are happy. 

So Darrell and his generation have passed from our lives. We will never see a generation like them again. We may never even fully appreciate what we have lost. We need more cattlemen.