He was my first reference point for character. He was my first role model for achievement. He was my first true friend. He had his flaws. He had his temper. He had his stubbornness. But above all else he had his fierce love of his family. He and my mom adopted me at birth. They took on my new life as their fullest and deepest responsibility. I honor my father every time I weigh what is the right thing to do. I honor him every time I try to be a good man. I honor him every time I fight for a loved one. I honor him a lot. As it should be. Because — even with all his flaws — his best qualities set a standard I have rarely encountered. He will always inspire my journey to be what he knew I could be. In his eyes I was a miracle that appeared out of nowhere to change his world, to change the world. And for five years now he is gone… and I have been left to live the rest of my life without him.
I miss you, Dad. I will always love you. I hope somehow you know that and that you always did.
—Jim Clark is chairman of the World Technology Network.