DWIGHT G. STAUFFER

I first met Mr. Stauffer when I was in third grade and read one of his mystery stories set in Canada. Later I met him in person when I began to hang out with Alan in high school. Although it was a short time that I knew him and his family I loved the time I spent there. I was an avid reader so fit right in. I especially cherish the memories of many bridge games played.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Alan. Reading your tribute has given me a better insight as to where you get your wonderful manners, kind and generous spirit, and love of storytelling. I am sure that you have made your father proud.

Dwight was my pilot to and from AG in the 80's when we car-pooled to work from Cleveland Heights.
He always had great stories to tell-- WWII and more recently, how he cared for the property and fruit trees at this home which was once part of the Severance Estate.
He was the "go-to" guy for our office at the time and always helpful and gracious.
He was sort of the "dad" to all of us new kids on the block in Editorial.
Dwight was of the era when the workplace was sociable, generous, and refined.
He always had good insights and instant coffee to share-- so pre Starbucks!
Rest happily in peace, Dwight.

Dad will be remembered for many things by many people, but I believe that everyone shared in the recognition of a man with a lot of "God" in him. By that, I mean that there was a fundamental goodness about him, like is often labeled charisma, that was attractive and noticeable before he opened his mouth and confirmed every time he did. Dad advised us children that if we couldn't say something nice about a person, don't say anything. The worst words ever uttered by him about another was when he was challenged by my wife about an impossible co-worker that he was forced to work with for a week at American Greetings. "She can be a challenge," he admitted reluctantly. I heard him swear only once in his lifetime. I stood by him at his workbench as he slammed his thumb with a hammer. He said, "Oh damn," in a very conversational tone. I had to learn proper swearing technique elsewhere. He was also a great entertainer, from his very readable published books for young readers to the wonderful stories he created for us children (Hoppalong, the droopy eared bunny, and Poppa Dophine and the Time Machine), the games of rolling the hassock to tag laughing kids as we crawled around the darkened house, to the ticklish ending of the lovable Princeton Tiger poem (which he still could recite to and delight his great-grandchildren with). That and the long recited from memory epic poems, "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and "The Cremation of Sam McGee". Still, he was a better listener than a talker. His easy laugh inspired his family to grow confident that we too were entertaining, and I will miss hearing that perhaps more than anything. He was laughing and showing his love right up to the end of his life. His integrity, love of family, life and especially my mother, is an inspiration that has and will carry me through my life. I will miss him fiercely, and yet am joyful that he has passed into his reward for a life very, very well lived. - Alan Stauffer

Dwight was my pilot to AG when we car-pooled to the west side in the 80's. He always had great stories to tell-- WWII and more recently how he enjoyed his family and Cleveland Hts. property which was part of the Severance Estate, I recall. At the time, he had fruit trees in the backyard that he cared for.
He also enjoyed telling about family travels with his beloved wife, Margy.
He was always a helpful and gracious co-worker and an efficient editor who was the "go to guy" in editorial. We liked having him as sort of a dad figure to us "kids"! in the office. He always had instant coffee available, too-- pre-Starbucks, for sure!
Dwight was of the era when the workplace was sociable and gracious and mannerly, and his dedication to excellence defined those attributes for us.
May he rest happily and in peace.