I remain proud of coining the name "Dinkle Dick" . . . . one of many unintentional accomplishments of my life. But one that endeared me to my Uncle Dick and he to me. A very early memory was a Dinkle Dick visit to Bogota when he gave me a Panel and Girder set. I was (am) all about getting presents. And this one was unique-in two ways. First, I've never since found another like it. Second, it cleverly allowed a four year old to design and erect the beams and girders of a building and then add window panels. It was my fascination with this toy that convinced Dinkle Dick that I was destined to become an engineer. Alas, I disappointed by choosing to be a mere lawyer. Dinkle Dick's obituary accurately states that "[h]e was tenacious in his beliefs." Tenacious he was indeed. I remember several spirited discussions with him at his Cactus International office, challenging why I would chose a profession "that doesn't build anything." He made me think; he made me defend my decision. Somehow I imagine myself a better lawyer for having had to justify the merits of my chosen profession to Dinkle Dick. Over the years we shared a lot in common: love of drafting when I was a high school junior, and an interest in the offshore drilling business, which started in college when I worked on Cactus 101 four summers in a row. Even today, as a natural gas lawyer whose employer owns offshore assets, I retain a strong interest in the offshore oil and gas business, thanks in large part to Dinkle Dick. Thanks for your broad influence on my life. I will miss our lively discussions. At least I can be happy in knowing that you are with my Mother and all those wonderful relatives whose lives were connected with Ames, Oklahoma.
