My Father, Philip Rothman, was a serious man. While he could become interested in irony, and brought to smile by exaggeration, for him, his life was serious—and intensely focused: On taking care of himself and us, supporting the Jewish People, and his country. He rooted for every man, woman and child on earth, of every background, who was working hard, trying to improve his/her life or anyone who was an innocent victim.

Thank you, Reverend Taylor, for being here. You honor us with your presence. I am 62 years of age. When I was 24, I met the 44-year-old Richard Sheffield. By that time in his life, he appeared to me as a combination of and resembled (in many people’s minds) National Football League Legend Jim Brown, and Hollywood Icon, Cary Grant.

Thank you, Rev. Taylor. To Virginia, Gina, all the members of the Drakeford Family, to all of Jack’s dear friends. To all of the distinguished clergy here today, present and past elected officials, especially all the Mayors, Council people and Englewood City workers who had the privilege of knowing and working with Jack Drakeford, to everyone here from Englewood (blood relation or not) who are part of the Englewood family, ladies and gentlemen.