My Secret Superhero: An Ode to the Mentor Who Doesn’t Know He Is

Gary: My Accidental Mentor

Let me tell you about Gary—the man, the myth, the legend, who has no idea he’s my Obi-Wan Kenobi. We’ve worked in the same local government for over a decade, yet our face-to-face encounters were rare. Gary was a creature of the night, a graveyard shift guru, thanks to life’s unpredictable curveballs.

While the rest of us tackled the nine-to-five grind, Gary kept the financial ship afloat under the pale glow of fluorescent lights. He was the silent guardian, the watchful protector of our residents’ hard-earned money. Before diving into the weekly (or nightly) reconciliations and month-end closings, his favorite email sign-off to our team was a cryptic but comforting directive: “Touch the rec.” It referred to an imaginary rock we’d all metaphorically tap for luck before plunging into the depths of financial reconciliations.

A Beacon of Integrity

When the pandemic hit, Gary’s meticulously organized heart shone through. His unwavering commitment to accuracy and integrity wasn’t just a job requirement—it was an internal compass. For Gary, precision and honesty were non-negotiable. When he retired, I thought that was the end. But the universe had other plans, ensuring his integrity remained my anchor. His final email included a poetic nod to the LA Freeway—a classic Gary-ism, understated yet profound, symbolizing the steady flow of progress he embodied.

Gary’s integrity wasn’t loud or showy; it was in the small, consistent actions. Every transaction, no matter how minor, was handled with meticulous care. You could set your watch by his adherence to deadlines and his dedication to getting things right. In a world where corners are often cut, Gary was a steadfast beacon of doing things the way they should be done.

The Guardian of Every Penny

When discrepancies arose—the kind that could easily be swept under the rug—Gary dove into the numbers with the tenacity of a bloodhound. Not to point fingers, but to uncover the truth and ensure every penny was accounted for. He safeguarded taxpayer dollars with meticulous bank reconciliations, treating each one with the respect it deserved. His quiet dedication spoke volumes about his character.

His integrity extended to his colleagues. Despite rarely sharing the same shift, Gary was known for fairness, honesty, and respect, regardless of someone’s position. No gossip, no favoritism—just consistent professionalism and genuine decency.

A Quiet Influence

Gary wasn’t the loudest voice (mostly because he worked nights), but his quiet example shaped our team’s culture. He built trust through consistent, honest actions—doing the right thing even when no one was watching. That’s what true integrity looks like.

Since his retirement, our communication has grown into a genuine friendship. What started as work-related questions has evolved into updates about family, pets, and life’s absurdities. He shares snippets of his running routine, his aging dogs, and his love for his wife and family with a quiet humility that’s utterly endearing.

Here’s to Gary

So here’s to Gary, my accidental mentor. He taught me resilience through his quiet battles, integrity by being himself, and the power of understated wisdom. He probably thinks I just send occasional friendly emails. Little does he know, he’s my secret superhero, reminding me to “Touch the rec” before facing my own daily battles, armed with the lessons in integrity he unknowingly instilled. Thank you, Gary!

The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here

Your daily dose of digital delight continues below!

Curious about my journey from dragons to dollars? Check out my post on The Debit of My Dreams, The Credit of My Reality for a tale of how a shy comic book lover became a finance manager!

Curious about canine-led chaos? Read my post on My Budget’s a Work of Art, but My Dog Runs the Show for a tail-wagging take on financial plans!