With a funeral that appeared to draw at least half of the business-people of West Auckland (and then some) last Thursday, Danny Lendich clearly impacted a vast many lives.
His ‘Celebration of Life’ turned out to be a colourful but deep and meaningful lesson for those now living.
The event was led by Club Physical member and former lawyer, Bernie Allen (pictured below in foreground).
With the powerful and poignant backdrop of ten massive Kenworth Lendich trucks, a number of people spoke about their experiences with Club Physical’s landlord – Danny, along with most family members.
The lessons I learned – Danny was clearly no angel, a tough rugby player, and in business and life, sometimes dishing out his own sense of justice. But despite a lack of traditional schooling, he was born with a fierce determination to succeed. Rarely taking ‘no’ for an answer, Danny would push through obstacles and make things happen.
He was extremely generous to several who spoke and that included his time and resources, often without hesitation. And family came first. Several who came forward, speaking of ‘special times’ and their love for him. Friends did the same. Danny and his wife Dianne built the Wendy’s Restaurants to over twenty locations and the Lendich earthmoving business even expanded overseas.
Meanwhile, those in the car-racing scene, including Western Springs, spoke of Dannys commitment, generosity, his energy and enthusiasm. It’s a wonder how he did find time to regularly phone many friends and family late at night.
In contrast to this man, who had a massive impact on many, I reflected on those not so focussed. Sadly there are those who’s view of life is so small, that they steal from others, who regularly get drunk and drugged, who beat their wives and swear at their kids. Then I thought about how absolutely vital to each of our futures it is to think about the stories we will leave behind us. Will YOU leave a legacy of love and respect. Of having cared about others. Of how you stood by your family. Of how you drew the courage to build and not to destroy. Everyday counts. Every moment counts.
Every time you interact with another precious human being, it’s an opportunity. The next few minutes in your life will quickly become history that you can never change. Will, what you do today make you proud tomorrow? Thanks for the lessons, Danny.
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