I'm not saying it's right.  I'm just saying that I identify that particular flaw in my personal appraisal process.  

And I can apply those electoral standards to just about anyone.  But not Wally Bronner.  Never could.  He was one of those men you met and immediately forgot about the cold world outside.  He was warm, gracious, kind... he embodied Christmas.

I don't know what the man's politics were.  He's the sort of figure everyone would like to claim as their own.  If Wally Bronner supports your candidate, well, you might as well have Saint Nick himself in your corner.  

He was doubtlessly photographed with Republicans, with Democrats, with moderates, liberals and conservatives.  In a world and a country and a State where partisanship knows few bounds and vitriol seems to be all the rage this gentleman wasn't a part of any of that, as much as every candidate touring the store would have liked him to have been.  

Sure, Bronner was a wildly successful businessman.  An entrepreneur.  A marketing genius.  A proud and loyal Michigander.  We could spend all day writing out lists of the wonderful things he was.  But if you asked the man himself, you could put them all together and toss them in the trash.

Wally Bronner was one thing above all else.  He was a man who loved Jesus.  One look at the perpetual smile on his face could convince anyone of that fact.  And he did what he loved.  He reintroduced people to the magic of Christmas.

Now he's with Jesus Himself.  Talk about a culmination of your life's work.  

We're going to miss Mr. Bronner.  Just don't think for a minute that there's anyplace else he'd rather be.