George Schloegel: A Legacy of Life Lessons from the Beekeeper
George Schloegel may have been known as a consummate negotiator and a responsible businessman, but behind the scenes, he was also a beekeeper with a passion for helping both humanity and his beloved bees. In this article, we'll explore the life lessons we can glean from the late George Schloegel, who left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Far from the world of marble halls and conference tables, George Schloegel dedicated his time to caring for tiny, buzzing workers with a mission of their own. He was not your typical beekeeper, often seen in stylish suits and polished shoes. I first met George during a visit to the Mississippi Capitol, where he greeted everyone with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and an open invitation to the Gulf Coast Legislative Reception. He took a genuine interest in people, asking about their work and families. Little did I know that years later, I would be dating his son, Mark. George and Peggy, his wife, welcomed me with open arms into their remarkable family.
One sunny afternoon, George invited me to join him in tending to his beehives at their home. Dressed in his beekeeper suit with a smoker in hand to gently encourage the bees to leave the hive, he showcased his deep knowledge of beekeeping. With precision and care, he disassembled, repaired, and cleaned the hives. Then, together, we watched as the bees returned home to their hives. When I asked how he had become so skilled in beekeeping, he laughed and said he had watched a lot of YouTube videos. This was George - always eager to learn and share his knowledge.
Much like the bees in his hives, George believed that the best outcomes in life happened when people worked together harmoniously. He ensured that his employees and colleagues had the essential support and resources to thrive, fostering a spirit of teamwork. The results were often as smooth and sweet as honey.
Just as bees communicate within their colonies to gather food, avoid threats, and share the workload, George was the ultimate communicator. His words of encouragement inspired others to be their best, to course-correct when necessary, and to seize the day because tomorrow is never promised.
In the hive, bees live for a short time, but their legacy is a hive brimming with honey and healthy bees to continue their essential work. George understood that taking care of even the smallest among us, like these bees, provided a strong foundation for life.
George's legacy was one of goodness, not material wealth. He left behind a legacy of salvation, respect, and kindness towards others. His love for his Gulfport community, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the world was evident in his relentless efforts to leave these places better than he found them.
On the day of his passing, George had plans to visit New Orleans to see "What a Wonderful World" at the Saenger Theatre with his family. In retrospect, isn't that exactly what George Schloegel, the beekeeper, helped create for each of us? He made the world a better place by pushing us to reach our potential, assuring us that things would be okay, and teaching us how to make our own "hive" - our world - a better place.
As the lyrics of "What a Wonderful World" go, "I see friends shaking hands. Saying, 'How do you do?' They're really saying, 'I love you.'" George, we love you forever. Your legacy lives on, not just in honey but in the hearts of all those you touched.
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