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Last week, I met one of the richest people I've ever met. He has had a hospital named after him, had one of his patients honored on a postage stamp, and has spearheaded an effort to send orthopedic supplies all over the world (5.3 million dollars worth!).
 Born in 1918, Dr. Ronald Garst has lived from East to West in this country and abroad in India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Dominica, Haiti and Dominican Republic. He retired to Maryville into a house he built in the early1980’s. He continues rich living active in wood working, and until recently, collecting orthopedic supplies to send all over the world. This young-at-heart gentleman is 87 years old and recently suffered a stroke. He and his wife have been married for 50 years and he says that meeting her is one of his richest discoveries (when I told her that she wryly replied, “I am going to have to raise his salary!”).
When he was nine years old his family moved from Pennsylvania to Washington State, where he enjoyed life on an apple orchard, riding horses, hunting (mainly rattlesnakes) and Boy Scout camping adventures. His family lived off the farm, and Garst had many experiences of a frontier life. When he was about 12 years old, he was called to be a missionary. He says his parents were his biggest supporters. He never wavered from that goal despite many obstacles life would offer. He says his first wife left him because she didn't share his vision for medical missionary work. During the Christmas season of 1953 while driving to the East Coast to board a ship to India, his second wife was fatally injured and died after 5 days in a coma. He was left with two young children but still traveled to India. He faced numerous struggles with learning the language and passing medical tests before he was finally able to do what he had wanted since a young boy. He served for 35 years in the medical missionary field and has no doubt left an indelible mark on the people of many developing countries.
When I asked what advice he would give to young people, Dr. Garst said, "Find out what you want to do with your life and do it, but don't do it for money." He did what he wanted to because he loved it, and it combined his many interests. He always liked working with his hands and found a way to use that gift in service to others. I have always heard, "Pursue your passion and the money will follow." I think Dr. Garst has proved a different proverb: "Pursue your passion, and you will be rich!"
As an orthopedic surgeon, I am guessing Dr. Ronald Garst could have made millions of dollars in his career. He probably could have lived in the most luxurious house in an exclusive community. He could have traveled first class to fabulous Five Star resorts all over the world and could have golfed his retirement away. Because he defined being wealthy differently than many and stuck to a dream he had as a small boy, hundreds of people all over the world have had richer and more blessed lives. Doctors have been trained to continue the great work he started. There are many people all over this world that are rich because Dr. Ronald Garst pursued his childhood dream. I know he’s wealthy for a life lived with purpose and I am richer for have met him.
Tim Richardson is a professional speaker and author. If you know someone who is Living RICH, please contact Tim online or by calling 865.984.2700. He’s researching people who are Living Rich for a new book he is writing.
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You were outstanding, Tim. Your mix of motivation and sales ideas/skills would be an outstanding addition to any insurance company or association meeting.
Robert N. Bradshaw, Jr.
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Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia
Tim delivered a motivational presentation that was sincere, heartwarming, humorous and educational.
Bob DeVries
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Boeing Aerospace Leadership Chapter
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Gerhard J. Kuti
President/CEO
Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Tim Richardson is one of America’s most talented professional speakers. He is bright and very funny, and his message is highly compelling. He was a terrific close for our conference and we plan to have him back again!
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Managing Director
International Garage Door Assn.
Thank you for your amazing presentation at our 7th Annual conference. Your keynote scored 4.92 out of a possible 5. The fact that you were given two standing ovations for this presentation was another key indicator of how well it was received.
Pat Goodberry-Dyck
Conference Chair
HealthCare Service Excellence Conference
Your presentation was the highlight of our conference. Your motivational and thought-provoking message hit home with our attendess.
Lynn Zeno
Executive Vice-President
Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas
Tim is a fantastic speaker and has a great twist on presenting who "really" is rich in this country. I have been impressed with his character and integrity. Great results naturally follow his presentation as he is careful to weave in detailed knowledge on the subject at hand.
John Register
Associate Director
US Paralympics
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US Bank
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Educational Community Credit Union
I have had the opportunity to listen to many speakers. I can honestly say that none have caused me to remember their presentation so vividly or touch me with their message like Tim. He gave the audience “food for thought” with emotion and a lot of humor.
Anna Portelli
Program Manager
Fox Premier Meetings
Through sincerity, eloquence and often hysteria (he's a really funny guy), Tim gives a motivational speech a totally new twist. And motivated you will be if you choose him for a speaker. I recommend him wholeheartedly.
Debbie Teague
President
NCAHCR
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