Dan Cunliffe

Dan Cunliffe II said that his father taught him about honesty, integrity and generosity to others.

“The life lessons he taught me did not occur by simply sitting down and telling me things, but these lessons came in daily doses of observing his actions,” said Cunliffe, who continues working in the family business that his father, Dan Cunliffe, started in 1984 — Republic Jewelry and Collectibles.

“An elderly woman had come in to our store to sell her diamond ring. She told my dad that she had it appraised years before and she wanted to sell it for the appraised value,” said the younger Cunliffe. “He told the woman that he would be happy to pay her the amount she was asking for, but he would much prefer to pay her what it was worth — more than double her asking price.

“It is honesty and integrity such as that which helped my father build the successful business we have today,” said Cunliffe.

The elder Cunliffe is 70 years old, semi-retired and splits his time between homes in Auburn, Maine and Florida.

Pastor Ronald J. Meldrum

Ron Meldrum, of New Vineyard, learned many things from his father Pastor Ronald J. Meldrum. Beginning in 1959, his father pastored eight different churches in Missouri and Maine, including 25 years in his hometown of Kingfield, Maine.

For Meldrum, two lessons stand out from among many.

“Although our inclination may be to toss people out of our lives when they offend us, they betray us, or they otherwise become unlovable, if we continue to invest in their lives, we would be surprised at the blessing they bring,” said Meldrum.

“The race is not necessarily won by the swift or the smart, but will nearly always be won by the one with patience and endurance,” added Meldrum. “Just hang in there.”

His father passed away at 79 years of age in February 2011. Today, Meldrum is a minister at the same church where his father preached.

Richard Shea

Joshua Shea has earned media attention as a journalist, magazine editor, film festival creator and Auburn City Councilor. His father’s words of wisdom helped  guide him through all of those positions.

“I recall him once saying to me when I was a teenager that I could, even at that age, be dropped into any situation in any city and he wouldn’t doubt my ability to survive — and thrive,” said Shea. “Hearing that I’d be fine, and even do well in any situation, has allowed me to have the courage to begin any new adventures.”

Shea’s father, Richard, is 63 years old and lives in Lewiston.

Paul LaBonte

Jonathan LaBonte, of Auburn, has had no shortage of adventures. As executive director of the Androscoggin Land Trust and as mayor of Auburn, LaBonte has quickly become a voice for progress in the Twin Cities.

His career path stays grounded by words from his father, Paul LaBonte, 56 years of age and manager of the Bell Simons Company warehouse in Auburn.

The elder LaBonte imparted the wisdom that, “Family should always be a priority in your life and that you must be there for your family when they need you,” said LaBonte. “This helped me realize it was more important to find meaningful work that would keep me close to family.”

Raymond Miclon

Mike Miclon is a true performer having run his own theater in Buckfield, and most recently taking on the task as executive director of Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center in Gardiner.

His father, Raymond Miclon, who turned 78 in April, has had a big impact on what Miclon does. The most significant lesson, especially for a performer, was to be a good host and tell a good story.

“Growing up I watched my father host many get-togethers and I loved to watch him welcome his friends and entertain them. My Dad was always the life of the party,” said Miclon. “I learned his sense of humor and how to be a good host.”

Wallace Gleason

Auburn radio station owner and entrepreneur Dick Gleason has thrived in business based on a simple exchange with his father, Wallace Gleason, who passed away in 1981.

“I can remember in high school when I said to my father that I wanted to run for vice president of the class. He said ‘Vice president? You should run for president!’ So, I did and won,” said Gleason. “That spirit helped me to get through college and then buy my own business. Anyone in business knows it takes confidence and courage. Now, 38 years later, I’m still in business. Thanks, Dad.”