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I hope I’m not overstepping here, but since I read the news yesterday, I’ve been thinking that it would be nice to have a thread in which we thank Jonathan for the various ways he touched our lives, whether it be as a writer or just a manager of our finances. I’m hoping it’s something his family might enjoy reading when they’re ready.
So here’s mine:
Unlike many of you who go back to Jonathan’s WSJ days, I only discovered him and HumbleDollar in 2020, early in the pandemic. I don’t recall exactly how I came across it, but I definitely remember reading Dick Quinn’s articles about being stuck on the cruise ship after COVID hit. I think those were the first ones, and then I started poking around through the other articles, and subscribed to the twice-weekly newsletter.
Over the next couple of years, I began to think about proposing an article myself to Jonathan and even started keeping a list of ideas. Finally, in early 2023, I got up my nerve and wrote to him. He couldn’t have been more welcoming, encouraging, and helpful. Between 2023 and when HD stopped publishing articles, I published 9 pieces edited by Jonathan. I was so impressed that he shared the platform he’d created with such a wide variety of people. I’m no financial expert—honestly, I barely understand investing—but like so many other HD authors, I had life experience and stories to share.
So thank you, Jonathan, for giving me a seat at this table and helping me find my voice.
What about you? Please share here if you feel moved to do so.
Thank you, Jonathan.—Dana Ferris
Dana, I am late in responding to your touching tribute to Jonathan, mainly because my relationship with Jonathan was one that was deeply bonded, and yes even intimate. In Jonathan’s own words it was, strange to say, a “cancer bond”. Of course, Jonathan was both complimentary and encouraging of my writing, as he was to so many writers.
And he was compassionate and caring. He told me that if I should pass, he would publish an obituary for me on Humble Dollar, if my husband would inform him. I was deeply touched. We exchanged emails in which he would tell me of his treatments and even apologize for his “whining” as he termed it. I felt only honored that he shared such intimate details with me. It is difficult for me to write this. I don’t want to dwell on my illness but instead, as another sufferer put it “fight like hell for every day.”
I am thankful to have had Jonathan and his kind, sweet nature in my life.
Thank you for this, Marjorie, and I’m so sorry for all you’re going through. It’s kind of you to contribute to the thread when you’re fighting your own battle. 🙏
Marjorie,
One of my final private emails to Jonathan was to ask if he knew where the heck Marjorie had been. It seems you are among the most beloved of HumbleDollar contributors. The place isn’t the same without you.
Dan
Dan, I’m overwhelmed by your kind words. I look forward to the humor you you include in your posts and as an animal lover, I enjoy hearing about Sophie. Thank you Dan.