G. Homer Durham (1911–1985)

It is refreshing to read the biography of a man was an honest politician, and did a lot of good in the process.

"I couldn't save money at twenty-five cents an hour, not very much of it anyway. Father said, 'If you can borrow the money, I'll spare you from the farm so you may go to Normal School.' I went to the bank (and) trembled as I sat in the manager's office, waiting to see if I could borrow $400 to go to Normal School. ... 'Very well. If you are N. W. Tanner's boy, we'll let you have the money.' ... After that I wouldn't let my Dad's name down for anything. (Page 19)

"Sara remembers that her courtship with Eldon was dull, 'judging from the standards of today.' She was not particularly anxious to marry, since she did not consider many of the marriages happy that she observed." (Page 25)

"He credits his philosophy for ... success. 'Children will do what you expect them to do. Congratulate them and compliment them on what they are doing and good things that they do. ... I tried to show them that I had confidence in them and expected them to progress and amount to something.' " (Page 31)

The Social Credit Party was first mentioned on page 48.

Developing Oil resources

"Oilmen classify both men [Tanner and Manning] as 'political freaks' possessed of 'fantastic honesty.' No one thinks there is the slightest chance of corrupting either." (Page 102) This is a highlight of the book. I just told one of my sons that 'total honesty' is an important element of success, and then I read this page. What great timing? "To many he was referred to as 'Mr. Integrity.' ... He has been in many positions where it has been easy or common to accept bribes or show favors or to be tempted to be a bit worldly. But he never gave in to such temptations." (Page 135)

"By 1952 Eldon Tanner had decided that his contribution to the government and economy of Alberta had been made. ... The Government had reduced its debt payment from 50 to 5 percent of the provincial budget. ..." (Page 104-105) "one has only to look around him to see the network of paid-for-roads, the public buildings, the new schools, and many other projects financed directly or indirectly by this oil revenue, to appreciate the results of this policy evolved by Mr. Tanner..." (Page 105-106)

"The service we give is the price we pay for the privilege of living in this world. The type of service we give will determine the kind of world we will live in." Given at his retirement from government service. (Page 108)

"It was not a question of whether we would have company to Sunday dinner, it was simply a matter of how many." (Page 113-114) "Not to have company for Sunday dinner was an event to write into the diary." (Page 133)

"Though Eldon had to make time count, he also knew hot to enjoy life, and he played as hard as he worked." (Page 121)

"If I find I can beat anybody, I am going to quit playing golf, because that's evidence I am spending too much time at it... Eldon's recreational activities were usually people-oriented." (Page 123)

"... as I was growing up I thought the one and only virtue was dependability." (Page 136)

"Nonmembers said (David O. McKay) 'looked like a prophet." (Page 200)

"One must never forget that vigilance is the price of liberty, ... I often think that we have become indolent and careless and fail to appreciate what we have because we are just too comfortable and well taken care of." (Page 223)

Brigham Young University gave its Executive of the year aware to President Tanner. ... and described the ten outstanding qualities of his character:
"1. Integrity. ... from Hamlet: 'this above all to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, you can not be false to any man.' ...
2. The art of listening. ...
3. Considered decisions President Tanner never "shoots from the hip." ...
4. Objectivity. ...
5. An unusual mind. ...
6. He treats all men with respect. ...
7. He unhesitatingly will acknowledge an error and does not dwell on the errors of others. Nor does he bear grudges. ...
8. He is an outstanding citizen of his community. ...
9. Honor of parents. ...
10. He is loyal to his leader. ..." (Page 281-283)

"I am convinced, ... that more people, in fact all of us, should take a keen and active interest in community and public affairs." (Page248)

"[N Eldon Tanner] emphasized four points: (1) anything that is worth doing is worth doing well; (2) one must always keep one's name good; (3) one must always be dependable; and (3) one must always seek first the kingdom of God." (Page 304)

Stress Management
"... an analytical psychologist ... outlined three major elements helpful to an individual in successfully surmounting pressures: (1) commitment to one's values, (2) control of one's responses, and (3) challenge to respond successfully to the situation or situations. (Page 305)

Appendix I
"During the course of the trial, the question was posed as to the relative truthfulness of the average individual. It was asked if anyone could cite an individual of perfect probity. The name of Bishop Nathan E. Tanner of western Canada was put forth on the court records as such an individual." (Page 307)
Appendix II "Tannerisms"

Six pages of brief quotations from N. Eldon Tanner. Many of them succinctly make a cogent point and are suitable for memorization and pondering.

Appendix III "Gems of Thought"
of N. Eldon Tanner, compiled in the the book "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God" by LaRue Sneff, 1973

"We are too prone to listen to, accept, and repeat ... adverse criticism ... without stopping to realize the harm we may be doing to some noble person; and, as is done so often, we excuse and justify ourselves by saying, 'Well, whee there is so much smoke, there must be some fire,' whereas in reality we are adding to the smoke, when the fire referred to may be only the fire of malice started by some envious person." (Page 331)… (mehr)