Slow Down

Last week, Kentucky lost a great man. Alan Rupp, Kern’s Kitchen’s President, spent decades running the family-owned operations which exclusively produces the iconic Derby Pie® Chocolate Nut Pie.  Alan interfaced with many different communities on the daily. From retailers and service organizations to foodie groups and the restaurant industry; he was admired and loved by all.  He never met a stranger. He leaves this world a legacy.

I have had the privilege to work with Alan (and the entire Kern’s Kitchen family) as a client for over twelve years. The client/agency relationship quickly evolved into a true friendship. I learned a lot from Alan about building business relationships, the value of a strong work ethic and how to keep plowing forward in the good times and the rough times. However, the most important thing that was reinforced by Alan was the love of family. Family was #1 for him………always!

Regardless of the topic of conversation, it always incorporated some aspect of his family.  A grandchild learning something new. An accomplishment by one of his children.  A family outing or event with some funny stories associated with it. A trip with his beloved Ruth. A holiday gathering gleaning new traditions which he cherished so much. Family was everything to Alan.

I think what I will miss most is his uncanny ability to make you laugh. I’m talking about belly laughing that hurts your gut.  He had a dry sense of humor and some one-liners that would catch you off guard (in a good way) when you least expected it. I’m literally laughing out loud thinking about a recent dinner with Alan and my husband where I had to excuse myself to the restroom because I couldn’t control my laughter.  

When he kindly endorsed my book, OUT OF THE GATE, he was the first person to step into the live on-line streaming launch event we hosted during COVID-19.  True to form, he absolutely brought his humor game to the party! When I prompted him to recall a story he had conveyed to me about the dynamics of a family business, he came back with a straight-faced response: “Henrietta, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  I cracked up and he did too.  Really, Alan, we were live! This picture does not do the moment justice.  We quickly recovered and we got through it. 

Yes, he was a bit of a jokester. He was also an old soul who would give you the clothes off his back if you needed them.  He was generous with his time and talents.  He was incredibly supportive of several non-profits and often reached out to me regarding the organizations our firm was associated with: “Whatever they need, let me know.”

A close friend of the Rupp family remarked that Alan was the most human human he had ever met.  I could not agree more.  We can all take a page from his book on how to live life. One of the themes of the celebration of life service was based on Alan’s encouraging words spoken to his children and grandchildren:  Slow Down.  Slow down and soak it in. Slow down and think about the beauty of God’s creations. Slow down and be present in the moment. 

I plan to take that to heart, my friend. 

We will miss you, Alan. Your spirit lives on. Thanks for bringing so much joy to us all.