Dear Readers,
Thomas J. Stanley, my father and mentor, passed away after a tragic car accident on February 28th, 2015. At the time of his death, we were working together on multiple projects, including two new books, Data Points, and a line of research examining life experiences and wealth accumulation.
Our family takes great comfort from the kind messages and comments that reveal the positive and lasting influence my father’s work had on people’s lives. In the wake of his passing, several journalists have provided unique and thoughtful commentary on how he redefined what it means to be wealthy.
Two things are clear from the coverage of his life and work: 1) many individuals have benefited from his research, and 2) some individuals continue to deny the inherent ability for individuals to build wealth on their own through hard work and diligence.
Therefore, his work must and will continue: providing real data versus conventional wisdom about the wealthy, demonstrating the power of behavior and life experiences in the creation and prediction of wealth, and illustrating how one can become financially independent without wealthy benefactors or a hefty monthly paycheck.
My father enjoyed sharing the stories, habits, and life experiences of American millionaires. We will continue to tell these stories, analyze empirical and archival data, and carry on the research my father conducted over his lifetime. Thank you for your continued interest…there is more to come.
Sincerely,
Sarah Stanley Fallaw, Ph.D.
4 thoughts on “Thomas J. Stanley, Father & Mentor”
Dear Sarah;
Your father’s death came as a severe shock to me as well as your family. I had the great privilege of meeting your dad in person as he gave lectures to the IAFP, Georgia CPAs and other groups. I was very happy to share with him stories of the millionaire next door from my time as a golf caddy waiter and bartender at a Greenwich, CT country club. Your dad was kind enough to share those stories in his blog. Your dad had a similiar background to great investors; they started out working as caddies and learned the basics of stocks by listening to golfers ( Warren Buffett, Mario Gabelli Peter Lynch). I enjoyed your dad’s stories about how he would punish you and Brad by making you stand outside of KMart and tell passersby that you bought yuor clothes from Kmart. Please continue the good work that your dad did. The world was a much better place with your dad’s encouragement for many of us from the wrong side of the tracks who had to work our way through college on the installment plan. May the blessings of heaven fall upon you, your mother, brother andthe rest of your family. In remembering your dad, go and read one of Teddy Roosevelt’s last speeches, The Man in the Arena, given at the Sorbonne. Your dad truly was the Man in the Arena.
Tony Schuman
Sarah, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have read all of your fathers books, and The Millionaire Nextdoor remains one of my all time favorites. I read it at least twice each year, and just bought a new copy because I gave away my old one. Your father’s insight and wisdom gleaned from his decades of research are priceless. I will continue tobfollow your work as you continue his legacy. While I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him personally, I could tell through his writings that he was, and continues to be, a remarkable man.
Heavy heart about the loss of your dad. Peace and blessings to your family, and I hope to read the books as you continue the work w/o your dad’s collaboration – however you know how to follow the path he started you on.
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