Tuesday, November 21 at 9 a.m. on the 18th Green of Pebble Beach, my wife Marianna and I joined some 800 friends and employees of RJ Harper in an emotional tribute, the likes of which I haven’t experienced since 17 years prior, when gathered in the same location to honor Payne Stewart. Over RJ’s 32 years of working in the golf department at Pebble Beach, our paths had crossed so many times that a warm friendship developed.

RJ, who died of Pancreatic Cancer on November 8 at the age of 61, lived out a remarkable life that included an amazing journey to the top position in the golf department at Pebble Beach. RJ grew up as the consummate athlete at Westwood High in Memphis, Tennessee, where he won varsity letters in basketball, baseball, golf, track and his best sport, football, where he starred as quarterback. RJ went on to play halfback on a full scholarship at Rhodes College in Memphis, scoring four touchdowns in his first game as an 18-year-old freshman and leading the team to a 9-1-1 record, the best in school history. RJ was later inducted into the school’s hall of fame.

RJ fell in love with Pebble Beach and moved there in September of 1985. He accepted a $5-per-hour job as a marshal dreaming that one day he could become Head Professional, which he realized just four short years later. RJ held the post as Pebble Beach’s Executive Vice President of Golf and Retail for the past 17 years, in which he helped bring the U.S. Open to Pebble Beach in 1992, 2000 and 2010. He was the Championship Director of the 2000 U.S. Open and General Chairman of the 2010 U.S. Open. He would have again served as Chairman for the tournament when it returns to Pebble in 2019.

RJ was instrumental in helping me and others put together the memorial service for Payne Stewart at Pebble Beach in 2000, including Payne’s 21-Drive Salute. RJ was honored with the same special salute after his service on Tuesday. RJ also helped me plan and arrange for Thomas Kinkade’s painting of the celebratory moment in order to raise funds for the Payne Stewart Memorial, which I helped start at the Kids Across America Camp near Payne’s hometown of Springfield, Mo. RJ was also involved with Tim Finchem and me in announcing the Payne Stewart Award, given annually on the PGA Tour with proceeds going to the Payne Stewart Memorial.

It was RJ who was so excited when I finished the first round of the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach after shooting a 68. He escorted me to the press room where I was inundated with questions about how someone could have stopped competing for two years, stop practicing and almost lead the U.S. Open. It was RJ who had to tell Tiger to be patient while he waited in the back of the press room for his turn after he shot 65 to take the lead.

RJ was also instrumental in getting my son Daniel trained and hired as a caddy at Pebble Beach one summer. It was there that Daniel and RJ’s youngest son, Tucker, connected and remain friends today. RJ’s two boys are both great athletes and very good golfers.

The man that was memorialized in such a special way was exactly the person I knew, and that doesn’t always happen. RJ’s character was clearly represented by so many who spoke. Three in particular spoke of a character that we all should aspire to live, truths of living a successful life.

“RJ had a vibrant personality, an engaging smile and always a positive attitude,” said Bill Perocchi, CEO of Pebble Beach. “He cared for others and was a true team player.”

Jim Nantz, Mr. CBS Sports Everything, said: “He had a genuine heart and that innate ability to make people feel a bond with him.”

Said JT Harper, RJ’s oldest son:“As eloquent as my dad was, I won’t remember him for any words, phrases or advice, because it wasn’t what he said, it was what he did, and it was how he lived.”

Through the words of those closest to RJ came three key principles worth mentioning that RJ exhibited through his life. We all know these principles, but a friendly reminder is often powerful:

1. Guard your mind with a positive attitude.
2. Place relationships above business, and treat others as you would want them to treat you.
3. Practice what you preach. Let your life live what you believe.

These principles are what good leaders practice. RJ was a good leader, a good friend, a passionate Christian and he will be missed greatly by so many who knew him. Pebble Beach has lost someone who can never be replaced. RIP my friend.