Recalling a great mentor

I was pleased to read about Ian Tippet in the Oct. 2 front-page article, and his opinion of Glacier Park, Inc. losing the long-term contract to run the large hotels inside Glacier National Park.

I had the opportunity in 1977 to work for Mr. Tippet as his secretary while he was the general manager of Many Glacier Hotel. I had just finished nine years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service and was preparing to finish college at the University of Montana.

Mr. Tippet had apparently been impressed with my application and treated me as an assistant manager. During my brief three-month stay that summer, I came to realize that Tippet was one of most experienced, people-oriented person I had ever seen, even exceeding some of my commanding officers on the diesel submarines I served on.

He had hired all personnel working in the Park for years, and essentially was the right-hand man for former GPI owner Don Hummel. Tippet was fair but always professional and business-like. He rarely was found sitting in the manager’s small office but going all over the large hotel to keep track of how all the employees were doing.

He also had been trained as a chef years before and personally administered the daily menus and quality of the kitchen staff preparing the food. He also was a mentor to his staff, and had the ability and charisma to get people to do their very best and take care of the hotel guests.

He has had an incredible influence on thousands of seasonal employees over the past 50-plus years and has had such an impact on my outlook on life and made me realize how important Glacier Park is for everyone to visit and enjoy.

Mr. Tippet’s insight into the importance of who is taking care of the historic lodges and why it does make a difference is incalculable. I was only able to work one short summer at Many Glacier Hotel, but it was the best job I have ever had.

Jim Reierson

Spokane, Wash.