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For five years, we’ve traveled this profit path together.

Yet on occasion, the editors of the Marco Eagle let me take a side road... to reach a different destination. Today’s column, is one of those journeys.

On February 20, I celebrated my 52 birthday. It was especially memorable, because my father-in-law, Leo, sang to me “Happy Birthday.” His voice was soft and weak, but he nailed every word.

He was entitled to be pooped. He was 88 and had spent five days in January in the hospital with viral pneumonia and dementia, and then the past four weeks in a rehab facility.

On Wednesday night, February 27, at 7:25 p.m., my father-in-law breathed his last breath.

I loved him. I called him Dad. Boomps. Lee. And Za-Za.

All were terms of deep and unconditional love and affection.

He was a simple man. Yet, he was the wealthiest man I ever knew. If “wealth” is measured by the love and respect of your family and friends.

He was the most successful man I ever knew. If “success” is measured by the loyalty of your employees and customers.

He was the smartest man I ever knew. If “smarts” is measured by how you make others feel welcome, valued and important.

My father-in-law was an immigrant. He came to the United States from Poland by boat, in 1929. It was a tough journey, but Leo Kantor was a tough guy. He had one brother and seven sisters. Grew up poor. But his sense of “family” was deeply ingrained in his being.

His life was dedicated to serving others. Which is why it was so ironic, that his funeral was on Friday, February, 29, “leap day.” For my father-in-law was always the first one to “leap” to his feet, to get you a drink, a bite to eat or extend a helping hand.

He always asked me the same questions, “So, are you busy?” “Are you traveling?” and, “Do you need any money?” — which he always followed with, “I’m not kidding. Tell me how much.”

Leo Kantor was part of my life for 34 years. I met him at the age of 18. I had the good fortune to meet his beautiful daughter Sheryl, on the first day of college in 1974, and to now be married to her, for almost 26 years.

Leo and I never fought, never disagreed. Yet here’s the really amazing thing, I never, and I mean never... in 34 years... ever heard anyone, say something negative about my father-in-law.

His life was one of compassion. Devotion. Caring. Charity. Giving.

It was always about others. Never about him. When my wife or kids celebrated a birthday, he’d drop by before work to drop off doughnuts, balloons and cards.

When my great-niece Grace lost her eye as an infant to cancer, her Great Zaydie exclaimed, “Take my eye!”

I guess his chosen profession, is also somewhat ironic, for he “was” what he sold. A jewel. A gem. For over 70 years, he was a successful jeweler. He became an integral contributor to the joyous celebrations in others’ lives: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, communions and graduations.

He was the “go-to-guy” on Devon Avenue, on Chicago’s northside. Not just for the beautiful baubles and classic timepieces, but for... A friendly smile. A fair price. And a “store environment” that really conveyed, you’re in our “home” and welcome to our “family.”

Over the years, people told me with great pride about their purchases from Kantor Jewelers — an engagement ring, a watch, a necklace. But the jewelry was secondary. Their praise was really for Leo. Usually coupled with exclamations like, “You won’t believe what he did for me...” or “He’s the nicest man.”

Yep, that’s really how he was known, as “The nicest man!”

It’s a label that stuck. Because it was well-deserved. And accurate.

However, he also had one more moniker, “The Candy Man.”

Leo’s pockets (in his pants, shirts, suits, and coats), were always filled with hard candy. That way, he could quickly reach into a pocket and give a friend, a customer, a child or a stranger... a piece of candy. It was his unique way to bring simple, sweet moments into one’s life.

He especially loved Nips. So my family and I figured, if he loved ‘em “here”... he’ll love ‘em “there!” That’s why, before his coffin was sealed, we placed Nips on his chest.

We figured he’ll soon be making new friends!

And I also know, that heaven just became a far nicer and sweeter place!

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Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to www.jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.