He noticed blocked exits, loose railings, doors that would not latch, and the places people covered with paint because proper repairs cost more.

He was not a man who welcomed emergencies.

He wanted to prevent them so he could spend the rest of his time complaining about the price of decent coffee.

Still, I had sometimes teased him for checking too much.

When he went back to make sure the garage door was down, I would call from the car that we were going to miss the movie.

When he tested a smoke alarm, I put a cushion over my ears.