The day after my high school graduation in 1952, I headed to Alaska. I was 17. I started out greasing equipment, then became a heavy-crane operator. I made and saved good money there for two years.

He's like a quiet strength. He's a strong man, when you get him, you get his best.

In 50 years this is the thing I'll be remembered for. It's the best thing I've done.

I've made more money than I could spend in five lifetimes.

We like old-fashioned businesses. We invest for the long haul. But timing is everything, and he's in no hurry.

People always ask me for my secret. There isn't one. You've just got to keep a level head and stay away from greed, which is the worst thing that can happen to a successful person.

I went to several different grade schools all over the West Coast. I got polio when I was 8 and spent eight months in the hospital and a rehab clinic in Seattle.

I always marked up a piece of paper before taking a job, looking at the pluses and minuses. If the latter outnumbered the former, I would pass.

I love boats. Anything that runs, anything mechanical. It's my God-given passion in life.