July 23, 2010 Tribute

“‘We’ is not ‘us’.”

“Genesis is only the beginning.”

A group of old friends gathered this week to attend the funeral services of our dear colleague, Gerry Van Dagna, whose long battle with cancer was an inspiration.  Everyone came (some from as far away as Florida) to honor Gerry’s memory.  He was worthy of the honor. 

Gerry died the way he lived:  with a spirit of fierce independence, tremendous heart, and an unparalleled work ethic.  We loved Gerry, and although he never dared show it, we knew Gerry loved us also.  Much more importantly, we knew that Gerry loved his family.  That love was apparent.

Being on Gerry’s team was a privilege.  I remember sitting next to him in a meeting when our then new boss was laying out his strategy for all the things he wanted us to accomplish.  In his presentation, he started nearly every sentence with the phrase, “We are going to…”  An astute judge of character, Gerry quickly saw through the façade and the charade.  He leaned over and whispered to me, “‘We’ is not ‘us’.”

Years before, Gerry was presenting a sales opportunity called ‘Genesis’.  During the meeting, a skeptic announced that the deal didn’t seem to be large enough for us to pursue.  Gerry’s comeback was perfect.  He boldly declared, “Genesis is only the beginning.”  He meant, of course, in a great play on words, that winning this deal would mean several others just like it.

Reflecting upon the things Gerry represented, I am humbled and grateful that he considered a group of ‘us’ to be ‘we’.  Being on his team is a badge of distinction we wear proudly. 

During the days following his passing and through his funeral, Gerry’s life was reflected as a ‘genesis’ to the beginning.  The legacy he leaves through his family, his grandchildren, and his friends truly is a fountainhead of good things that will endure.

Thanks Gerry.  You will always be a big part of ‘us’.

Craig Halsey

They Said It

July 23, 2010