Friend; Brother; Mentor; Father to All:

As the news of your demise arrived, no one could believe it.

Certainly no one wanted to because you were such a friend, mentor and supporter to all.

We who knew you well were fully aware of how thoughtful, careful and cautious you are – so the notion of a flying accident was beyond possible.

As we commiserated and lamented, the consistent themes were how you reached into each of us and touched us, stimulated us, challenged us, and always made us feel good about what we had done and still needed to do. You always took the time to make kind and thoughtful observations. You were always so deep in your considerations that everyone felt that exceptional level of notice and caring that was rarely provided anywhere else. Many at Arcadian and its broader family considered you a father in your gentle, persistent, and uncompromising guidance. You always made time to comment, compliment and remember something about everyone you encountered.

Having met thousands of leaders in my career, no one stands above you in the blend of extreme intelligence, visionary insight, kind consideration, breadth of knowledge and interests, balance of ethical and moral values, passion for life and love of people. To say you will be missed is an understatement. We now despair of not having you with us in our journey. There was a confidence and comfort from knowing that you were always there to run some ideas or developments off of for rational perspective and grounded understanding of multiple implications - or just calm us down, focus us on the positive and figure out how to work together. Not having that security blanket is scary and sad. Still, you have prepared us for the future without you. We did not want it this way. Yet we know you must have been called on by our Maker to do the same thing you did with us – but now with some other lucky group. Wherever your spirit is planted, you will help people thrive, be challenged, prosper and gel.

You have provided us with many gifts: a strength, a sense of camaraderie, a common purpose, a burning desire to be excellent and to improve ourselves, enhance the world and help others, facing down adversity and inertia, We are better for it. I have always considered myself honored and privileged to work with you. It is sad to know that we will not be speaking – but it is encouraging to know that there is a deep well of experiences and a perpetual spirit to draw on as we proceed and carry on – doing what you would want us to do.

We do love you and will be calling out to you frequently. We will be glad to take care of your other friends and lovely wife Jacqui – any way possible.

Good bye for now, my friend, colleague and teacher.

From your admirer,

Les Granow