Gerry Loader passed away on Saturday 4th of September after a long battle with cancer. I first met Gerry 2 years ago today. I can be that specific because it was during our graduate week when I first joined the company 2 years ago last Thursday.

Gerry was a resident engineer which basically meant that he was onsite making sure our designs were adhered to and that he kicked some ass when they weren’t. As resident engineers go he was top of his class, and whether you liked him or not he, one this you couldn’t deny was that he was one of the best at what he did. I had a great affection for Gerry because he was a character, he had a way about him, and every day he had a new issue or story to deal with. They don’t make them like Gerry anymore. Even though he lived in the Middle East years and years ago he could still remember some of his arabic.

I spent 2 months with Gerry onsite a little over a year ago. He was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas and he lost the battle this September. While towards the end he had loads of tubes all over him and had lost around 20 kilos, I was there the last time he talked to the graduates at the topic he loves. I was the last graduate he had under his wing. He died the year he retired.

This is the second time a personnal friend of mine passes away. It hasn’t quiet hit me yet. I’m perfectly fine with death. It’s part of life. I accept that everyone on this earth has a set time here. Everyone serves a certain amount of time on this world. In the end it’s not about what you’ve collected or the amount of money you’ve amassed, it’s about what you leave behind, it’s about your legacy. Gerry made an impact on the people he worked with, and will forever be the prototype of the resident engineer in my eyes. Here’s to you Gerry.