Page 36 - MY STORY
P. 36
QUICK NOTE ABOUT JOE W.
You’re going to see a lot of references to Joe W coupled
with my experiences at Douglas and McDonnell Douglas.
Joe was a major force in my professional life and served
as boss’s boss, boss, friend, mentor, and one who always
was ready to challenge my life as an engineer or early
manager. Joe was a brilliant metallurgist and manager.
After his retirement complications with diabetes
eventually took his legs and then his mind. There is no
way to describe the sorrow of seeing this brilliant man
succumb to Alzheimer’s.
The last few times I spent with Joe, before his death in
2010, were mainly to remind him of all his
accomplishments, some things we did together, and the
people he worked with. He loved to hear the stories and
was able to chuckle at some of the remembrances might
have been awakened in his failing mind. At least he had
not forgotten me – and that was a blessing in itself.
