I worked with and for Jerry at Florida Power & Light for years in the energy trading business. I first worked with him when I was in accounting and then for him as a power trader. Jerry told me that our VP questioned his choice when he hired me but Jerry told him, “He’s the guy I want”. I have been very grateful for that and he always had my back. I have very fond memories of working for Jerry. He could be very demanding and was never hesitant about expressing his displeasure if you messed something up but he was never mad long. He would chew me out but then an hour later he would give me a quick shoulder massage when he passed by. He could also be very patient when teaching and explaining things. Not having come from a power generation background he taught me pretty much everything I know about power plants but he always took the time to explain things I did not know even if I didn’t actually need to know for my job. I used to refer to him as a ‘cranky old fart’ mostly in jest. When I was training my trainer told me that when I was working mornings to stop at Dunkin Doughnuts and pick up a large coffee for Jerry because he was in a better mood when he had had a cup of good coffee. When Jerry told me to stop buying him coffee I bought a carafe and a few pounds of good coffee and said it was for the department so he couldn’t tell me to stop. I wish I had kept in better touch with him. I would send a Christmas card even years when I did not get my other cards mailed but the email address I had for him stopped working and was not sure he would welcome a call out of the blue but now I wish I had called him. He used to tell me I should move closer to the office and just recently moved within walking distance and was going to send him a letter to tell him. He also always used to tell me, “You need to get an Escalade”. So I bought a remote control Escalade and told him I had finally bought an Escalade. He wanted to see it so I drove it in from one of the offices. He could always make me laugh (when he wasn’t yelling at me). I still miss working for him and wish I had gotten a chance to say goodbye but I didn’t.

Like I said I used to refer to him as a cranky old fart and kidded him that his wife must be a saint to put up with him. I offer my sincerest condolences to Saint Linda.

Frank Bonam