I worked with your father at Philip Morris USA.  I first met Jon when he worked at the Manufacturing Center and later worked with him when he was in Strategic Planning and I managed the Production Planning group.

In talking to my VP at the time in early 2000 (Harold Burnley), I expressed interest in doing something different – possibly an international assignment.  He thought it was a great idea, but before releasing my name to a wider audience he said I had to find and train my replacement.  My first choice for the job was Jon, and everyone agreed.

Sometime before or during the transition, Jon came across a stuffed moose head, which he mounted on his office wall.  He told me it symbolized his predecessor looking over him as he managed my old group.  He also got one for me and it still hangs over my desk at home.

Jon did a great job in taking over the Production Planning group – the moose watching him reported no issues.

As a side note, I did not get an overseas assignment at the time, but I am now working and living in Shenzhen, China for Nu Mark, an Altria Company selling electronic cigarettes.  So I finally got my international assignment that Jon (and others) knew I always wanted.

Your dad was a wonderful man – at work, in his community, and as a father.  But you already knew that.