As a former Controller for Garvey Corp. (1988-1992), I have very fond memories of my years there, and the opportunity that Mark, Bill, Fran, and Bud Garvey gave me in my first Controller's job. Garvey Corp. is not just a family-owned, family-run business, it is a FAMILY. I remember Jake, Ben, and Sarah as kids (Sarah just learning to walk), and now this generation is helping to continue the company's success. I remember the company picnic at Mark & Rita's home, complete with pool, games, and a dunk tank for us manager-types. It was as much a family gathering as any I've been to in my own family. Business was tough, seasonal, and stressful in many ways (as business always is, I've learned), but with Fran, the 'inventor', Bud, the overseer, Bill as VP and selling like crazy, and Mark, always the big idea guy, Garvey Corp. somehow kept going and going and going, like the Energizer bunny, through good times and bad. We who worked for and with Mark in those days used to look forward to his frequent 'road trips' with a mixture of joy and dread...joy that he was out selling (he was definitely one of the very best salesman for Garvey, and passionate about the quality and innovation in its products), and dread at what new management or production book he'd read on the plane that would change all our lives when he got back! I will always be grateful for the chance Mark gave me to be Garvey's controller, and will always treasure his warmth, friendship, innovative talents, sense of humor, and the fact that, unlike most people in his position, FAMILY ALWAYS CAME FIRST. Mark, Bill, Fran, Bud, and the Garvey family (including all who work there), gave me what I still tell people (14 years later) is the best education I ever had. I still think of Mark and the whole family often and very fondly, and will always miss him.

One thing I'm absolutely sure of...St. Peter's Gate now has the best "throughput" it's ever seen. Hope to see you on the other side, old friend.

Tom Ruckel