While I always appreciate the fact that I don’t have to get up and go to the office everyday because I am the master of my own destiny, I don’t always fully appreciate what being financially independent really means.
My friends, it hit hard today what being independent means.
Before launching my affiliate marketing business back in 2001 and subsequently quitting my last “real job” working as a UNIX Systems Administrator and Oracle DBA at BC Hydro I made friendships with a lot of really nice people there.
One of those very nice people was Donald Keays. Donald was one of the sweetest, kindest and most approachable people you could ever meet. I considered Donald to be a mentor that showed me the ropes of working a high demand technical job in a union environment.
Here is the email I received today from a former colleague and friend of mine:
Subject Line: FW: In Memoriam: Donald Keays
I regret to announce that Donald Keays passed away on Saturday, April 26th at the age of 65 after a lengthy illness.
Donald worked with IT Services and its predecessors for sixteen years. For much of that time, he provided infrastructure support at BC Hydro’s Burnaby Mountain System Control Centre. Over the past six years, Donald was Primary UNIX Administrator at Powerex, reporting to Chris Rice.
The following announcement appeared in the North Shore News:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Montague Keays on April 26th, 2008 in North Vancouver. Donald is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and his children; Gordon, Marietta and Clairessa, his mother, Isabel, and his siblings Joane, Lois, Phil and his many nieces and nephews. Donald had a love of the outdoors and his spirit will rest in the tranquil surroundings of his Cariboo property. His upbeat and friendly demeanor will continue to be cherished in our hearts. The service will be held at First Memorial Services, 1505 Lillooet Road in North Vancouver at 10am on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
Chris had this to say about Donald:
Donald’s gentle nature, his hearty laugh, disarming character and down-to-earth personality made him a perfect fit for the unique demands of the Powerex environment. Respected by his peers, valued by his customers, Donald quickly earned back the warmth he radiated to others.
My fondest memories of Donald were the times we spent looking at his pictures, regaling me with tales of his Cariboo property, truly one of his loves. He inspired me with his passion, and I will remember him fondly.
I extend my condolences to Donald’s family and to those of you who knew and worked with him.
When I look back at those that inspired me on my path to entrepreneurial freedom I sometimes forget what were seemingly “daydream” conversations about a better life and being free from a job, now that I see Donald Keays has passed I can’t help but reflect on the conversations I had with him while working on UNIX projects up on Burnaby Mountain, in particular the Grid Operations Upgrade Project.
I remember Donald talking about a job not being everything and this was at a time when I was just exploring the idea of “doing something on the internet”.
Donald talked about his plans for retirement in a few short years and he encouraged me to pursue my dreams of becoming free.
It deeply saddens me to hear of Donald Keay’s passing however I am very grateful to have made his acquaintance during my time at BC Hydro.
It is news such as Donald’s passing that remind to be very grateful for being free from a job.
Donald - You have touched my spirit and you have made the world a better place. I am thankful for having known you.
May God bless your soul my friend!
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