Dr. Meryl C. Broussard, Jr.
May 25, 1950 ~ May 18, 2019
Dr. Meryl C. Broussard Jr.
May 25, 1950 – May 18, 2019
Dr. Meryl C. Broussard Jr., known to his family as “Buddy” was born on May 25, 1950, in New Orleans, LA. He passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019 in Vienna, VA. He was the first child of Alice Ann and Meryl Broussard Sr. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Florida; sons – Jake (Stacy) and William (Mary); grandson – Myles Tavien; step grandchildren – Winter, Sasha, Audry, Mario; step great grandchildren – Kayana, Addison, and Liam; and mother – Alice Ann Broussard. Meryl will also be fondly remembered by his siblings – Charles, Paula (Jim) Mohead, Mary Lynn (Carey) Huguet, Kim (Bill) Bevis, Lisa (Pat) Ryan and Tina (Johnny) O’Brien, as well as his many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Meryl C. Broussard Sr.
Meryl received his B.S. degree in 1972 and M.S. degree in 1975 from University of Memphis, majoring in biology-vertebrate zoology. He received his Ph.D. in 1979 from Texas A&M University with a major in wildlife and fisheries sciences – aquaculture.
Meryl spent four years in the Philippines from 1980 –1984, and he served as the Chief of Party for the Aquaculture Development Project--a joint project of the Philippine Government represented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Texas A&M University. The project’s mission was to accelerate the development of freshwater aquaculture designed for the people especially the limited income group of fish farmers and rice-fish farmers. It helped them become productive in farming, become well nourished, and enjoy a better way of living through increased fish production and consumption.
Before joining the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1985, Meryl held several faculty positions at Texas A&M University. He began his federal career as USDA’s first National Program Leader for Aquaculture. While he was there, he provided effective leadership for development and implementation of major new university based aquaculture research and extension outreach programs. In 1996, his leadership skills were recognized nationally and internationally, and he was elected as President of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS). As a result of his ability to lead programs and people, in 2002, he was promoted to the position of Director for the Animal Systems Division within the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). With this position, he led the USDA’s extramural research and extension outreach programs aimed at developing enhanced and sustainable livestock production systems. In 2007, he joined the Senior Executive Service as the Deputy Administrator for Plant and Animal Systems within CSREES. He provided leadership for the agency’s science portfolio for sustainable plant and livestock production systems including the agency’s mission critical agro-security programs. In 2008, he was asked to provide leadership for the planning, development, and establishment of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) as mandated in the 2008 Farm Bill. As a result of his leadership, NIFA was built from the ground up providing a framework to optimize organizational effectiveness and to catalyze efforts of the agency. This helped to advance the goals of the Administration through a renewed commitment to excellence in the agricultural sciences. Following the establishment of NIFA, he was appointed as the first Deputy Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources at NIFA. In 2014, following the administrative realignment of the program and operational functions of the agency, he was appointed as the Associate Director for Programs responsible for the agency’s $1.5 billion science portfolio. His strong commitment to diversity goals and equal employment opportunities has enhanced program delivery while also fostering a workplace environment that ensures co-workers, customers, partners, and stakeholders are treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. He received USDA’s Unsung Hero Award from the Secretary of Agriculture that same year and in 2015, he received the NIFA Hall of Fame Award.
While Meryl’s career was very important to him, family always came first. A devoted husband and father, he made the most of the time he had with his family. He shared his love of the outdoors, sports, and history. To share a few memorable moments: he took his family on numerous camping adventures at George Washington National Forest, eating meals around the campfires and watching the milky way at night; made special trips to Oriole Park at Camdem Yards to watch Carl Ripkin play; to Congressional Country Club to watch as Tiger Woods tee off just a few feet away; to State/Regional Parks fishing in lakes catching sun fish, bass, and catfish; and the endless drive from Manassas battlefield tracing General Robert E. Lee’s route to Gettysburg during the civil war, reading every historical marker along the way.
Both sons played for the James Madison High School marching, symphonic, and jazz bands. Meryl would always make sure he was present for every competition and concert. The boys also played basketball through Vienna Youth, Inc. (VYI) and baseball through Vienna Little League (VLL). He helped wherever he could and volunteered as Basketball Coach/Assistant Coach in 1994–1996, 1998–2001 and Baseball Coach/Manager in 1996–1998 and 2000. Meryl “Coach Broussard” aligned his values with his coaching philosophy and goals where he taught players fundamental skills, concepts, and rules of the game. He emphasized sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play and letting young men have fun. Coach Broussard instilled to players and parents to always respect the game and reminded them that “effort and trying ones best were more important than winning”. The team motto was “Play Hard, Play Fair, Have Fun”. At the end of each game, win or lose, Meryl always celebrated these moments and treated his sons with ice cream from McDonald or a Slurpee from 7-Eleven.
Meryl cherished family visits and reunions. Keeping up with family schedules, attendance to reunions or distant travels were sometimes a challenge. However, when an opportunity presented itself, Meryl always made sure time spent with loved ones was memorable and authentic.
The sons shared treasured memories about Meryl “Dad”:
Jake wrote “In my top two fondest memories (#2), will have to be our first Christmas in Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Looking at old pictures, brought me back all over again. It was a time of innocence and exploration. It was a whole new world to me. It was my introduction to Western Tech and Pop Culture, from Spiderman to Star Wars to cameras and toilets. But most of all, those memories imprinted in me the unity, closeness, the love, and the new found family that I had gained giving my Mom and I a better life. He saved us from poverty and the barrio. I am sure that we would have been fine. Who knows what kind of life we would have led have Mom not met Dad. But the diversified quality of life that we obtained through him brought us more privileges than most of the people in the barrio. For that, I thanked my Dad every day.”
“As for my fondest memory (#1), I will have to go back even further in my memory banks to the time when I was in the hospital while I was a student at Montessori School. I don't remember the details of how I ended up in the hospital but what I remember most was Dad just being there. I remember the bandages, the pain in my groin, the hospital bed I laid in and waited to be let out. I had no idea what I was in there for but I remember doctors un-wrapping my bandages and then Dad was there. He showed up in khakis, a polo shirt, Henry the stuffed dog and a very big fighter jet toy that had a lot of lights and made plenty of noises. I remember it moving on the hospital floor as I watched from atop the bed. I remember the pain I felt as I laughed and gazed in awe just fixated on the toy plane. In absolute, I knew that he was there to see if I was ok. I remember seeing Mom being consoled by Dad. I remember seeing Mom’s tears just leaking out as if it was an overflowed bag of water. I remember feeling how scared Mom was and how gentle, kind, caring, and affectionate this man was towards her. I remember him smiling at me as I opened this toy. However, it wasn’t the plane that brought me the most joy, it was Henry, the stuffed dog that I still have to this day. I am not sure if that was the day I was introduced to that stuffed toy but it is my first memory of it and it all ties to my Dad. He gave me that toy and I was very much aware it was him that gave me that toy. I never got another stuffed animal ever again. I don't know why, I just never did, nor did I ever ask for one. If I did, I paid no mind to them. To this day, Henry is irreplaceable and will forever hold a place in my heart. My best memory of Dad is at the hospital, scared, in pain, and just wanting to leave and go home....with Henry, my plane, my Mom and my Dad.”
William wrote “When I think of Dad, my memory becomes flooded with countless outstanding moments. There are so many moments that come to mind that it becomes impossible to pick just one that outshines the rest. How could one moment sum up who he was? How could one moment capture the positive impact he has had on my life? Which got me thinking. The fact that there are so many highlights speaks to the type of man he was. Dad was always there for me, supporting all of my endeavors. Whether it was sports, my music career, or life events, Dad was always there. He was there for the highs, and certainly present for the lows. To put it simply, Dad had an unwavering love and support for his family. He was the ultimate life coach. He was always there to offer his perspective on what matters most in life. Family, compassion for others, and acting with integrity are values that he passed on to me. Life can quickly become a complex shuffle of the good, the bad and the ugly. Dad had a unique skill for focusing on the things that really matter in life. I am extremely grateful to have experienced his grace. I hope that his legacy continues on from those values he instilled in me, my family, and the community. In that way, he will live on forever.”
Meryl lived his life with purpose, always doing the right thing, and never judging others. He joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a Family-to-Family Education Program Facilitator in 2014 and Support Group Facilitator in 2016. He advocated for people suffering from mental illness, treated them with respect and dignity. While living with cancer for five years, he never once viewed his journey as a battle but yet another opportunity to better himself. Along this journey, he gained a new group of courageous friends. His calm demeanor and positive outlook about his illness inspired his medical teams, fellow cancer patients, and support group members. When people asked Meryl how he was doing, with a smile he always responded “pretty good,” “life is good,” or “I am grateful.”
Dr. Meryl C. Broussard Jr., brought his credo to life “Making a Difference is What I Do”. He took pride in helping others get to where they wanted to be. He was an exceptional scientist, leader, mentor, and coach. He was respected by professional colleagues here in the U.S. and overseas. His core values were ingrained in his actions, and he brought hope, strength, and inspiration to many. He was a humble man full of honor and integrity. Above all else, Meryl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
A memorial visitation will be held at Money & King Funeral Home located at 71 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180 | Phone (703) 938-7440 | www.moneyandking.com on Thursday, May 30, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. During these hours, guests are welcome to share memories and stories about Meryl.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church located at 8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: (703) 938-2828 www.olgcva.org. Following the service, everyone is welcome to join friends and family for a reception at Sheraton Tysons Hotel located at 8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182 | www.sheratontysons.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one or more of the following organizations:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Virginia http://www.nami-northernvirginia.org
Life with Cancer https://www.lifewithcancer.org
Meadowlark Botanical Garden https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church https://www.olgcva.org
May 25, 1950 – May 18, 2019
Dr. Meryl C. Broussard Jr., known to his family as “Buddy” was born on May 25, 1950, in New Orleans, LA. He passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019 in Vienna, VA. He was the first child of Alice Ann and Meryl Broussard Sr. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Florida; sons – Jake (Stacy) and William (Mary); grandson – Myles Tavien; step grandchildren – Winter, Sasha, Audry, Mario; step great grandchildren – Kayana, Addison, and Liam; and mother – Alice Ann Broussard. Meryl will also be fondly remembered by his siblings – Charles, Paula (Jim) Mohead, Mary Lynn (Carey) Huguet, Kim (Bill) Bevis, Lisa (Pat) Ryan and Tina (Johnny) O’Brien, as well as his many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Meryl C. Broussard Sr.
Meryl received his B.S. degree in 1972 and M.S. degree in 1975 from University of Memphis, majoring in biology-vertebrate zoology. He received his Ph.D. in 1979 from Texas A&M University with a major in wildlife and fisheries sciences – aquaculture.
Meryl spent four years in the Philippines from 1980 –1984, and he served as the Chief of Party for the Aquaculture Development Project--a joint project of the Philippine Government represented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Texas A&M University. The project’s mission was to accelerate the development of freshwater aquaculture designed for the people especially the limited income group of fish farmers and rice-fish farmers. It helped them become productive in farming, become well nourished, and enjoy a better way of living through increased fish production and consumption.
Before joining the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1985, Meryl held several faculty positions at Texas A&M University. He began his federal career as USDA’s first National Program Leader for Aquaculture. While he was there, he provided effective leadership for development and implementation of major new university based aquaculture research and extension outreach programs. In 1996, his leadership skills were recognized nationally and internationally, and he was elected as President of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS). As a result of his ability to lead programs and people, in 2002, he was promoted to the position of Director for the Animal Systems Division within the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). With this position, he led the USDA’s extramural research and extension outreach programs aimed at developing enhanced and sustainable livestock production systems. In 2007, he joined the Senior Executive Service as the Deputy Administrator for Plant and Animal Systems within CSREES. He provided leadership for the agency’s science portfolio for sustainable plant and livestock production systems including the agency’s mission critical agro-security programs. In 2008, he was asked to provide leadership for the planning, development, and establishment of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) as mandated in the 2008 Farm Bill. As a result of his leadership, NIFA was built from the ground up providing a framework to optimize organizational effectiveness and to catalyze efforts of the agency. This helped to advance the goals of the Administration through a renewed commitment to excellence in the agricultural sciences. Following the establishment of NIFA, he was appointed as the first Deputy Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources at NIFA. In 2014, following the administrative realignment of the program and operational functions of the agency, he was appointed as the Associate Director for Programs responsible for the agency’s $1.5 billion science portfolio. His strong commitment to diversity goals and equal employment opportunities has enhanced program delivery while also fostering a workplace environment that ensures co-workers, customers, partners, and stakeholders are treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. He received USDA’s Unsung Hero Award from the Secretary of Agriculture that same year and in 2015, he received the NIFA Hall of Fame Award.
While Meryl’s career was very important to him, family always came first. A devoted husband and father, he made the most of the time he had with his family. He shared his love of the outdoors, sports, and history. To share a few memorable moments: he took his family on numerous camping adventures at George Washington National Forest, eating meals around the campfires and watching the milky way at night; made special trips to Oriole Park at Camdem Yards to watch Carl Ripkin play; to Congressional Country Club to watch as Tiger Woods tee off just a few feet away; to State/Regional Parks fishing in lakes catching sun fish, bass, and catfish; and the endless drive from Manassas battlefield tracing General Robert E. Lee’s route to Gettysburg during the civil war, reading every historical marker along the way.
Both sons played for the James Madison High School marching, symphonic, and jazz bands. Meryl would always make sure he was present for every competition and concert. The boys also played basketball through Vienna Youth, Inc. (VYI) and baseball through Vienna Little League (VLL). He helped wherever he could and volunteered as Basketball Coach/Assistant Coach in 1994–1996, 1998–2001 and Baseball Coach/Manager in 1996–1998 and 2000. Meryl “Coach Broussard” aligned his values with his coaching philosophy and goals where he taught players fundamental skills, concepts, and rules of the game. He emphasized sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play and letting young men have fun. Coach Broussard instilled to players and parents to always respect the game and reminded them that “effort and trying ones best were more important than winning”. The team motto was “Play Hard, Play Fair, Have Fun”. At the end of each game, win or lose, Meryl always celebrated these moments and treated his sons with ice cream from McDonald or a Slurpee from 7-Eleven.
Meryl cherished family visits and reunions. Keeping up with family schedules, attendance to reunions or distant travels were sometimes a challenge. However, when an opportunity presented itself, Meryl always made sure time spent with loved ones was memorable and authentic.
The sons shared treasured memories about Meryl “Dad”:
Jake wrote “In my top two fondest memories (#2), will have to be our first Christmas in Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Looking at old pictures, brought me back all over again. It was a time of innocence and exploration. It was a whole new world to me. It was my introduction to Western Tech and Pop Culture, from Spiderman to Star Wars to cameras and toilets. But most of all, those memories imprinted in me the unity, closeness, the love, and the new found family that I had gained giving my Mom and I a better life. He saved us from poverty and the barrio. I am sure that we would have been fine. Who knows what kind of life we would have led have Mom not met Dad. But the diversified quality of life that we obtained through him brought us more privileges than most of the people in the barrio. For that, I thanked my Dad every day.”
“As for my fondest memory (#1), I will have to go back even further in my memory banks to the time when I was in the hospital while I was a student at Montessori School. I don't remember the details of how I ended up in the hospital but what I remember most was Dad just being there. I remember the bandages, the pain in my groin, the hospital bed I laid in and waited to be let out. I had no idea what I was in there for but I remember doctors un-wrapping my bandages and then Dad was there. He showed up in khakis, a polo shirt, Henry the stuffed dog and a very big fighter jet toy that had a lot of lights and made plenty of noises. I remember it moving on the hospital floor as I watched from atop the bed. I remember the pain I felt as I laughed and gazed in awe just fixated on the toy plane. In absolute, I knew that he was there to see if I was ok. I remember seeing Mom being consoled by Dad. I remember seeing Mom’s tears just leaking out as if it was an overflowed bag of water. I remember feeling how scared Mom was and how gentle, kind, caring, and affectionate this man was towards her. I remember him smiling at me as I opened this toy. However, it wasn’t the plane that brought me the most joy, it was Henry, the stuffed dog that I still have to this day. I am not sure if that was the day I was introduced to that stuffed toy but it is my first memory of it and it all ties to my Dad. He gave me that toy and I was very much aware it was him that gave me that toy. I never got another stuffed animal ever again. I don't know why, I just never did, nor did I ever ask for one. If I did, I paid no mind to them. To this day, Henry is irreplaceable and will forever hold a place in my heart. My best memory of Dad is at the hospital, scared, in pain, and just wanting to leave and go home....with Henry, my plane, my Mom and my Dad.”
William wrote “When I think of Dad, my memory becomes flooded with countless outstanding moments. There are so many moments that come to mind that it becomes impossible to pick just one that outshines the rest. How could one moment sum up who he was? How could one moment capture the positive impact he has had on my life? Which got me thinking. The fact that there are so many highlights speaks to the type of man he was. Dad was always there for me, supporting all of my endeavors. Whether it was sports, my music career, or life events, Dad was always there. He was there for the highs, and certainly present for the lows. To put it simply, Dad had an unwavering love and support for his family. He was the ultimate life coach. He was always there to offer his perspective on what matters most in life. Family, compassion for others, and acting with integrity are values that he passed on to me. Life can quickly become a complex shuffle of the good, the bad and the ugly. Dad had a unique skill for focusing on the things that really matter in life. I am extremely grateful to have experienced his grace. I hope that his legacy continues on from those values he instilled in me, my family, and the community. In that way, he will live on forever.”
Meryl lived his life with purpose, always doing the right thing, and never judging others. He joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a Family-to-Family Education Program Facilitator in 2014 and Support Group Facilitator in 2016. He advocated for people suffering from mental illness, treated them with respect and dignity. While living with cancer for five years, he never once viewed his journey as a battle but yet another opportunity to better himself. Along this journey, he gained a new group of courageous friends. His calm demeanor and positive outlook about his illness inspired his medical teams, fellow cancer patients, and support group members. When people asked Meryl how he was doing, with a smile he always responded “pretty good,” “life is good,” or “I am grateful.”
Dr. Meryl C. Broussard Jr., brought his credo to life “Making a Difference is What I Do”. He took pride in helping others get to where they wanted to be. He was an exceptional scientist, leader, mentor, and coach. He was respected by professional colleagues here in the U.S. and overseas. His core values were ingrained in his actions, and he brought hope, strength, and inspiration to many. He was a humble man full of honor and integrity. Above all else, Meryl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
A memorial visitation will be held at Money & King Funeral Home located at 71 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180 | Phone (703) 938-7440 | www.moneyandking.com on Thursday, May 30, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. During these hours, guests are welcome to share memories and stories about Meryl.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church located at 8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA 22182 | Phone: (703) 938-2828 www.olgcva.org. Following the service, everyone is welcome to join friends and family for a reception at Sheraton Tysons Hotel located at 8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182 | www.sheratontysons.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one or more of the following organizations:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Virginia http://www.nami-northernvirginia.org
Life with Cancer https://www.lifewithcancer.org
Meadowlark Botanical Garden https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church https://www.olgcva.org
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Meryl and I were National Program Leaders in the late 1980s. He was a terrific colleague. I remember his integrity and ethics which epitomized public service. I recall a time when he was pressured to change his scientific findings in order to support a project a particular administration wanted implemented. He stood his ground. He said his science was not negotiable. He’s been one of my heroes ever since. I’m happy that I had the chance to tell him so in person when we worked together again in 2016. He remembered this incident well and provided me a few more details that only increased my admiration of this consummate professional.
I’m so sorry for your recent loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Death of a loved one is never easy to endure, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Continue looking to God and you will always find comfort in him (2 Cor 1:3,4). He will soon destroy the enemy of death (1 Cor 15:26), and He will soon return our loved ones to us through the resurrection (John 5:28,29). Please visit JW.org and search “When Someone You Love Dies”, it helped me through some difficult times and I hope you can find comfort in it also.
I knew Meryl as a colleague and friend, who always had a kind word for me (and sometimes a joke that occasionally caught me off guard!). He was a gracious and honest public servant who clearly cared for his colleagues and for the USDA constituents. Rick Klemme Executive Director Extension Committee on Organization and Policy
We got to know Meryl through his work with NAMI and were very sad when he had to step away from his work there because of his health. His kind, thoughtful, and optimistic presence and his wise insights about life will be missed. We hold Florida and the rest of their family in our hearts especially now.
It was an honor to work with Meryl as a partner to land grant university programs. He was always calm, reassuring, and convinced that whatever obstacle presented itself could be overcome. That is how I will remember him and will always be grateful for his kindness and infectious confidence and positive outlook.
Family and friends you have my deepest sympathy. This is a difficult time for most. There are basic things that can help anyone get through the pain no matter what age, gender or religious beliefs. Many have been helped with the twelve basics or just a few. You can go to jw.org and get the basics with no cost ever. See the article “Help for those who grieve “ in the magazine section. Anyone can get help and comfort.
Aloha Mrs. Broussard I am at USDA regional aquaculture center in Hawaii. I met Dr. Broussard nearly 40 years ago. I was shocked to hear the news. Please accept my deepest condolences. I will remember Dr. Broussard’s smile face. His advice to aquaculture community will be remembered forever. We all will miss his leadership. ChengSheng Lee
No one could have a better friend than Meryl. We were graduate students working together for Dr. Bill Simco at Memphis State University. In the early days of aquaculture and especially recirculating aquaculture systems Meryl was a mover and a shaker. He raised catfish in a recirculating system with a filter made from 55 gallon barrels welded together and tied to some fiberglass tanks. This system was called the system of barrels or fondly the SOB. Meryl mastered it. I have many pleasant memories of Meryl at Memphis State, at Texas A & M, in the Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society and the World Aquaculture Society. He left us many memories of professional activities, as well as camping, fishing, canoeing, motorcycling, traveling, and socializing with his many friends. I, and my family, were blessed to have Meryl as a friend.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I am so sorry for your loss. Meryl was the best boss and colleague. He taught me patience, was insightful, and was always quick to instill his wisdom. He made a difference and always let those around him know what a difference they made. He will be missed immensely.
Just sending love, prayers and hugs, the NVSC Phyllis, Anita. Lisa, Scott, Marie and Bill.
Dear Kim and Bill, we are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you and your loved ones. The Harbisons
Had no idea Buddy had passed. I was fortunate to have called him a friend during my time working with him at USDA. He always had time for me, and he really enjoyed visiting with another “man of the land” so to speak. He loved to joke about living and working in the foreign land of the DC area, as I think he considered himself a country boy at heart. So sorry for your loss. I will always remember his kindness and sincere friendship. Big John from Texas.