Author: Charli K. Matthews
This is not the blog I had planned for this week… while I had an incredible time engaging with Industry Leaders at the Hydraulic Institute Annual Conference last week, the missing presence of one very important person was very much felt – and today that sadness is deepened. My very dear friend, Jack Creamer, did not wake to see today’s sunshine. I’m crying as I type this, so please bear with me…
Jack was my mentor. He was my friend. He pulled me along, showed me what was important, and introduced me to leaders in the industry. I am forever grateful, and I love him. I could always count on him to be present and ready to network at trade shows. Whether it was at HI, SWPA, EASA…this wonderful man was everywhere. He understood the importance of outreach, of building relationships, and of seeing ‘the bigger picture’ of how building bridges is the key to driving change within the industry. He did so much over the course of his career, but more important than talking about professional accomplishments is the real impact he had on people…even in his last few days with us, he reached out and liked a social post of me and Ming at the HI awards gala. Jack was always there cheering us on – even when he could not be physically present, he was our team’s biggest fan… always willing to help or just hang out.
Jack was always willing to share insights to push industry forward and we always appreciated learning from him and working with him to Connect, Inform, and Educate the Industry. This video from 2016 was the reason why we started Empowering Compressors and really started to share information about whole pumping systems.
https://www.facebook.com/empoweringpumps/videos/1047828751959516/
Last week, Jack and I were texting back and forth because we wanted him to know we were thinking of him…praying for him….missing him. Even from HI, we were trying to send him some love…and now I’d like to ask you all to share a thought, a story, a memory, or something today that will allow us all to honor him and his legacy.
On behalf of the entire team at Empowering Pumps & Equipment, we send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Jack’s Family. Our hearts are with you during this sad time… “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
My favorite Jack Creamer story? I had the great pleasure to send Jack a 4th of July Summer Fun Kit- a bottle of Hendrix Gin, 4 pack of Fever Tree Tonic and a cucumber- all to which Jack replied, Perfect gift- really thankful- will be sharing this with my boys this 4th of July. It’s not much, but Jack always had a way to make you feel better about something you did- and shared what someone did for him with others so we all could enjoy life a little more. Jack was about enjoying life with others- and he touched a lot of us.
I’m not much for Twitter, but am doing my best just to share a little about Jack. Thanks Jack- you are still inspiring me to learn something new- even today. RIP my friend! H.J.
Jack was a friend and an everpresent force in our industry. We’ll surely miss Jack, his positive outlook, and deep industry knowledge.
Jack was a true friend and great colleague of mine when I was a Region Sales Manager at Schneider. He mentored next as the SME for the pump business. He was an amazing nan with a kind knowledgeable sense of humor with extreme humility. I miss him daily and pray for his family as they are mourning his passing. He touched so many and I hope his family gets the opportunity to read all the posts honoring him. Fly with the angels Jack. See you when it’s my turn to go home.
Sincerely,
Scott Baker
National Account Manager
SIEMENS Motors & Drives