Many of those in high tech circles may have seen that Garry Betty recently passed at age 49. Garry was the CEO of Earthlink and a friend and mentor to me. He was my first boss when I moved to Atlanta in 1984 and he helped make Hayes Microcomputer Products (the inventor of the computer modem), a leading company in the 1980s. After I left Hayes, I did not have that much contact with Garry, but every few years there would be an opportunity to reach out to him for advice or counsel. Despite his busy schedule, Garry would always accomodate. I believe he was like that for everyone that he ever worked with.

Garry was truly a great businessman and even better person. He will be sorely missed. Earthlink has set up a tribute site at http://gbetty.ning.com/