My last boss wasn’t a billionaire. But he was a very high millionaire, with assets in the mid-9 figures. Will that do?

So the guy drove a Prius. Which he wrecked on a monthly basis. There was a body shop on our street and they got a LOT of work from this guy. The Prius was red, and all the body panels were eventually just slightly different tones.

He thought he was always right. Always. On subjects he didn’t have any knowledge of. This was a guy who still had an AOL account. But he thought he was expert on embedded systems and position control.

He had a masters in mathematics from someplace up east, and MBA from Harvard. There was no lack of smarts on him. But those degrees don’t translate to computers. Not when you click on every frikking email you get. Then expect me to clear off the viruses.

He would take us to lunch. Nice. But if we went to some place where you get your own soft drinks, he would ask for water. Then fill the cup half full of water and add lemonade, looking around like he was getting away with something.

He wanted to know EVERYTHING. He was endlessly curious and he made us crazy. He always wanted to know why. Why everything. Even if we had to set aside a project and do a research project. He wanted to understand everything there was.

He was on the boards of ALL the arts in Cleveland, All of them.

When I got us our UL certification, he wrote a freaking PLAY about me. And performed it. It was hilarious. He also made me a plaque. If I find the picture I will post it.

But he was generous and gracious to our families. He charmed everyone he met.

He thought he was a great driver. But none of us would ride with him. See the Prius, above.

He was married for over 60 years to the sweetest woman you ever saw. She was awesome. We all went to her funeral.

We went to his, too. People from all over the country came to it. There were admirals, congressmen, high city and state officials, Cleveland business owners and entrepreneurs he helped get started.

He knew everyone in the business community. He knew presidents of other countries and got a personally hosted tour of the Panama canal lock system. Hosted by the president of Panama.

He was a fascinating, gracious, intelligent, pompous. obnoxious. awesome pain in the ass. I miss him.