Wally epitomized the meaning of a true friend, always willing to listen, counsel and help regardless of the length or the reason for the beginning of the relationship. Many of you know him for his business talents in building Cincom and Terradata to the pinnacles that they achieved. I would like to share with you some of the anecdotal memories I have;
Ambassordial: Convincing talented “wire heads” and superb marketers like Robin Adair and Bob Flynn to move from England and San Francisco to Cincinnati and having them regret their having to leave the city. Many long and lingering friendships evolve for Carole and me from meeting all of you which we shall forever treasure.
Resourceful: After traveling around the world for Cincom, he returned to Cincinnati on Friday which, of course, meant that he spent the evening at the Blind Lemon. After he left late with a charming young lady who lived north of the City, I received an 11:00 o’clock A.M. telephone call on Saturday morning with the first words being “thank God”. I responded, Wally? He said, yes and continued with last night I was driving and saw more lanes than a bowling alley and thought it best to check into a motel. Upon waking this morning, I had no idea where I was, I looked in a drawer and found a Gideon Bible which was of no immediate help and the match cover advertised 136 Holiday Inns around the world. I thought if I could dial you without an area code, I knew I was close.
Humble: Upon receiving the Securities and Exchange Commission “Red Herring” for Terradata’s Public Offering, I called Wally to congratulate him upon becoming a millionaire to which he responded, what do you mean? I told him I multiplied the disclosure of the number of shares that he held and the offering price and arrived at the figure of One Million Dollars. Wally replied, “oh, I never was good at counting zeros”.
Generous: The half time barbeques on the deck at Loudon that enabled everyone to return to the Blind Lemon to finish what we started.
Father: The thrill of his reunion with Greg and his sister and pushing Matt’s baby carriage up and down the hills of Mt. Adams.
Creative: Secretly substituting the tape of Deep Throat for the NFL game that followed a Bengals away game.
These were but a few that came to my mind but there were many many more that have real significance though less humor.
Now that he has gone to that “Big Bar” in the sky, he will be missed by Carole, me, my sons, Todd & Brian, as well as all of you but he will never be forgotten.
Carole & Bruce B. McIntosh
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Mr. Fun
I am so fortunate to have had Walt as my friend.
My life became larger and my heart bigger.
A very kind and gentle soul
He never raised his voice or his hand to anyone
Generous to a fault
If Walt had it - you had it
Always with a kind word
A compliment, a smile
He made each day a little easier, a lot brighter
His counsel was wise and gentle
He was "Mr. Fun" to The Hurricanes soccer team
And, I'm sure, to the Mt. Adams All Stars as well
I already miss our morning coffee
And football games and dreams and plans
Your memory is the only possible patch
For the hole in my heart
God speed my friend, God speed
Love,
Dan
My life became larger and my heart bigger.
A very kind and gentle soul
He never raised his voice or his hand to anyone
Generous to a fault
If Walt had it - you had it
Always with a kind word
A compliment, a smile
He made each day a little easier, a lot brighter
His counsel was wise and gentle
He was "Mr. Fun" to The Hurricanes soccer team
And, I'm sure, to the Mt. Adams All Stars as well
I already miss our morning coffee
And football games and dreams and plans
Your memory is the only possible patch
For the hole in my heart
God speed my friend, God speed
Love,
Dan
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Remembrance
Walt would not like all this adoration about him. His face would have more red on it than usual. In fact he would not approve of the technology being used to record it. Unless he could sell it, of course. I will be forever thankful to have been one of his friends for nearly forty years.
I met him at a Cincom "seminar". It was his favorite kind of venue. I am sure his bosses expected him to bring back orders for their flagship product, at that time a state the of art database management system, called Total. We were way too arrogant to be interested in a product similar to a database product project which we had been working on for a couple of years. What did interest us was a new, for both of us, teleprocessing monitor. When Walt described the software paging (Virtual memory paging was the really hot technology of the time) in the system, we were hooked. I doubt that Walt really understood or cared about the technology. In those days, it was considered that moving away from IBM hardware or software in any major way was hazardous to one's career health. The marketing manager for our account turned out to be one of Walt's best friends at IBM, Bob Pelstring. We survived and moved on.
That decision could have been disasterous for us, except for a couple really bright programmer types (at the time), named Mike Benson and Dave Clements, both of whom later became Cincom employees (I should have sued). That project brought me to Cincinnati many times over the next few years and it was all the back and forth that contributed to Walt becoming one of my lifelong best friends.
Walt was single in those early years, but I do not think that made much difference. When Miss Vicky came on the scene, Walt remained the same person we (and she) had learned to love and we all loved her, as well.
When Walt moved to Manhattan Beach and Teradata he was, if anything, easier to see more often. When I later was commuting from Orange County to Santa Monica and West LA, I had to stop every Friday, waiting for the traffic to clear, at Sausalito South and later at Sunsets, both in Manhattan Beach. There surprisingly was a period of time when we became partners in a new Venture. Unfortunate, our timing was awful as one of our down markets scared off all the venture capital guys just when we thought we were ready to close.
Walt was responsible for broadening my scope of friends. I made friends and
acquaintances at Cincom. I grew to know all the other principals in Teradata, as well as a group of social friends from Manhattan Beach. Unfortunately they were mostly Cal Berkeley alumni, but I like them anyway.
As we reached our more "Golden Years", we tried to keep up our friendship but less frequently. I no longer was at Sunset's every Friday, and he and his friends no longer came to Newport Beach for haircuts, etc., by the girls at the Balboa Bay Club barbershop. We tried to keep up each year at the Long Beach Grand Prix, but that got old so we just met at Clancy's for gambling and refreshments before and after the races.
The bottom line is that Walt was a very important part of my life and I thank God that He gave Walt to us in exactly the way that he did !
I met him at a Cincom "seminar". It was his favorite kind of venue. I am sure his bosses expected him to bring back orders for their flagship product, at that time a state the of art database management system, called Total. We were way too arrogant to be interested in a product similar to a database product project which we had been working on for a couple of years. What did interest us was a new, for both of us, teleprocessing monitor. When Walt described the software paging (Virtual memory paging was the really hot technology of the time) in the system, we were hooked. I doubt that Walt really understood or cared about the technology. In those days, it was considered that moving away from IBM hardware or software in any major way was hazardous to one's career health. The marketing manager for our account turned out to be one of Walt's best friends at IBM, Bob Pelstring. We survived and moved on.
That decision could have been disasterous for us, except for a couple really bright programmer types (at the time), named Mike Benson and Dave Clements, both of whom later became Cincom employees (I should have sued). That project brought me to Cincinnati many times over the next few years and it was all the back and forth that contributed to Walt becoming one of my lifelong best friends.
Walt was single in those early years, but I do not think that made much difference. When Miss Vicky came on the scene, Walt remained the same person we (and she) had learned to love and we all loved her, as well.
When Walt moved to Manhattan Beach and Teradata he was, if anything, easier to see more often. When I later was commuting from Orange County to Santa Monica and West LA, I had to stop every Friday, waiting for the traffic to clear, at Sausalito South and later at Sunsets, both in Manhattan Beach. There surprisingly was a period of time when we became partners in a new Venture. Unfortunate, our timing was awful as one of our down markets scared off all the venture capital guys just when we thought we were ready to close.
Walt was responsible for broadening my scope of friends. I made friends and
acquaintances at Cincom. I grew to know all the other principals in Teradata, as well as a group of social friends from Manhattan Beach. Unfortunately they were mostly Cal Berkeley alumni, but I like them anyway.
As we reached our more "Golden Years", we tried to keep up our friendship but less frequently. I no longer was at Sunset's every Friday, and he and his friends no longer came to Newport Beach for haircuts, etc., by the girls at the Balboa Bay Club barbershop. We tried to keep up each year at the Long Beach Grand Prix, but that got old so we just met at Clancy's for gambling and refreshments before and after the races.
The bottom line is that Walt was a very important part of my life and I thank God that He gave Walt to us in exactly the way that he did !
Walt-Simply The Best!
I met Walt in January 1973 at the Victory Parkway offices shortly after joining Cincom. His professionalism and gregarious nature were second to none. He welcomed me to Cincom and then invited me to the Blind Lemon.
Several years later at Cincom we had an opportunity to work together and in that setting, he mentored to our group and shared his experiences. On various occasions we would have an off site meeting, which usually lasted most of the day and turned into dinner. Walt would always pick up the tab. Once you were a friend of Walt's, you were a friend forever. He was the best!
Approximately seven or eight years ago, I met Walt for a drink in Long Beach, Ca. and it was like no time had passed. The same kind hearted, giving, sincere person I knew during my Cincom years. He was always concerned about you. I know the Good Lord will have a very special place for him in his kingdom.
Rick Hopper
Several years later at Cincom we had an opportunity to work together and in that setting, he mentored to our group and shared his experiences. On various occasions we would have an off site meeting, which usually lasted most of the day and turned into dinner. Walt would always pick up the tab. Once you were a friend of Walt's, you were a friend forever. He was the best!
Approximately seven or eight years ago, I met Walt for a drink in Long Beach, Ca. and it was like no time had passed. The same kind hearted, giving, sincere person I knew during my Cincom years. He was always concerned about you. I know the Good Lord will have a very special place for him in his kingdom.
Rick Hopper
A fond memory, from England.
Thank you for a wonderful memory for so many reasons.
1980 Cincinnati, Ohio. I was a 9 year old having recently moved to America and with a very strong British accent, being introduced to this larger than life character called Walt Muir who proceeded to invite me to my first American Football game. The Cincinnati Bengals versus The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I remember being very excited but also a little nervous as I was the only child going along.
I remember about 9 or 10 people piling into this enormous brown convertible and heading down to the game. Not finding parking, Walt made his own, moving traffic cones and parking the very discreet brown convertible where the road works were. I remember thinking wow this is great in America you can park anywhere, not that I had ever paid attention to parking before in my life!
We then proceeded to the game and it was a party atmosphere the whole time. I remember thinking this is great, I am watching a sport that I have no idea what is happening and everyone is having a great time (might have been the beer!!).
Walt always checked that I was ok and enjoying myself, he also asked did I understand what was going on, which of course being British I said yes. The Bengals lost but what I remember most was the kindness, generosity and consideration that Walt showed to me. The way I will remember Walt or Mr Muir to me, is as one of the good guys who did win and had a great time doing it.
1980 Cincinnati, Ohio. I was a 9 year old having recently moved to America and with a very strong British accent, being introduced to this larger than life character called Walt Muir who proceeded to invite me to my first American Football game. The Cincinnati Bengals versus The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I remember being very excited but also a little nervous as I was the only child going along.
I remember about 9 or 10 people piling into this enormous brown convertible and heading down to the game. Not finding parking, Walt made his own, moving traffic cones and parking the very discreet brown convertible where the road works were. I remember thinking wow this is great in America you can park anywhere, not that I had ever paid attention to parking before in my life!
We then proceeded to the game and it was a party atmosphere the whole time. I remember thinking this is great, I am watching a sport that I have no idea what is happening and everyone is having a great time (might have been the beer!!).
Walt always checked that I was ok and enjoying myself, he also asked did I understand what was going on, which of course being British I said yes. The Bengals lost but what I remember most was the kindness, generosity and consideration that Walt showed to me. The way I will remember Walt or Mr Muir to me, is as one of the good guys who did win and had a great time doing it.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Walt - A Wonderful Man!
Walt was an exceptional individual who truly made a difference in life. His jovial personality, zest for life, and genuine compassion for others contributed much to the lives of all those who were so very fortunate to have known him. He was generous beyond any one's expectations. If you needed $20, he would give you $40. If you were struggling with problems, he was always there to be a good listener, provide positive feedback, and encourage you.Walt taught and inspired others to excel,and he was an experienced "team player". He helped make our hard work become FUN. I am forever grateful to him for his constant inspiration, creativity, and tireless efforts during Teradata's formative years. He was a vital catalyst for building employee and investor confidence, which ultimately contributed to Teradata's growth and success.
When we lose a dear friend or loved one, an avalanche of memories suddenly pour down upon us. May all your special and personal memories of Walt become your treasures, forever present in your heart and mind. Walt's great soul never leaves us, rather his legacy and our memories live on, bringing us together over and over again.
"Happy Trails" dear friend, and please save a fast horse for me in that big pasture up yonder.
With love and many thanks,
Jack and Paula
Robin: Heartfelt thanks for starting this blog. It brought back lots of memories to read everyone’s comments. I remember several of you: from the good times at Wally’s, at the Blind Lemon, or just hearing Wally talk about you. When I first met Wally, I was about 24 years old, new to Cincinnati – no family or many friends, not even a car….just Scholar the Dog. As several of you mentioned, Wally was most generous, and took care of both of us for a while. We stayed friends over all these years and, when my husband and I had the opportunity to move to LA in 1993, we moved to Mt. Adams-by-the Sea (Manhattan Beach), and became neighbors again. One holiday back in the Glory Days, I wanted to tell Wally how much Scholar and I appreciated his friendship. My girlfriend Peggy could write in rhyme, so I asked her to write a poem for Wally….something that would tell the story of how he rescued Scholar and me. I found the poem in an old album. Thanks for the opportunity to share. -- Eileen
Ode to Wally
Circa 1972
Once upon a frosty morning in an earlier year
A fine young man in double-knits a little voice did hear
He checked under the street lamp, he was checking all around
He looked down at the sidewalk to trace this sorry sound.
“Help, help me,” cried the little voice, “my heart is all a-flutter”
You’re standing on my fingers, which are clinging to the gutter.
He spied an odd, disheveled lass, black curl and smiling tooth
Of all strange sights he’d ever seen, this was the most uncouth.
Now against his better judgment, he felt he ought to aid
This clearly fallen women who had supplication made.
He gingerly unwrapped his scarf from ‘round his proper neck
And lowered down a lifeline to this life-tossed human wreck.
She grabbed it with a vengeance, and held on very tight.
No sooner did he pull her up, she asked to stay the night.
She followed him right to his house where she pressed her nose
Against the front door where she stuck, like a thorn against a rose.
A child welfare social worker, so willing and so able
Her goals were just to save the kids, and be a pony in his stable.
The house was fun, the friends so cool, everything was just so regal
I agree, and the food was great, said Scholar T. Dog, the beagle.
Thank you for the best of times, never had to go too far
Just up the street, drinks on me, at the Blind Lemon bar.
New Verse (2009)
The friendship did last as the years went past
How lucky to be his friend
Wally will always be loved and missed
Until we meet again.
To Walt From Downunder
It has been over 20 years since I left Cincom and more than that since I last saw Walt. Met him on my first trip to Cincinnati around 1978 and he could not understand my accent. Thought I might be from Austria! He was a good man and I didn't know him as well as others which is a shame and my loss.
Walt - Always there to help
I only knew Walt for a relatively short time during those early years at Cincom, but he certainly left a lasting impression on me.
Others have spoken at length about Walt's qualities in their postings, and I can only echo their sentiments. Walt was a kind, generous, sincere person. He always provided unlimited encouragement and assistance in business, and was quick to extend his hospitality outside of work. He wanted his colleagues to win just as much as he did and was the very essence of the "work hard, play hard" environment where I and many others learned so much.
I know he will be sadly missed and I would like to send my condolences to his family.
David Hall
Others have spoken at length about Walt's qualities in their postings, and I can only echo their sentiments. Walt was a kind, generous, sincere person. He always provided unlimited encouragement and assistance in business, and was quick to extend his hospitality outside of work. He wanted his colleagues to win just as much as he did and was the very essence of the "work hard, play hard" environment where I and many others learned so much.
I know he will be sadly missed and I would like to send my condolences to his family.
David Hall
Forever Loved
Walt Muir will be missed and forever loved. He was a magnetic leader, yet always a team player. At Cincom and Teradata, we worked with him, not for him. He nurtured us with his endless encouragement and optimism. At the same time, Walt made it easy to become his friend. And that was the real benefit of knowing him. His humor, generosity and caring attitude defined him. May he rest in Heaven knowing that he helped and inspired so many. Thanks, Wally.
Walt - Everyones friend
I joined Cincom in 1976 as a snot nosed kid right out of college. When I interviewed with Walt he made me feel important and comfortable throughout the conversation. Of course he did an outstanding sales pitch on Cincom and after I left his office I couldn't wait to start. Throughout my time at Cincom Walt treated everyone as an equal and a friend, not matter what their position was at the time. This was his special quality you don't see in most large professional companies. I will always fondly remember his big smile and hearty laugh. I thank God he was a part of my life.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thanks Walt
I met Walt at age 23 when I was fresh out of college and just entering the business world. I had heard from others about this incredible sales guy who was the key to Cincom's early growth and success. Although I wanted to meet him, I knew I would be terribly intimidated. Within moments of meeting Walt he put me completely at ease due to his warm, friendly nature. I knew immediately that he was a great guy and someone who would be fun to work with. Walt also showed me that although we needed to work hard, we could have a lot of fun along the way. And as someone who wanted to learn the skills of selling, there was no better person to learn than from Walt. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with Walt when we were both at Cincom.
Walt Made You Welcome
Walt wore a “W” on his heart. It stood for WELCOME. If you were a young kid who was wet behind the ears he opened his heart to you. Walt would put one arm around your shoulder and help dry those ears and then put a drink in your hand with the other. If he invited you to a party at his condo and you didn’t know anyone he would make you feel that the party was for you and introduced you to everyone there. He didn’t know a stranger or treat anyone like a stranger.
Thirty years ago I was about to get on a plane with Walt when I learned that my father had passed away. His concern and compassion that day was typical of his actions each and every day. Keep a stool open at that big bar in the sky for me. Ron Hank, Cincinnati, Ohio .
Thirty years ago I was about to get on a plane with Walt when I learned that my father had passed away. His concern and compassion that day was typical of his actions each and every day. Keep a stool open at that big bar in the sky for me. Ron Hank, Cincinnati, Ohio .
My IBM buddy
Walt and I met when he was a salesman and I was a system engineer with IBM.
He was a great friend.
He was humerous.
He never had a bad word for anybody.
He was a great salesman.
When I co-founded Cincom Systems with Tom Nies and Claude Bogardus,
we immediately went after Walt to create and manage our sales force.
We worked together and traveld togother for the early years of building Cincom.
The ultimate success of Cincom was Walt's doing.
We were personal fiends as well as business associates.
It would take too many words to describe the fun we had together.
I will miss him even though we have not seen each other for some time.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Sincere regards
Tom Richley
He was a great friend.
He was humerous.
He never had a bad word for anybody.
He was a great salesman.
When I co-founded Cincom Systems with Tom Nies and Claude Bogardus,
we immediately went after Walt to create and manage our sales force.
We worked together and traveld togother for the early years of building Cincom.
The ultimate success of Cincom was Walt's doing.
We were personal fiends as well as business associates.
It would take too many words to describe the fun we had together.
I will miss him even though we have not seen each other for some time.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Sincere regards
Tom Richley
Walt - One of a kind
All who knew Walt have fond memories of him as a person but he was also a great teacher, leader and mentor. One of the most important lessons he taught me was “don’t burn any bridges”. I was fortunate to meet Walt very early in my career and so he had a major impact on me. Walt, Bob Flynn and I did the east coast seminar circuit for Cincom in the early days. At that time we didn’t measure travel distance between cities in miles but rather in how many bottles of wine we would consume during the journey. And when we finally got back to Cincinnati it was either a meeting at the Blind Lemon or a party in Mt Adams at Walt’s place. Walt’s place was THE rallying point for every out-of town Cincomer, and most in town Cincomers as well. Who knows how many people were recruited into Cincom because of Walt’s enthusiasm and generosity – everybody wanted to be part of TEAM-MUIR. One of my most remembered trips with Walt was our trip to Europe to “inspect” the European offices at Michael Hunt’s request and then to teach a selling class. Mike Hunt even took us to cities like Rome where there was no Cincom office – thanks Michael!! When Walt left Cincom to go to Teradata in Los Angeles he was kind enough to recruit Dave Clements and then me. The growing Teradata Company needed a rallying point and again all roads led to the Muir house. Sausalito South replaced the Blind Lemon; Manhattan Beach replaced Mt. Adams. Walt never stopped being the leader, the mentor, the friend. Walt and Dave Clements invented a “Partner Program” when Teradata had nothing to sell – but boy did we sell. Walt and Dave recruited top companies in the Partner Program to help us “design” the future of computing. We did the designing at some pretty nice places like Windows-on-the-World in the New York Trade Center. As a sale’s professional Walt was always opening doors. In his life he opened his front door for me many times, he opened his arms, he opened his heart and he opened his wallet. The measure of Walt Muir was his generosity, his caring, and his gentle way. May the Good Lord open the doors of heaven for Walt and reward a man who more than anybody I knew loved his neighbor as himself. Love and goodbye good friend.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Memories of Walt
While I first met Walt at Cincom, I didn't really get to know him until he began building the Teradata field organization. Many of us are forever indebted to Walt for enabling our careers at Teradata to happen.
I remember Walt as-
Fun- one of his favorite quips was "You've got to spend money to make money!" Everything about Walt was always upbeat, & he always wanted to make our work effort enjoyable
Humorous- Walt once told me "show me a prospect that orders a Jack Daniels at lunch, and I'll show you a prospect that I will close for you!" He was only half kidding - Walt had a great way with people in the selling process.
Caring- Among many other things, Walt insisted that each of us traveling to LA in the early days stay at Barnabey's Hotel in Manhattan Beach. He knew the hardships of roadwork, & really cared about his people
Practical- Once I was telling Walt about how I was at a midwest account (Kmart?) for a week in the winter, & when I came back to LA I had that nasty white salt line around my new shoes, which I spent about an hour trying to clean out. Walt's reply - "Mark my boy, I had that same thing on my shoes when I returned from there a few weeks ago. But I just threw them out & got a new pair!"
Proud- Despite his calmness at work, Walt gave it his all & spoke proudly about his company & product. His old "DBC/1012" CA license plate was a good example of his work attitude.
Generous- Walt would often invite the work crew down to his favorate watering hole in the Manhattan Beach Village complex after work on Fridays. He always refused our offers to pick up a tab - many of which I'm sure were quite large.
Walt was a wonderful and unique man. He had a voice that projected just right to grab attention in both the smallest of conference rooms and largest of speaking halls. Better yet, he had a smile & a laugh that could warm even the coolest of audiences. Best of all, Walt had a magic about him, that made him your friend before you ever even knew it. May he rest in peace with his Maker, & may his spirit live on in all of us.
Mark Oenbrink
Cincinnati, OH
I remember Walt as-
Fun- one of his favorite quips was "You've got to spend money to make money!" Everything about Walt was always upbeat, & he always wanted to make our work effort enjoyable
Humorous- Walt once told me "show me a prospect that orders a Jack Daniels at lunch, and I'll show you a prospect that I will close for you!" He was only half kidding - Walt had a great way with people in the selling process.
Caring- Among many other things, Walt insisted that each of us traveling to LA in the early days stay at Barnabey's Hotel in Manhattan Beach. He knew the hardships of roadwork, & really cared about his people
Practical- Once I was telling Walt about how I was at a midwest account (Kmart?) for a week in the winter, & when I came back to LA I had that nasty white salt line around my new shoes, which I spent about an hour trying to clean out. Walt's reply - "Mark my boy, I had that same thing on my shoes when I returned from there a few weeks ago. But I just threw them out & got a new pair!"
Proud- Despite his calmness at work, Walt gave it his all & spoke proudly about his company & product. His old "DBC/1012" CA license plate was a good example of his work attitude.
Generous- Walt would often invite the work crew down to his favorate watering hole in the Manhattan Beach Village complex after work on Fridays. He always refused our offers to pick up a tab - many of which I'm sure were quite large.
Walt was a wonderful and unique man. He had a voice that projected just right to grab attention in both the smallest of conference rooms and largest of speaking halls. Better yet, he had a smile & a laugh that could warm even the coolest of audiences. Best of all, Walt had a magic about him, that made him your friend before you ever even knew it. May he rest in peace with his Maker, & may his spirit live on in all of us.
Mark Oenbrink
Cincinnati, OH
Words of Wisdom
Many years ago when I was a 26 year old techie with Cincom and was in Cincinnati for some meeting or other, Wally goaded me into playing a game of football with other colleagues. I wasn't a jock and had played little but I was a fast runner. I missed every pass thrown to me.
He later took me aside and said: "You've obviously never had any training at all, and your problem is simple: you just don't keep your eyes on the ball. You'll never get the ball if your not really looking for it. Come to think of it, you should probably keep that in mind in your professional life too because that's what I do. At any rate, I think you'll probably make a better golfer than a football player."
He was absolutely right in his advice, and just as wrong about the golf. The fact that I remember his advice and that day illustrates how Walt's engaging way made him hard to forget. A bright light is lost to us that now shines brilliantly elsewhere. John Cannon. Mississauga, Canada
He later took me aside and said: "You've obviously never had any training at all, and your problem is simple: you just don't keep your eyes on the ball. You'll never get the ball if your not really looking for it. Come to think of it, you should probably keep that in mind in your professional life too because that's what I do. At any rate, I think you'll probably make a better golfer than a football player."
He was absolutely right in his advice, and just as wrong about the golf. The fact that I remember his advice and that day illustrates how Walt's engaging way made him hard to forget. A bright light is lost to us that now shines brilliantly elsewhere. John Cannon. Mississauga, Canada
Florida View
I first meet Wally at IBM in early 60s. He was a fun loving IBM salesmen driving a Jag. We at IBM had a fraternity like relationship and friendship that is similar to Marine Corp, for life.
Later we hooked up at Cincom and continued the Band of Brothers trust. I will always remember Wally as the consummate salesman with a heart of gold and a good friend. He could tell always entertain by telling a great story, with a bit of embellishment.
God bless the family and rest his soul. Frank Leitner
Later we hooked up at Cincom and continued the Band of Brothers trust. I will always remember Wally as the consummate salesman with a heart of gold and a good friend. He could tell always entertain by telling a great story, with a bit of embellishment.
God bless the family and rest his soul. Frank Leitner
Chicago View
Funny story: when I moved over to Teradata, my former employer dinged me for the reimbursement for my move to Chicago. I was out $3,500 which was for me in those days a ton of money. I had wanted to buy Lori an engagement ring but had no cash.Jack Peters asked Walt if -- since my acceptance of the Teradata offer triggered the clawback by my old employer -- Teradata would reimburse me the $3,500. Walt sat on it for a few weeks then said "Yes." I was ecstatic! I bought the ring immediately and Lori wears it to this day.
Bill Nowacki
Bill Nowacki
From Japan
I'm saddened to hear of Wally's passing, and I send my condolences to his family. Although I hadn't seen Wally for many years, I've always treasured his cheer, warmth, and kindness. Wally always was fun to be with and he went far out of his way to help me whenever I asked. Our loss will be Heaven's gain. Bill Totten (Kyoto, Japan)
Canadian View
I first met Walt when I was at the University of Guelph, Canada in the late 60's.
He created a long lasting impression on me as a salesperson. Shortly afterwords, Ian Maclachan and I set up Cincom Canada. I always remember chatting to him about what next steps to take on accounts I was trying to sell. He was a mentor of mine, a great salesman and teacher of selling. Anytime I went to Cicinnatti he was Mr hosiptality as we ususally ended up at his place in Mt Adams. I will raise my glass to him on Saturday!!
Michael Hunt, Henley on Thames, England
He created a long lasting impression on me as a salesperson. Shortly afterwords, Ian Maclachan and I set up Cincom Canada. I always remember chatting to him about what next steps to take on accounts I was trying to sell. He was a mentor of mine, a great salesman and teacher of selling. Anytime I went to Cicinnatti he was Mr hosiptality as we ususally ended up at his place in Mt Adams. I will raise my glass to him on Saturday!!
Michael Hunt, Henley on Thames, England
Sunday, February 1, 2009
First Meeting with Walt
I met Wally on my first visit to Cincinnati in 1976. I was introduced to him during the day at 2300 Montana. He looked every bit an ex IBMer, as was I, but what came shining through immediately was his warmth and friendliness to me, a stranger. Later that day he invited those of us from Europe to join him and friends "for a few shooters" at the Blind Lemon in Mt. Adams.
That was my first experience of a man who it seemed lived to enjoy life and make sure that others did too. He never hesitated to befriend anybody who came his way, and was always the first to offer help at work or play. Over my "Cincinnati years" I was priviliged to meet a lot of good friends, do a lot of "shooters" and enjoy a lot of memorable times with Wally. The world would be a better place with more Wally Muirs. Although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten. Robin Adair, Sarasota, Florida.
That was my first experience of a man who it seemed lived to enjoy life and make sure that others did too. He never hesitated to befriend anybody who came his way, and was always the first to offer help at work or play. Over my "Cincinnati years" I was priviliged to meet a lot of good friends, do a lot of "shooters" and enjoy a lot of memorable times with Wally. The world would be a better place with more Wally Muirs. Although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten. Robin Adair, Sarasota, Florida.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)