"If it is OK for Gene to say it, then why can’t I?" was the question I asked Mary Fortson nearly ten years ago as we discussed a number of legal issues for a brief we were filing in federal court. I loved Eugene Anderson. He was free to say what he knew was the truth regarding insurance. We had a bond.

Eugene Anderson was the supreme advocate for policyholders—but our age difference was too great when we first met for us to be true colleagues. He helped me. He gave me advice. He showed me how to do my job more effectively and encouraged me, even though it meant he was making less money by doing so. He was a prince of a guy and a force that will always live with me. Indeed, my rhetoric reflects some of his style. 

All policyholders have lost a thoroughly sincere and passionate knight, advocating for them without hesitation, with the passing of Gene. He will be missed by all and remembered by those who understood his purpose.

How about some Neil Young on a sad Monday — these other words have some special meaning to me when it comes to Gene:

Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.

I’ve been first and last
Look at how the time goes past.
But I’m all alone at last.
Rolling home to you.

Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.

 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dVC2cszdTao%26hl%3Den_US%26fs%3D1%3Frel%3D0%26color1%3D0x2b405b%26color2%3D0x6b8ab6