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A Tribute to Jim Derby
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Jim Derby |
James B. Derby, 52, of Hudson, Mass., a longtime employee who was well known and well respected by his HP colleagues, died June 18.
Derby was the executive driver for Digital Equipment Corporation founder Ken Olsen and Dorothy Rowe, DEC's first treasurer and director. During the DEC/Compaq years, Derby managed the Executive Auto Service program and a fleet with 10 drivers. In the early years of the company, both Olsen and Rowe relied heavily on Derby's loyalty, skill and intelligence.
Derby started with Digital Equipment Corporation 32 years ago as a stock clerk in the Old Mill in Maynard, Mass., and later worked in the internal courier service as a driver. He took specialized training in defensive and evasive driving and was the first Executive Auto Service Chauffeur at DEC. Over the years, Derby drove dignitaries and executives from around the world. He also drove sensitive documents and computer chips to various locations for DEC and key customers when needed.
Steve Aukstikalnis, an executive driver who worked with Derby said, "Losing Jim was like losing a brother to me. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed help with anything. He was affectionately known as 'The Mayor' to many of us because it seemed he knew everybody. He was also there with a smile on his face even though he was having health problems. His contributions to HP, Compaq and Digital are endless. He was one of the finest persons I've ever had the pleasure of meeting in my lifetime and I'll miss him tremendously."
Carol Schwab, executive assistant, remembers Derby fondly. "Jim Derby was a simple man who loved his family, friends and every one he met. He had a heart that was bigger than life itself. His legacy is that he was truly a good Samaritan who always extended himself to reach out to others, never wanting for himself. He will truly be missed," she said.
Other HP colleagues also remember Derby as a humanitarian and family man who cared passionately about the welfare of those he knew. Dan Socci, vice president, Network Solutions and Unified Communications for HP Services, recalls that Derby "truly seemed to make the most out of what life had to offer. I always enjoyed interacting with Jim. While he had his share of challenges, his positive outlook, energy and approach toward enjoying life was great to be around."
Lisa Chappell, director, Business Planning and Strategy, Technology Solutions Group, Americas, said, "Jim was the type of man who would make sure that you were taken care of in every way: from making sure you had coffee in the morning, going out of his way to help you or just being there with a funny story. He loved his family and was extremely proud of both his kids. He was also proud to work for HP. He was a class act and good friend to many, many people."
Jay Connor of TSG Sales finds it hard to envision going to or from the airport without engaging in a conversation with Jim about the old Digital days or talking about the latest news, he said. "Whether he was ensuring that his family was cared for, attending his son's hockey game or going to Vermont on his bike, what stands out most in my mind about Jim was his humor, generosity of spirit and commitment to his family and friends. He cared for and about people," Connor said.
Derby coached youth ice hockey for the Minuteman Flames in Concord, Mass. He was a member of the Maynard, Mass., Rod and Gun Club, enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and riding his Harley Davidson.
He leaves his wife Christine, his daughter Erin and his son Jeffrey, his stepson John Lindfors and a large extended family. His funeral was June 25 in Maynard.
24 July 2008
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