Dear Betsy, Jonathan, Michael, David, Matthew & families,
What beautiful memories honoring a man whose life story is a fantasy for so many people. George’s achievements were amazing but what amazes me the most is his over six decades of friendship with my father and his buddies. The unique strong bond that they shared was undoubtedly the envy of all. It was always such a treat to see them together. I loved him, his funny antics, his great big smile and of course his sweet nature. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to a truly great man and one of my father’s best friends. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
3
As President of Do it Best Corp I got to know GEORGE because we bought millions of dollars of his products and I was lucky enough to have known him as a business associate and a friend. There was no one in the entire industry that I had more respect and admiration. When I retired I taught business classes at Clemson and always used GEORGE as an example of what a real business leader is. He was a first class person.
2
Dear Betsy and family,
While Linda and I are heartbroken over George’s death, we take comfort in knowing that his ordeal is over and he is at peace. Your devotion to George during the most difficult time in his life was the highest form of love. As you grieve for George, know that more than anything else he would want you to be happy. That is his love for you. Love, Linda and Charlie
3
Betsy, I am so sorry about George's passing and everything that your family has endured over the last year. He was so energetic, relentlessly positive and visionary. The legacy that you have created together in the community and through everyone who has been inspired by George will live on forever.
2
When I first met George and Betsy over breakfast a decade ago, I was struck by their warmth, generosity, and authenticity. George was passionate about developing leadership in others - I personally experienced that and saw him do the same for many others. When I met with him about Teach For America, he asked great questions, encouraged me to think boldly, and always focused on the data and students. I left every interaction with George feeling seen and supported, and full of ideas. He was curious and always direct.
I was inspired by George's commitment to Baltimore. He was optimistic, pragmatic, bold, and creative. He and Betsy have made a difference in the lives of so many through their generosity and humility.
I feel so fortunate to have known and learned from George over the years and very grateful for my friendship with him and Betsy. I will really miss him, and I know he will be so missed by so many.
Sending lots of love to Betsy and the Sherman family.
Courtney
7
I offer my sincere condolences to the Sherman family. As I sit here writing this note a voice is echoing in my head that it is impossible to imagine a world without George's energy. If you asked me to describe George I would start by saying that he is a force of nature. I met George first while he was CEO of Danaher. I am a Long Island guy so his Plainview roots provided an immediate connection. We quickly connected based upon our mutual drive and desire to find better ways to solve business puzzles. George was with me, as he was with others gracious and sharing to a fault. He supported my questions about the Danaher Business systems even inviting me to participate in a Kaizan session at one of locations. Over time our connection grew to both ongoing business and social contacts as he moved to Miami and became friendly with a close friend Vinny Carosella on Fisher's Island.
I will miss our intermittent phone calls or times together in Miami or NYC. I will miss his unstoppable will, drive to improve and his big smile.
RIP my friend.
Mitchell
4
Dear Betsy
We send our deepest condolences to you and your family on George's death. It is difficult to accept this vital, energetic, creative, kind man is gone. There are memories, however, we will cherish. First, celebrating your 50th anniversary and hearing the loving (f not long!) courtship George and you had, and the many years of love the two of you had together and with your family. That was such a beautiful, happy night of celebration. Another memory-quite different- is the time George and you dedicated the Judy Center. Early childhood education is a passion for you (and was for George), and I remember the wonderful expressions the day the centered was opened with the young children who will benefit from the many enriched programs and activities it will give them. This was a gift of love. And, of course, we remember the times we saw you as neighbors on "our" street-sometimes with a grandchildren, often with the dog! In all the memories of George, the constant was the smile on his face and warm greeting. We grieve with you and the family at this very sad time.
Love
Shale and Ellen
2
George was an extraordinary leader, a visionary thinker, a person of tremendous energy, but also one who was a genuine person who made time for others. I am one of those he made time for. After George became CEO of Danaher, I interviewed to work for him. It wasn't meant to be. Nevertheless, I got together with George faithfully for many years. He used to laugh when he introduced me, that I was the guy he never hired, but somehow we stayed in touch. I always appreciated his counsel, directness, friendship, his commitment to be a blessing to others, and his passion for living life to the fullest. My prayers are with his family.
1
I met George for the first time at his Black and Decker office for a meeting totally unrelated to power tools. Soon after our introductions George dialed his desk phone and said, “Come on up here with the new tool.” A man in a white lab coat appeared with the prototype for a new cordless screwdriver. In the blink of an eye George was giving me a screwdriver demonstration by unscrewing the office door knobs and desk draw handles. As screws bounced on the floor George exclaimed, “Look at this thing! It’s so much more powerful and faster than the last one. Here - you try it!” Thanks George.
2
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