Suzanne and Sterling are tops among the best friends I’ve ever had. Suzanne was also in her own right, tops among my friends. She was always kind to me, asked about things important to me, and gave me encouragement, over the many years I knew her. Suzanne was interesting and fun to be around.
Suzanne knew more about politics than most people I’ve ever known. I remember the first time I joined Suze and Sterling for a conversation about politics. It was the late 1980’s early 1990’s. She went into great detail about how Bill Clinton was the right president for the country. And she talked about knowing and working with a local house representative, Zoe Lofgren. Suze was undoubtedly proud of what her friend Zoe is doing these days.
Back then, I had been a lifelong republican, having inherited that during my upper midwest upbringing. For my birthday that year, Suze and Sterling gave me the book “Rush Limbaugh is a Big, Fat Idiot.” And over the next few years, by talking with them and opening my ears and mind, I soon was a convert. And I never regretted it.
I enjoyed talking about sales stuff with Suzanne. She knew a lot about technology, and was very successful in her company. With her knowledge of tech, customers, and her friendly personality, she made sales look easy.
She was funny too. At times, I would work with Sterling at their house in Redwood City. I remember one time when I was there. Erich and Trevor (about 1 ½) were running around the house like little boys do. Trevor ran into the living room with only a t-shirt on, Suze said something like “Trevi at least you got dressed for the occasion!” She could always add a good punch line to any situation. And she loved her boys.
Suzanne always had good things to say about people. In those days, I had my own ups and downs in business and in personal life, and often shared these details with Sterling and Suzanne. I realize now that one thing was always true about our interactions. Suzanne always complimented me, congratulated me on my work, and gave me encouragement. She was a very kind person and was always kind to me.
My fondest memory of my time with Suzanne was when I got to be best man at Suzanne and Sterling’s wedding. It was a truly memorable day. At one point, I went into their preparation room, and said something like “You guys need to get ready!” For years later, she told me “Jimbo, you really kept us on schedule that day!” Even though the facts might have been very different, it didn’t matter; she made me feel good.
I will always miss Suzanne. Rest in Peace Suze.
Share with others
