I am very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I first met Joe when I was a young professional and he the CFO of our company-Hanson Pipe and Products.I always respected his Integrity, Humility and Professionalism.Regardless of how busy he was or the demands placed on his time, he would always stop and engage in conversations with any employee and treat them with as much respect and importance as if they were the CEO. He made everyone feel important and as if whatever they wanted to discuss with him was important and a priority.Upon learning I went to ACU and that our Alma Matters played each other each year, we established an annual bet…whichever team lost, the losing Alumni had to present a $1 bill to the winning Alumni.I won a few and he won a few, each time I lost I took him his $1 and he would always say, “It looks like we got the best of you this year.” I smiled and replied, “Well did you see the good news?” He would reply, “No, but you always find a way to get a positive out of something negative…John, what’s your good news?” I replied, “ACU Accounting Students still consistently pass the CPA exam on the first try at twice the National Average?” He would then laugh in that Joe Aldridge way.We had some good times!Joe, Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. Rest In Peace, my friend.John Berry
