This airline is grateful for his extensive contributions and we

"This airline is grateful for his extensive contributions and we will miss his friendship and support. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Casey family on its personal loss." These words, spoken by Gerard Arpey, offer a moving tribute to a man whose contributions, both professional and personal, left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him. The acknowledgment of friendship and support speaks to the deeper value of human connection in the workplace, highlighting how relationships are not simply built on transactions, but on mutual respect, loyalty, and shared commitment. The sense of loss expressed is not merely for the individual’s professional contributions, but for the friendship that enriched the lives of those who worked alongside him. In Arpey’s words, we see how friendship and support are essential threads in the fabric of life, and how their absence is keenly felt when someone so deeply respected passes away.

In the ancient world, the value of friendship was held in the highest regard. Aristotle regarded friendship as one of the greatest of human goods, essential to the pursuit of a flourishing life. To be a true friend was to commit to the well-being of another, to offer support not just in moments of ease but in moments of difficulty. For Aristotle, friendship was not a mere social connection, but a powerful bond that shaped both personal growth and the moral integrity of a community. Gerard Arpey’s tribute, with its emphasis on friendship and support, reflects this ancient view—reminding us that the loss of such a figure is felt not just in terms of professional achievement, but in the very essence of connection between people.

Consider the legendary relationship between Socrates and Plato. Their bond was not built merely on intellectual discourse, but on mutual respect, loyalty, and a shared pursuit of truth. Plato, despite his own vast philosophical contributions, always spoke of Socrates with profound admiration, recognizing not only the man’s wisdom but the friendship that guided him in his own intellectual journey. The depth of their connection was something that transcended time and circumstance. When Socrates was sentenced to death, it was not only his philosophical legacy that Plato mourned, but the personal loss of a friend who had shaped his very understanding of the world. In the same way, Arpey’s words are not just an acknowledgment of professional loss, but a testament to the personal bond shared with the individual who passed away—someone whose friendship and support made a lasting impact.

Arpey’s tribute also speaks to a broader truth about the role of friendship in our professional lives. Workplaces are often seen as places of business, where success is measured in tangible outcomes like profits or achievements. Yet, it is often the unseen bonds of support and friendship that hold these environments together, ensuring not just professional success but personal fulfillment. Just as the ancient Greeks valued friendship as an integral part of a well-lived life, we too must recognize that relationships, built on mutual respect and trust, are essential to creating meaningful and enduring professional connections. The loss of such a figure, whether in the workplace or in personal life, is not simply the absence of skills or knowledge, but the void left in the emotional fabric of the community.

A real-life example of the importance of friendship in professional life can be seen in the relationship between Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the co-founders of Apple. Their friendship was foundational to the success of Apple, and it was not merely their shared passion for technology but their mutual support that allowed them to push through adversity and innovate. Even when their paths diverged professionally, their personal bond endured, reminding us that the power of friendship is what sustains us in our professional journeys. Jobs often spoke of his admiration for Wozniak, not just as a brilliant engineer but as a friend who had supported him in ways that went far beyond the workplace.

The lesson from Arpey’s tribute is clear: friendship and support are not just luxuries in our professional lives, but fundamental to success and well-being. It is easy to become focused on the tangible aspects of work—goals, targets, and achievements—but the true power of a team lies in the connections that individuals share with one another. We are reminded that the loss of a colleague is not just a professional setback, but a deeply personal heartache that resonates within the fabric of community. To honor the memory of those who have supported us, we must seek to cultivate the same loyalty, respect, and friendship that they so generously gave.

In our own lives, let us take time to recognize the importance of friendship in our work and in our personal relationships. Let us not wait until we experience loss to appreciate the support of those around us, but strive to offer that same support and warmth to others. Whether in the office, in our families, or among our closest companions, we must ensure that friendship is a core principle in all that we do. For it is through true connection, marked by respect and mutual care, that we can build lives filled with not only professional success but lasting fulfillment.