Spencer’s Passing: Still Inspiring Others

This week marks the 1-year anniversary of the passing of our dear friend, Spencer Rubin.  Many  of my clients know Spencer.  Some of you I  wouldn’t have the privilege of knowing without  him.  In fact, several clients I’m actively working  with right now are relationships I made because of him.

To say Spencer had an impact on my life and business would be an understatement.  Not simply because he introduced me to some of my clients.  Moreover, he taught me how to conduct myself in business; with transparency and authenticity.  He befriended both Lisa Ferro and myself when the three of us began as colleagues 16 years ago; a friendship Spencer helped pave the way to a partnership and ultimately the start of The Blue Waters Group.  Even the very name of our company exudes Spencer’s ethos; he was always drawn to and at his best on the water.

When you lose someone who beautifully wove his way into many parts of your life, it’s hard to compartmentalize the emotions.  We worked, started families, and boated alongside one another, so his absence is felt in many ways.  At the same time, however, his presence is felt ever more.  This week I saw many social media tributes to Spencer from his dearest friends.  Many of them referenced how they are still encouraged by him to live in gratitude, see the beauty, and learn patience (all Spencer colloquiums).  In short, his spirit and his beautiful surviving family lives on as wonderful inspiration.

The most inspiring thing Spencer has taught me since his passing is this: no matter how much your time is cut short here on Earth, if you live right you’ll make an impact far beyond your time.  We don’t necessarily need to leave a legacy; rather a simple lasting imprint on those we leave behind.  An imprint that says I love you, I’m proud of you, and I want only the best for you.  That’s what Spencer did for me, and it will continue to inspire me for many years to come.