A Friend Has Passed
January 19, 2009
Fred Buggie, president of Strategic Innovations, Inc. and a long time Senior Associate of Advent, died last week, just shy of his 80th birthday. When I heard of his passing, thanks to a call from his widow, I was alternately sad and smiling.
Fred, a Yale grad who went on to do some of the best work (in my opinion) done in the late 20th century in the area of corporate innovation (as founder and president of the Strategic Innovation Inc.), was a constant source of new ideas and a wonderful story teller. He loved his work and it showed. He also has a wicked sense of humor, once telling a joke about cats at a client meeting that I forbade him from ever telling again.
I first met Fred when I was Vice President of Special Programs at the Presidents Association of AMA and he came to me to propose a workshop for CEO’s and Company Presidents on his Innovation Process. Later, when I left AMA, we became associated and were involved in a number of projects over the years. Even when not actively working together, we maintained an active correspondence, sharing jokes and new product development ideas.
I will miss Fred’s smiling face, quick wit and thoughtful collaboration. And I will remember him, as well, for the gifts he shared, for times spent together and from the learning he graciously shared. Goodbye, Fred, thanks for the memories.
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