Hi John,

It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of our dear friend, mentor, and brother, Kerry Patterson.

Sadly, most of you never got to experience in person the privilege of having Kerry make you think deeply, care profoundly, and laugh uncontrollably. But Kerry’s heart and mind infuse everything we all cherish about Crucial Learning, especially our books and courses.

Two stories will help you appreciate this great man. The first involves a financial decision that had an enormous effect on Kerry and my fellow Crucial Learning founders. We had the legal right to wiggle out of an obligation, and lawyers encouraged us to do so. But Kerry didn’t give it a second thought. He said, “If someone were to tell this story on 60 Minutes, would we be the hero or the villain?” He didn’t care about the financial consequences; he cared about integrity. And he influenced all of us for good.

The second is a story from Kerry himself, featured below. Kerry was equal parts Einstein and Seinfeld. He was brilliant and wickedly funny. Most of his funniest lines should never be repeated. But, if you knew him and you’re reading this now, you’re probably thinking of one of your favorites.

Join with us in gratitude for this great man’s life, in sympathy with his family, and in commitment to carrying on the work he loved with all his heart.

Warmly,
Joseph Grenny