In the passing of Rick Gardner, SoftLayer has lost all in one man.

He breathed life into our company and shared in our dream.

He saw opportunity where others assumed failure.

He brought clarity when we couldn’t see past ourselves.

He brought wisdom, experience and humor to the SoftLayer family.

With his wit, charm and intelligence he was an inspiration to us all.

Even in the short time that I knew him, he invoked in me a sense of passion and drive that few have been able to create.

Rick, we are devastated by your passing. But we will never lose your presence. You continue to guide us, as we fulfill every promise we made.