Bob Trippe

In the Atlanta Journal Constitution obituaries I noticed a longtime friend Bob Trippe had passed away in Clearwater, Florida. I met Bob early in my Chubb career when I was sent to Atlanta in 1968 on a month-long temporary assignment in the Personal Lines Department. Bob was an underwriter in that department and we became quick friends as I had never previously been in Atlanta. The assignment stretched in several months and while I thought a permanent transfer would be nice, I was sent back to continue my training in New York. In late 1970 one of the other Atlanta PL underwriters was promoted, and I was offered a transfer; it was a good opportunity so I jumped at it. Bob was still there, and we continued hanging out together.

Many a night was spent at The Red Dog Inn (later Clarence Fosters and now a Chick Filet site). We enjoyed drinking, good music, and shared a quirky sense of humor. We enjoyed pulling multiple pranks on fellow Chubb employees. One I remember was when Bob and I were assigned to design department work flow charts. After we completed the project we then designed different wacky versions and distributed them to some gullible unsuspecting employees--it was hilarious. When Chubb merged with/acquired Pacific Indemnity, the Atlanta branch of each company shared office space. Relations got strained at times. In an effort to lighten things up Bob and I prepared a pamphlet titled "Analysis of the Chubb & Pacific Indemnity Merger." When you opened it the first page was a photo of 2 rhinos having intercourse with the "make love not war motto" below. The Chubb branch manager laughed, but warned us not to show it to PI staff. Of course we showed it to the PI branch manager and his response was "you don't know what it's like down below." Another time I grew a mustache much to the chagrin of our department manager. When I refused to shave it he suspended me from traveling or conducting agency seminars I had helped design. Bob was instrumental in convincing our manager that was a stupid policy and he ultimately relented. 52 years later I still haven't shaved it.

In late 1972  I was offered a career expanding opportunity in Chubb's home office. While I wound up in NJ, LA and CT, Bob remained in Atlanta, ultimately becoming the regional Personal Lines Manager. Fast forward 10 years and Bob was named the branch manager of Chubb's Charlotte office, and I was promoted into Bob's regional position. Even though we were in different cities we frequently interacted at numerous Personal Lines meetings and some home office activities. Bob and also spent time together planning and establishing a personal lines underwriting presence in Charlotte.  

I left Chubb in 1988, and Bob ultimately wound up in Tampa as the branch manager so the friendship faded over time. I often thought about our friendship. Like many of my Chubb friends it became harder to keep in touch once I left. That was one my regrets about leaving a 20 year career. I have managed to maintain contact with a few of them. I wish Bob had remained one of them

Godspeed, Bob Trippe.

Violence in America and the world

 In previous posts about mass shootings and segregation, I suggested America has a long history of violent behavior. These days the news, internet, and every information source have daily stories about some unfortunate confrontation within my city, state, nation. 

I recently read a book that suggests this is not only an American problem. Killing the Killers, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard take a look at the war against terror. It's a compelling--and not fun reading for the weak of heart. It outlines how some of the world's most wanted terrorists have been dispatched, but also shares  gruesome details on the attacks/killings enacted against the victims of terrorism.  

While America's concerns centers mainly on gun control, terrorists demonstrate there are many other methods to kill. Suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices (IED) beheading, vehicle crashes are not common here, but are used throughout the world. 

In mass killings the common element to me seems to be a hatred or mental health that drives someone to an extreme action against innocent people even at the expense of their own life. In the USA the hatred has many sources; world-wide terrorism stems mainly around religious differences. Hatred and religion violence has existed since time began. Both seem to be headed in undesirable directions.

A recent study published by the creators of the Violence Project catalogued over 150 mass shootings back to 1966. Using public records, news stories, and interviews with those who knew the shooter, they compiled detailed information about killers, weapon types, victims, and settings. Their data suggests a pattern of distress which the authors think is related to the increased frequency of mass shootings in the US. Many shooters previously mentioned suicide, isolation or had made disturbing comments/videos. Perhaps they chose a mass shooting as a way to seize power and attention while ending their own life in a way they controlled. The study showed mass shootings are increasing as one-third of the shootings studied occurred in the last decade and nearly all the shooters were men. 

We recently discussed gun violence in a men's group forum and I mentioned favoring banning assault weapons and related accessories like bump stocks, and mandatory life sentences without parole for first degree murder convictions I don't advocate the death penalty mainly because it costs society more to process endless appeals beforehand than it does to just lock them up for lie. In retrospect, while that might have some effect, it doesn't deal with individuals with serious hate or mental health problems especially if they are using it a a way to end their own life. 

Our country has long struggled in dealing with mental health and extreme hate issues, and solutions in that arena seem to defy resolution or improvement.

  

77 and Still Counting

 

January 24^th marks my 77^th trip around the sun which was the same number that my paternal grandfather made.  It’s a milestone because both my parents and maternal grandfather died much younger.  I believe genetics from parents/grandparents can play a role in how long a person lives. No doubt lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, and luck also play a part.

Smoking was a major factor in my parents early demise, and both grandfathers had heart issues to the best of my knowledge; they passed away long before I even started my journey. I did know both grandmothers—although not that well since they lived in Pennsylvania. They each lived into their 80s. I think one died sitting in a chair at home while reading; the other was affected by dementia but well into her 80s before it appeared.

When one gets to my age usually some thoughts may arise concerning end of life. Right now I am financially comfortable, in reasonably good physical condition, and mentally sound at least based on having been back in college the last 10 years obtaining three more degrees. My affairs are in order (although still need more downsizing). My hope is I still have plenty of time to work on that and many other even more enjoyable activities.

I would like to live long enough to take a stab at the world hour one hour centurion cycling record and perhaps die riding a bike. Wouldn’t care if that occurred because of stroke, heart attack, accident as long as it’s quick. That would mean I enjoyed quality of life right up to the end.

Wish me luck—but hopefully not too soon.