In Memoriam – John Philip Hagerman

1946 - 2005

From left, Amy and John Hagerman, Dennis and Sandy Hagerman,
taken in Paris, May, 2005

Whatever degree of success our business has enjoyed over the years has been greatly influenced by my late brother, John Hagerman, who died September 12 from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Two years older than I, John and I shared a common vision and understanding of the world, greatly influenced by our religious and family upbringing.

John worked for my various enterprises since 1971, when he joined me as my sole employee in my newly-formed accounting practice that was then operating from a small room in my home. I was 23 then, he 25. Over the years the business grew and in 1979 we incorporated in order to go into the computer business, a separate venture, shortly after the birth of the PC industry.

Both the accounting practice and computer business operated side by side until 1991, when I sold the accounting practice in order to concentrate solely on the computer software business which we operate today. John became controller of Hagerman & Company, Inc. and remained in that position and on our company board for the rest of his life.

He was a kind and mild mannered individual, totally committed to Christ and to the leadership of his pastorate – he was, in fact, a minister of the gospel and co-pastor of our church; that was, to him, his true occupation. He possessed an enormous intellect, with a broad knowledge of subjects such as art, literature, history, music, foreign cultures, etc. He could participate in any topic of discussion with intelligence and wit.

In addition he had an unusual capacity to judge the character of others. It only took a brief encounter for him to understand the motivations and character of a person.

I spent my life in awe of both his wide-ranging knowledge and his personal insights. As we had grown up together, we shared a personal bond that cannot be described. He usually knew what I was thinking, without my saying it. We laughed together at so many things, where others saw no reason for humor. We simply shared an understanding of the ironies of life.

He was with me during the difficult periods of economic distress that we experienced on occasion, both in the recession of the early 1990s and the collapse of the technology industry in 2000, which latter event caused a no-growth business environment that lasted for three years. He was a rock of stability and compassion that I relied on during those difficult times.

We vacationed together in Paris with our wives in May of this year – a first visit for us, a return visit for them. This was a great treat for us, which he instigated, and I believe he wanted to do it before his condition worsened further.

His impact on our family, our church, and our business will be felt for many years to come. I and many others are grateful for the friendship of John, and for the effect on our lives he has had.