That’s what Garry Betty would exclaim to some startled staffer who did not have their facts or figures quite right.

And that is the way I feel right now. Garry Betty passed away Tuesday night and it just does not seem right.

It does not seem right for someone with such vitality and relentless optimism to be taken from this earth so soon.

Garry and I met in the fall of 1999 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The MindSpring executive team was getting together with the EarthLink executive team to discuss merger transition issues. Met Kathy Betty the same day.

Over the next two years I had an office literally right next to Garry’s. I got to know him well. I have met few smarter, more determined, more positive people over my career. He was a special leader. He made you want to please him.

One of the most valued professional compliments I have ever received came to me from Garry. “Lance, you are one class act” he told me.

So was Garry.

If you feel the same, you can go to a tribute page that EarthLink set up.