Remembering Geoffrey W. Cloud 9-11 Tribute

          

On September 11, 2001 the world changed forever.  The events of that day shook the earth, not just New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania.  We've dug deep into our souls to find the strength to move forward, but we must always remember those who lost their lives that day.  Who died living a life with the freedom we cherish.

 

This is not just about Geoffrey W. Cloud and his death, but about his life.  His wisdom, strength, humor, and love.  Geoffrey grew up in Sudbury, Mass.  His parents were of English decent and his Mum says he was always taken with her accent, "He would say to his friends, `Well, she can't help it; that's the way people talk in England.'" Says his mother Bette Cloud.  But, it never stopped him from bringing friends home just to hear her.

 

Geoffrey graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the University of Pennsylvania Law school.  He also did a six-month internship in England's House of Parliament.  He even once called home using an English accent to offer a great deal on Westminster Abbey.  It took a few moments for them to realize it was their son. 

"He thought England quaint," his mother said. "But he was always very aware of how glad he was to be an American. He loved the general freedom of self-expression and the lack of snobbish social things that he thought got in the way of life."

 

He lived in Stamford, Conn. with his wife Mio and two children Geoffrey and Jaclyn commuting to NYC daily for work.  He was a partner in security regulations at Cantor Fitzgerald located on the 104th of the World Trade Center, working 12 hour days or longer.  "He was a real city boy from a country town," his mother said. "I remember when we visited him on the 104th floor, looking down and seeing a plane flying below us. He loved it."

 

I do believe Geoffrey was a rather private low key man based on the little information I was able to find, but everyone liked him.  His sense of humor, his wit, and great personality.  He was well liked and respected by all groups in his community and work place.  His weekends were spent being with his family and enjoying their time together.  He was a sportsman, a reggae fan, and enjoyed pop music from the 80's.

 

It saddens me to no end when I think of the lives taken on that early morning and I cry when I think these small children will be learning about their wonderful Father from stories and memories instead of living it.   At age 36 his life was cut short by a hijacked plane, but his memory will live forever. 

 

                

 

 

Thank you Steve for your contribution to my entry, I will never be able to thank you enough.  If you are not hearing music, please click

Thank You Ste! I so appreciate you doing this for me

 

 

 

2996 project