Fifteen years ago, I started my journey at Atlantic BT as a Senior Systems Engineer. Over time, I took on the role of IT Manager—but titles have never been what kept me here. What’s kept me grounded, motivated, and thankful every single day is something much rarer than job satisfaction: friendship.
Many people draw a clear line between their work relationships and their personal lives. For some, that boundary is essential. But for me, Atlantic BT became something different. Here, I found not just coworkers, but some of the closest friends I’ve ever had. I don’t know if it’s because making friends has always been a little hard for me, or if it’s because of the shared passions and projects that bring us together. Maybe it’s the joy of connecting with people outside my typical age group or social circle. Whatever the reason, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have built genuine friendships within these walls.
But with that blessing comes a bittersweet truth—when friends move on, change careers, or when we lose someone dear, it hits differently.
This week, we suffered a profound loss. My friend Jennifer passed away unexpectedly. And while my heart aches, I also want to celebrate who she was and what she meant to me—and to so many others.
Jennifer started as our Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. She was usually the first person I saw each morning, always ready with a smile and a warm greeting that somehow made the day feel brighter, no matter what was ahead. We’d often grab lunch together, share stories about life, talk about our challenges, and even open up about our faith. There was a depth to those conversations that left a mark on me.
I’ll never forget her dedication to causes she believed in. One year, she joined a flag football fundraiser for Alzheimer’s research called Blondes Vs. Brunettes. She threw her whole heart into it. I proudly sponsored her that year, not just because I cared about the cause, but because I was inspired by her passion. She gave me a t-shirt from that fundraiser, and I still hold onto it like a little reminder of her light.
Jennifer also had a drive to grow beyond her role. She began learning front-end development and worked hard to gain the skills she needed. And she did it—she grew into the role she aspired to, with determination and humility.
One memory that sticks with me, and still makes me smile, is when I was planning to propose to my (now) wife. Jennifer, always thoughtful, found out where and when it was happening, and she and another friend secretly showed up—just to snap pictures of the moment for us. That’s the kind of person she was. She cared, deeply, and she showed up for the people in her life in big and small ways.
Losing Jennifer has left a hole—not just in our company, but in our hearts. She was a blessing to know, and I’m forever thankful to have called her my friend.
If there’s anything this week has reminded me of, it’s how lucky I’ve been to work somewhere where friendship runs this deep. Jennifer’s legacy is a reminder to cherish those bonds, to be kind, and to celebrate the people who make our days brighter just by being in them.
Rest well, Jennifer. You were one of the great ones, and you are so very missed.
