Gary Slade was a good man. He was one of the original NAMs with ALZA (first 33 sales people) he knew his business and helped ALZA particularly with State and Federal reimbursement issues when ALZA first started. A real gentleman who never had anything bad to say about anybody.
Gary Slade was a gentleman. He was also a professional. I consider it an honor to have known him and worked with him. Occassionally we do things right and do not have to look back and say I wish I would have....... At a National Sales Meeting in Arizona, shortly after absorbing many of the Baker Norton reps, I sat outside, on a beautiful day and had lunch with Gary. He was ill at the time but the knowledge was not widespread. As we were getting up from lunch I gave him a hug and told him how much I appreciated his mentoring and friendship. It was the last time I saw him. He was and is missed. He, along with Christina, are Eternal Alzans and each played a significant role in building the Alza legacy. There are so many people in our industry that will never appreciate the gravity of that statement. We may never see another Alza, or Gary and CC again. Remember the (original) Alzans!
I worked with Gary through the 80's at another company. As top prducers we were treated to many cruises. I remember the camaraderie and bonding on these trips with not only Gary but Sylvia. Both wonderful and fun to be around. As luck would have it, I arrived at Alza after Gary had left us. He had called me a few years earlier to tell me of the great company he was with & the strides the company was making. He is remembered by many.
I worked with Gary Slade under Bob Sala. I was one of the first of the 33 reps hired in San Diego to sell Testoderm scrotum. I worked closely with Gary, a great person. I went on to become a hospital rep and DM.. Alza was the good old days, never to return.
I remember Gary very well. If someone doesn't mind, what happened to him. I gather he has passed away. He was a great guy.
