HORACE HUNTER

To some he was Horace, to others he was Butch, but to me, he was Dad. Thank you to Emmanuel King, the GBIS Board, and GBIS (as a whole) for the kind words and gestures these last few months of adjusting to life without our friend, partner, mentor, brother, friend, and father. For more than a month after his passing, I knew I did not truly grasp that my Dad had transitioned away from my reach. It wasn’t until the first time I had an issue that I would normally seek his wisdom for, that it hit me like a ton of bricks that he was not accessible to me; at least not directly. As you have prepared for the 2024 GBIS conference, I am sure there are holes he filled that you now see; tasks that he completed without fanfare that you now are aware are an essential part of this conference. He taught many of us, that the best leaders are those that you can follow the example they set by being a great example of a servant to the cause. Horace B. Hunter personified that for me. I had the privilege to watch my Dad develop and grow until his last days with us and I gladly report that he was enjoying his life to the fullest his way during his last days among us!

I could go on and on about his many accomplishments in Bio Med. Since his first certificate of completion in Bio Med studies in 1974, he was one of only three Bio-Medical Engineers on the East Coast when he settled back into his hometown of Thomasville, GA in 1978. But many of you know that and I do not believe he would care for that to be his lasting legacy; his relationships were more valuable to him than that.  My Dad enjoyed his time talking to people. Engaging them especially (for some odd reason) at the local Post Office between the hours of 10-11 AM. In his last years with us, he was less concerned with finances and business and more focused on passing his wisdom along to those who would utilize it for the next level. It brings my family a sense of peace knowing that many reading this have their own personal Horace Hunter legacy to move forward with. I assure you that this is not the end of life but merely a transition of power, wisdom, and passion for the craft that he shared with you. On behalf of the Hunter family, we are certain that the Georgia Biomedical Instrumentation Society is in great hands and look forward to supporting future endeavors of the society moving forward.

In Humility,

I am,

Gareth B. Hunter, Eldest Son of Horace B. Hunter

DR. CLARENCE MICHAEL O'REAR

The members of the Georgia Biomedical Instrumentation Society would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. Clarence Michael O’Rear. As we grew to know and love Dr. Mike, we also grew to love his family. His lovely wife, Dianne, and his grandson, Dylan, gave freely of their time in supporting the efforts of GBIS. We are grateful to his entire family for sharing him with us.

Dr. Mike was a friend to many, a kind soul who cared deeply, a family man who loved beyond measure, and a mentor to a great number of individuals who went on to lead productive lives of service to others as skilled technicians. As an instructor in the Technical College System of Georgia, Dr. O’Rear prepared many students for a career in Biomedical Instrumentation. So much of the work of maintaining the life-saving medical equipment in the Atlanta metro area and beyond is possible because of his leadership, vision, and dedication to this field that GBIS was founded to support. His guidance instilled confidence in those who would graduate from his technical training program to enter their newfound careers as Biomedical Equipment Technicians, or BMETs. Many of those whose lives he touched through this important training are here today to join us in expressing our sorrow at his passing and our celebration of the life of service that he lived.

Until we meet again, Dr. Mike, we will remember you and be thankful for the time that you spent here with us.