Like so many people, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Wyatt Starnes over the weekend.  To us, Wyatt was not just the founder of SignaCert, he was much more. He was our friend. Wyatt had an infectious personality and smile, and was a consummate entrepreneur and businessman.  All of the SignaCert family mourns his death, but more importantly, we all celebrate his life!

One of our advisors, Dr. Eugene Spaford wrote an excellent and inclusive post about Wyatt that sums up our feelings so well. Among his many roles and accolades, Dr. Spaford is Wyatt’s longtime friend, Professor of Computer Sciences at Purdue University and a recent inductee into the Cyber Security Hall of Fame.  In his fantastic tribute post, titled “In Memorium: Wyatt Starnes“, Dr. Spaford not only captured Wyatt’s business successes, but he really captured what mattered most to our departed friend:

“Some people believe that exiting life with the largest bank account is success. Wyatt believed that making the world a better place was true success. He wrote in his LinkedIn profile under “Awards and Honors”:

My reward comes from the special opportunity to do something important that (hopefully) leaves the world a better place.
And it is an honor to share what I have learned with others that aspire to create lasting contributions with their lives.

By those measures, he clearly was a huge success — his companies, his advocacy, his mentoring, and his friendship changed the lives of many, many people for the better. Wyatt Starnes will be greatly missed.”

I could not agree more.  Rest in Peace, our friend. Thank you for a life well served. You will be sorely missed.