I met Marla on a blind date at the University of the Pacific. She had sweared off blind dates, but my roommate was good salesperson. I was sitting in the living room of the Delta Gamma house waiting for her to descend the stairs. At first, all I could see were her legs as she walked down. When I finally saw her I literally felt like I was “struck by a lightening bolt!” I thought she looked amazing! Marla recreates the scene in the photo above.

At a party on campus.

Wedding bells! Marla’s mom, Joline, helps with her veil.

Her bridesmaids.

Family means everything to her. Having everyone together is a beautiful miracle!

She loves showing her grandchildren the world. This was in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Showing family photos.

I found her beautiful when I first met her…and even more so now!

I love her style and confidence.

An early photo of her in Milan.

She loves a party. This was for her 40th birthday.

The perfect person for an intimate dinner!

She does love rose Champagne!

And…her profiteroles!

She loves exploring new places.

A special and unique trait is…fearlessness. She fought severe cancer and now heart failure,…always with a warrior spirit. She can even makes friends with a dragon!

While in the Maasai Mara National Reserve she told me she wanted to take a hot air ballon ride. I told her I have acrophobia and couldn’t go with her. She said “I’ll see you when I get back.” Of course I went with her,…trembling all the way!

She does have a few fears herself like going into dark and damp places which may be the home of large rats, but she went into this place searching for treasures for our business while in Bali.

Marla should be an United Nations ambassador. She loved interacting with the children of a Luo tribal village on the banks of Lake Victoria. Having very few tourists, we were a rare event.

She definitely stood out in Bago, Myanmar.

She always has a smile no matter what the circumstance or place. This was the somewhat primitive kitchen outside of Guangzhou, China where we were treated to lunch by one of our textile suppliers.

The smile continues in the throng of visitors in Beijing’s Forbidden City.

She was the greatest person to be in business with.

Sourcing new products for Wesco Fabrics around the world was something she dearly enjoyed. This was in Mas, Bali.

Marla loves supporting Colorado Ballet. This was a recent gala with Lisa and Ray.

A laugh with good friend, Lea.

A nice hike with her family in Boulder.

The perfect person to hold hands with.

And…to enjoy a sunset with!

Thank you for all these years together!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.