By Frank J. Diekmann
I would never be so presumptuous as to say John Pembroke was a close friend—although in retrospect, I wish he had been—but I certainly considered him a friend. And, apparently, so did so many others. When I posted on my LinkedIn page a link to the CUToday.info report on Mr. Pembroke’s death, within three days it had been viewed more than 16,000 times.
I think I speak for just about everyone that the news of his passing wasn’t just noteworthy because it was surprising and had come much too early, but also because it struck at the hearts of so many people for deeper reasons. John was one of those very rare people who pass away and you inexplicably and suddenly miss them, even though you may have just been acquaintances. You can’t explain it, but you know it, you experience it. That speaks to the character and soul some people have. You mourn their passing as if they were close friends, even when they really weren’t.
In my case, I knew John from various stories on which he was interviewed related to CUES and other issues, but also from the credit union meetings and events circuit, where we would see each other and catch up a bit. We crossed paths most recently in August at an event in Florida, and he was part of a panel I moderated in February of this year in Washington. Even as I was trying to remain focused on each of the speakers and ensuring I was following up with questions, I distinctly recall thinking during that panel how much I regretted not being able to take notes when John was speaking, because I thought his observations deserved a larger audience.
It wasn’t all credit union-related. We talked at GAC about a COVID-delayed trip he and his wife, Monica, had finally taken to Italy. Before the pandemic we had talked about his plans for the trip and I had shared my experiences in that country, and now that he had finally gotten to go he had wanted to compare some notes. I had hoped to hear some of his recommendations, too. That’s the bedeviling and aggravating and mysterious thing about life; we all talk about our bucket lists as if the bucket were bottomless.
‘It Will Take All of Us’
In a credit union community that prides itself on talking about diversity, John was, of course, one of the very few African-American leaders of any credit union organization. Not surprisingly, we in the media would often turn to him for comment when racial issues would arise, such as the murder of George Floyd. In an interview with CUToday.info, John had stated that to finally put an end to racial injustice and racism it will take a lot of “uncomfortable conversations.”
“This begins the conversation and what needs to be done to address it,” he said. “It will take all of us to overcome this challenge, because this is not just a black issue, it is a moral issue.”
Another point to consider is change will not be easy, nor will it be swift, John had said during the same interview.
“I am in it for the long haul. CUES is in it for the long haul. And my hope is that other leaders in the industry, in the country and around the world are, as well,” he said. “I am filled with resolve to make a difference, to move the conversation forward into action.”
Picking up the Slack
Sadly, John’s “haul” wasn’t nearly as long as he or any of us had expected or hoped it to be. But this is supposed to be a cooperative movement, and while there will be multiple ways to honor John’s legacy, one very fitting place to start would be by having everyone in credit unions pick up a piece of the slack that’s been created and haul the diversity commitment further forward. And don’t wait to be asked; instead, show some of John’s resolve.
But those are just my words. As I said, so many others, many of whom were privileged to know John better than I, have offered words of their own. Among the sentiments shared by people on my LinkedIn page were “brilliant, gentle leader”; “consummate gentleman”; “gracious, a good friend to say the least”; “incredibly heartbreaking”; “consummate professional”; “kind and big-hearted,” an ”incredible leader,” and more.
Speak Up Now
While he was unique, John wasn’t alone in credit unions or among friends, of course, in personifying such attributes. Which reminds me of one family’s remembrance ceremony I attended earlier this year for a father/grandfather who had also passed away. During that ceremony a few members of the family paused in their comments to also share warm tributes to the man’s wife, a mother/grandmother who was in attendance. The family members observed that while fond memories and accolades are nice, they are even better when shared with those who are still among us to hear them.
In announcing John Pembroke’s death, CUES issued a statement that said among other things, “He will be deeply missed professionally and personally.” Indeed, he will, and I know so many, many people now wish they could tell him in person. So, while John was right about the need for “uncomfortable” conversations, if you know of someone like John who will also one day be very much missed, take the opportunity to have a “comfortable” conversation and to share your appreciation.
You never know how long the haul is going to be.
Frank J. Diekmann is Cooperator in Chief of CUToday.info and can be reached at Frank@CUToday.info. Mr. Diekmann is also author of several new book, including the brand new “The Last Lyric,” a humorous satire about a murder investigation at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in which every line of dialogue is either a classic pop/rock song title or lyric. Available on Amazon, Apple iBook, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. Mr. Diekmann is also author of a non-fiction compilation of the very best & worst he has seen and heard in covering more than 500 CU meetings and conferences, “501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business Can Be Learned at a Conference & Forgotten in the Trade Show.” It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Lulu, and Smashwords