Some with no social or business connection also paid their respects [at his memorial]. Geraldine Zillions said she came to know Lay a year ago when she was at Bering's, buying $80 worth of gardening equipment. When she realized she had left her wallet at home, Lay, who was in line behind her, paid for her purchase and refused to let her reimburse him.
Carpenter Jon Bothager, who worked on one of the Lays' River Oaks homes, tearfully recalled their generosity: His son was a top graduate of Stratford High School but could not get scholarship money. When he asked how he might find a way to get his son into the University of Texas, the Lays paid his tuition until Enron fell apart.
Behold the Houstonian God, Ken Lay. Geraldine Zillions [!] got to touch the hem of His garment, and received the celestial gift of gardening equipment &mdash procured with earthly gold pieces from Enron employees' 401(k) plan, verily.
Jon Bothager built Lay's humble River Oaks manger and polished His holy halo, and lo, Jon's child receives the fullness of the wisdom of the University of Texas. Such magnanimity! Such holy mercy! Such divine kindness!
As heaven opens its pearly gates to receive Him, let us sing Lay's praises! How mighty is His bounty! How brilliant His sacred visage! How lowly and pitiful the mere mortals who desire but a crust of bread from his holy purse!
