My 2 Cents: Remembering Former Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon

I'm not going to pretend that I knew Aubrey McClendon. I met him once or twice, but like most of you my impressions of him were observed from a distance.

I did follow his career because it was news, also his considerable charity, because it was news, but also because I could see how it was helping to transform our hometown.

McClendon was more than generous with his own money and with Chesapeake Energy's money, which got him into trouble at times.

Most every charity event I attended had the energy company listed as a silver, gold or platinum sponsor.

The Georgian Style company campus he built at NW 63 and Western was a dream workplace for the employees, not only were they paid handsomely but had uncommon workplace perks, a fitness center with tanning beds, restaurants, on-site medical care, daycare.

And as his Christmas gift to the city every year, he had the campus lit up with 4 million LED lights.

When I think of Aubrey McClendon, I think of a guy who lived large, extravagant would seem to be fair, but also a man who loved his hometown and was inordinately generous toward it.

Reminds me of EW Marland's legacy in Ponca City which also ended on a sad note.

From a distance, Aubrey McClendon seemed like a guy who would always land on his feet, but obviously there was more trouble and worry behind the wildcatter's courtside smile than most of us knew.

I'm Kelly Ogle and that's My 2 Cents.