My friendship with Warren goes back to the early 1990's, when I joined Aloes International to help with sales and marketing of Catherine's Choice™ products. At that point Warren and Catherine had just moved the business out of their home and the company was growing fast. Warren was a brilliant man with an idea a minute and three great loves: his wife Catherine, his music, and his customers. He was a loyal friend, and a generous, God-fearing man, devoted to his church and quick to offer help to anyone in need.

The story of Warren and Catherine Bridges is a classic love affair with a Horatio Alger twist. She worshipped him; he adored her. He was a dreamer; her feet were planted firmly on the ground. Together, they were an unbeatable team. I left Aloes International in the mid 1990s to pursue some business ideas of my own, and Warren, characteristically, offered to lend me money to help me get started. I accepted, Senior Lifestyle Digest became a rousing success, and in short order, I was able to repay his loan.

When a few years later Warren found himself again in need of marketing help, I couldn't say no. And when Catherine passed away in 2007, I stayed on to help him manage Aloes International, "while at the same time continuing to publish Senior Lifestyle Digest and offering readers the opportunity to purchase high quality products, including those from Catherine's Choice™, from a wholly owned subsidiary, SLD Products, Inc.

Fortunately, late last year Warren and I had formulated a plan whereby SLD Products would take on full responsibility for distribution of the Catherine's Choice™ product line. While he had no idea that the need would arise so quickly, he wanted to ensure that Catherine's Choice™ Aloe Vera and all the other products that had changed so many people's lives would continue to be available after he was gone. And even more important, he wanted to be sure the products and the company would continue to reflect his and Catherine's philosophy – offering great products and great service at the lowest possible prices, and always putting the highest priority on his customers' needs.

As always, the Lord was looking after Warren. Our agreement was finalized in March, 2011 and the transition was completed in June ... meaning that for you, his customers, nothing will change. You will be able to order the exact same products, bearing the same label and containing the same ingredients, from the same caring, concerned customer service team. Your satisfaction will be ensured by the same no-questions-asked guarantee. That was my commitment to Warren, and it is my commitment to you.

All his customers know Warren was a caring man; not all realized that he was a charitable man as well. Like the poor woman in the New Testament, he gave generously and without fanfare. God willing, SLD Products will also be able to continue to support the Christian charities that were such an important part of his life.

Warren's life touched so many - but none were more important than you, his customers.

Ken Gillette, President, SLD Products, Inc.