dgoodwin's blog

This past September a good friend and coworker I sat beside for the past three years took his own life very suddenly. Tonight we had to say good-bye with an informal memorial service of his family and friends from throughout his life. I've known very few people who've passed away in my lifetime, but this is by far the most sudden and difficult to come to grips with. While both physically and mentally ill in the months leading up to his passing, absolutely no one expected or was prepared for what would happen.

Gathering the people who knew him and sharing stories of his talent, character, and amazing sense of humor seems like a fitting tribute. Personally, my favorite memory was returning from my first performance review to find he'd organized a farewell message signed by most of the development team on the white board behind my desk.

While it may be hard to come to grips with, it's comforting and fitting to remember our experiences, the number of people he touched during his life, and that there are many others who miss talking to and laughing with him every day.