Comments for Parting Thoughts

Comment on Share Memories of Michael by Steve Tobak

Steve Tobak — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:33:36 +0000

I worked with Michael when he ran Microprocessor Report / Forum in the mid-90s. We often met for lunch in Sausalito — sort of midway between Sebastopol and my home — so I could brief him on events at our company, Cyrix. He was a formidable analyst — the most respected in the microprocessor business.

I’ll never forget showing up Sunday night for an annual conference in Pebble Beach, just prior to the microprocessor panel he moderated. Michael greeted me as my wife and I walked into the Inn at Spanish Bay, saying he hadn’t yet received my presentation. “Holly crap,” I said, half panicked. “I thought this was just a panel. I don’t have a pitch.”

Michael looked calmly down at me (he was practically a foot taller), put his hand on my shoulder, and said, “Don’t worry Steve, you don’t need one. You can do this in your sleep.” Encouraged, I jotted down some notes and ended up giving one of the most well-received speeches of my career.

Michael was always so genuine. So present. I’m not the least bit surprised he had the rare courage to share his experience with terminal cancer in a blog. He really was one of a kind. A great man who influenced so many. And he will always be remembered.

Rest in peace, Michael.

Comment on Share Memories of Michael by V Bruce Hunt

V Bruce Hunt — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 05:19:38 +0000

I first met Michael when Adobe Ventures asked me to evaluate a little company up in Santa Rosa! Michael and his team had developed a superb product for organizing, storing, and viewing photos that eventually became Adobe Photoshop Album. The outstandingly talented team led by Michael made a transformative contribution to Digital Media Technology. The vision Michael pioneered opened the use of digital media to non-professionals.

Comment on The End Game…. by Gabe Youtsey

Gabe Youtsey — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 15:43:15 +0000

I met Michael for the first time just under a year ago when the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources hired Webvanta to build a site for us. Michael came out and I (and I think others) were struck by his quiet genius. He really won us over with his wealth of experience and ability to paint a vision for us describing what we needed in a new site. We all came away deeply impressed with him and the company and hired Webvanta. Sadly, I believe this project was one of his last. I could tell it was a labor of love for him, and we are so deeply sad and sorry at his passing. Thank you for sharing this blog post Irene and accept our deepest sympathies. Know he was still making big impacts professionally all the way until the end!

Comment on The End Game…. by David Marsden

David Marsden — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:06:33 +0000

So very sorry to hear this news. Thank you, Irene, for sharing. Michael was a bright, warm, generous soul who was a pleasure know. He will be missed.

Comment on The End Game…. by Brian Case

Brian Case — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 08:48:38 +0000

Hi Irene. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the dinner and extended visit I had with you and Michael at STEM on 17-May. I really didn’t believe his passing could be mere weeks in the future: he seemed to be so much his old self. I will always treasure: the years we worked together on the newsletter and conferences; the things I learned from Michael; and the relationships he nurtured by bringing us all together to create something of real and lasting value. I watched his lecture to the high-school AP class with a smile on my face: there was the Michael I knew, making difficult, cloudy subjects simple and easy to understand. May he rest in peace.

Comment on The End Game…. by Kent Jenkins

Kent Jenkins — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:03:26 +0000

By reading the comments here and elsewhere, by listening to conversations local and distant, by speaking to those who knew him and those who did not, I know that Michael succeeded in creating a legacy and a learning for his family, friends, and far beyond.

Comment on The End Game…. by Haroon Dilshad

Haroon Dilshad — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 21:00:17 +0000

Hi Irene, I wish you patience and courage. Mark faced the inevitable gracefully and set an example. I’ve been following this blog from Pakistan and I just want to let you know that I’m with you in this moment of grief for whatever that’s worth. May the great man rest in peace

Comment on The End Game…. by Jon Kern

Jon Kern — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:15:11 +0000

I only “knew” Michael as a wonderfully helpful owner during the early days (2009/10?) of WebVanta, helping with some technical issue with much grace and patience.

Reading his story and crying my eyes out with your entry Irene, I hope to meet Michael in the next life.

Thank you for sharing, and I am truly sorry for your loss, and the loss of the world of such a kind and productive soul.

Comment on The End Game…. by Frank Liu

Frank Liu — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 23:12:09 +0000

Thank you, Michael, for writing this blog and sharing your journey with everyone! RIP!

Comment on The End Game…. by Marilyn Frandsen

Marilyn Frandsen — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 22:22:05 +0000

Thank you for this post, Irene. Although I think perhaps we only met once briefly, Loralee and Patsy are my longtime friends (since we were 5 years old). I’ve been following Michael’s blog and so grateful to you to be able to to hear the end game was not that difficult and pain was controlled. I grieve with you. Best, Marilyn Frandsen