Ok Timmy ...
Mat Newman May 13 2014 12:56:58
The first time we met face to face, we engaged in a deeply geeky conversation about manipulating arrays of rich text objects that I brought to him late one night at Kimono's. It was my first Lotusphere back in 2008 and I had been hunting down the legends of the community to meet them in person for the first time. Tim was one of the folks at the top of my list that I had to meet, for reasons that many others have written about today in lament of his passing.Yes, Tim was a Genius. Capital "G" Genius. But it wasn't his Genius that I will remember him for, it was the fact this this shy, caring, gentle soul was always brave enough to break through his introverted shyness and share. To connect. To answer questions and to engage in conversation with complete strangers. To share his knowledge and Genius with others.
So many times at the end of his sessions Tim was inundated with large lines of people wanting more from him. Intercepted in the open by someone wanting an answer to their most technical of issues. And Tim always gave. Including, I am thankful, to me.
We were a few beverages into our conversation when I realised that he was right (of course!), and I signified my understanding of his theoretical construct with a line that would become a permanent fixture in our conversations over the years.
"Ok Timmy!"
"Don't call me Timmy. I hate that."
"Yeah, I know. But you've convinced me. You're right and I'm a dumb-ass."
Then came that wry smile, that infections giggle, followed by that signature snort. And the assurance that you're not a complete idiot in the presence of Genius.
"It was a good idea though."
Most of all, I am going to miss Tim's Hugs. Tim was one of those people who knew that a hug is one of the best ways to say: "Hello Friend. I'm really pleased to be with you again."
The world has lost a Genius. The Yellowverse has lost one of it's brightest Stars. And we have lost a Friend.
To Tim's Family and Friends, my most sincere deepest condolences.
RIP my Friend. (HUG).
Feeds