A great loss to FOSS.

This last week has been somewhat surreal, and today has been the saddest of them all.

My close friend, colleague, mentor.. Rob Levin, known to many as freenode's lilo passed away early Saturday morning after fighting for his life since Tuesday when he was the victim of a hit and run in Houston, TX. It's unreal, very difficult to grasp what has happened. Rob has been a major player in my life for several years, he's always been there for me, with support and advice. And now, just like that, he is gone.

The man has done pretty amazing things for the FOSS community, and he will no doubt be greatly missed by contributors to many of the projects who frequent freenode, and those who have done in the past. He was always approachable, helpful and friendly. He's always made a point of stretching that extra mile for those who use the network.

Today, I had the difficult task of informing 31,000 users of Robs death. I am astound by the number of people reaching out to me, and offering their sympathies and condolences. I wish I had the capacity to get back to each and every one of you individually, but that is just not doable at the moment. But please, should you read this, be sure that we appreciate it.

I am unable to make much sense at this point I think, my thoughts are primarily with Debbie and Benjamin at this point.

There is a few other people in my thoughts too, friends and family of Rob, my fellow freenode staffers. And there are a couple of people whom I am very grateful to have around right now, Mike Mattice, Phil Stracchino, Seemant Kulleen. You've been rocks and I thank you for being there, and my condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by Robs death.