Sad news...

Sad news...  I received word this morning that a friend and former colleague, Mark R., died yesterday after a long and hard-fought battle with colon cancer.  He was just 42 years old, and leaves a wife and two young daughters behind, along with a wide circle of friends.  I last saw Mark this past March, when I gave him a ride from UCSD hospital (where he was being treated) to the airport so he could go home to his family.  We had a chance for a long conversation while we waited for his plane to board.  He was determined to do everything he possibly could to be there for his family, to watch his daughters grow up – but he was acutely aware that his chances weren't good.  Despite the grimness and looming tragedy of his situation, he still kept his good humor and trademark grin.  My last sight of him was as he ambled through the jetway entrance, carefully (as he was in some pain), waving with a cheerful smile as he boarded...