Goodbye Alan

Life is so strange sometimes. I'm currently in Peru since few days, and
there is an election for the new president, second turn. One of the two
candidates name is Alan Garcia, and thus thousand of walls are saying :
"Alan Presidente". I found that so funny that i took a picture to send it
to Alan. The first time i saw this advertisement, i thought that indeed
the world would be better if our Alan would help resolving conflicts. I
was thinking about a funny message to send to him with the photo, and i
learnt the terrible news. Two terrible news in a so short time with Judie.
It is very hard.
After 11 years at w3c, there are so many images in my head with him that
it is hard to select one or two.
I didn't know him very well, and never interacted directly with him before
he became the head of the systeam. At that time, the systeam was not that
peacefull and friendly, but i was wondering why we would need a manager :)
It took just few weeks for him to organize this team, and of course gain
more than respect from all the members. Since then, for me, having Alan as
a direct manager was a gift. I learnt so many things just seeing him
working, resolving conflicts, reaching consensus at all levels, with
lawyers in PAG or with geeks in the systeams... He was incredible, and i
was proud to work with him.
This is for the work part, but the man in the daily life was as
impressive. I can't forget visiting his club of train models, eating in
all the different very small restaurants he was knowing all around boston
and cambridge,...
Just writing this mail, i can't imagine that this is just past now...

Alan, thanks for what you were, thanks for all you gave to everybody, just
by example. Say hi to Judie and enjoy now both the eternity together, you
more than desserve it.

Stephane



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Stephane Boyera

Received on Monday, 5 June 2006 22:09:05 UTC