Re: Henry Story

Such a sad shock.

Although TimBL's invention of the web attracted its share of spammers 
and get-rich-quick opportunists, it also attracted a surprising number 
of brilliant minds with very strong idealism, who worked tirelessly to 
help the web make a better world for all.

Henry was an exceptional embodiment of the latter.  He brought many 
important insights to the web's technical community, with a wonderfully 
kind and open-minded demeanor that invited thoughtful collaboration. 
His passing is a loss to us all.

Through saddened eyes,
David Booth


On 9/8/23 08:51, Sarven Capadisli wrote:
> It is with great sadness that I must inform everyone that we have lost 
> our dear friend and colleague Henry Story ( 
> https://bblfish.net/people/henry/card#me ) earlier this week.
> 
> This is incredibly hard for me to write. I am deeply saddened by his 
> friends' and family's loss, as well as personally, and for several 
> communities he has been part of for so many years. My deepest 
> condolences, and those of members of the community who knew him and 
> admired him, go out to his family.
> 
> If memory serves me well, Henry and I were acquainted in 2008, but met 
> online in 2010, when we discussed FOAF+SSL / WebID, social web, 
> decentralisation, and everything in between. And, of course, with Henry, 
> if one is willing, there is always a healthy dose of discussion on 
> philosophical and mathematical underpinnings of a lot of such topics, 
> and how it all came together.
> 
> Over the years, Henry provided me with all the context to undoubtedly 
> interconnected ideas in technology and philosophy I ever needed.
> 
> I had the privilege of having him visit my place in Bern. He was kind 
> enough to eat my overly spicy food and drink wine to compensate the 
> taste. It was a joy to talk about life stuff and tech in my balcony.
> 
> Henry has impacted and influenced me in different ways over the years. 
> His perseverance to get to the bottom of a problem is unmatched.
> 
> Whenever I felt frustrated in open standards development, Henry reminded 
> that standards are like wine: some will age well, and others spoil. He 
> encouraged me to be patient, assuring me that things will work out in 
> due time.
> 
> He took the time to research and develop, and meet open challenges by 
> approaching from multiple disciplines to solidify the ideas is 
> inspiring, and has been instrumental, to say the least, for the 
> communities he has been part of. One doesn't have to look far to come 
> across Henry's footprints. Quite literally the father of many works and 
> projects.
> 
>  From my perspective, he generally came across like the underdog in 
> whatever he was doing. Humble and aiming for the stars. He took time to 
> carefully listen what others had to say and was generous with his 
> knowledge and time, and kind.
> 
> Henry, I admire you immensely. Words will never suffice.
> 
> I'd like to invite everyone to reflect and honour his memory. Carry on 
> with his work. A moment of silence will be observed at W3C TPAC to 
> remember Henry and his impact on our community.
> 
> -Sarven
> https://csarven.ca/#i
>

Received on Friday, 8 September 2023 22:24:13 UTC