[PLUG-TALK] Dirvish and Suicide

[Russell Senior]

>>>>> "Keith" == Keith Lofstrom <keithl at kl-ic.com> writes:

Keith> I can use some other thoughts here.  I assume this belongs on
Keith> plug-talk, since it is about social issues and Linux, rather
Keith> than specifics of code and hardware. [...]

Keith> Yesterday (Saturday) I was contacted by another Dirvish
Keith> contributor, who found a newspaper article about J.W.'s death
Keith> (apparently by suicide) in mid-March.  The article mentioned
Keith> his parents and sisters.

Keith> Urk... [...]

Keith> The problem is, how do I contact his parents and sisters, and
Keith> what do I tell them?  I would also like to add some memorial
Keith> material to the dirvish site, which would require their help.
Keith> What is the best way to go about that?  How will they react to
Keith> the idea that J.W.'s program is GPL, and this is not some gift
Keith> from the grave?

My children are much younger at this stage, but as a parent I think
I'd find great comfort in hearing from people who knew and appreciated
my dead child.

I think I'd say something like (paraphrased): 

  "Hello.  I understand that JW recently passed away.  Please accept
  my deep condolences for your loss.  While alive, JW contributed to
  (created?  founded?) a Free Software project called Dirvish, that I
  and many other shared in.  A group of his users and helpers want to
  continue developing and maintaining the Dirvish project.  We have
  set up a new website at dirvish.org with the intention that it will
  provide a focal point for the dirvish using/developing community.
  For myself and other Dirvish users and colleagues, we are deeply
  saddened to hear of JW's death.  We hope that by carrying this
  project forward, we can honor the memory of his good works.  

  We would like to include a memorium on the dirvish website to JW.
  Is there anything that you would like for us to include?"

Or something like that.


-- 
Russell Senior         ``I have nine fingers; you have ten.''
seniorr at aracnet.com