Wednesday, July 18, 2007

RIP - Stanley Cline

I was told that some time last night, the body of Stanley Cline was found dead at his home, in his bed. It was not an apparent suicide. "They" are going to perform an autopsy.

I swapped emailed with Stanley on Monday, about LOLCats. I didn't know he was into them. He didn't know I was into them. We chuckled and went about our merry way. The last thing I received from him was this link.

He left vmail for Adam on Saturday. He sounded absolutely normal. Well, normal for Stanley. Nothing unusual. Nothing alarming.

Now Stanley is dead. And not knowing what happened makes me weak and angry and sad and furious all at once. I broke the news to Adam, George Williams, Chris Miller, Shawn Blair, and Frederique Delius. Adam called Lisa Mooty and Christian Schreiber. I'm sure the word has spread further and will continue to spread for days or weeks.

Nobody can believe it.

Everyone is shocked.

Nobody expected it.

I don't know what to say other than: I miss you, Stanley! You were one of the first people I met in Atlanta. You taught me a great deal about telcos. I always respected your talents. I never met your equal on such matters and doubt I ever will. If I needed you, you were there for me. I considered you a close friend. I'm sorry if I wasn't there for you last night and you needed something. I will always carry a piece of you with me. Always. Where ever you are roaming now, I hope it is a better place for you.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I worked with Stanley - it was very saddening and shocking to hear the news. He will be missed

me said...

Although I never met Stanley, I feel as if I knew him for years through his extensive online postings. Thank you for sharing this information and for being his friend.