Steve Metsker passed away

One of the main reasons that I keep on being so involved with OOPSLA is the people. I've had the opportunity to meet so many people who are immensely knowledgeable, funny, and friendly.

One of the people that I've been honoured to know is Steve Metsker. Other people know Steve through his books (Design Patterns in Java, Design Patterns in C# , Building Parsers with Java), but I've always known him first and foremost as a fellow OOPSLA attendee and committee member. We always found some time to chat, catching up with what had happened in the months since we last saw each other. He's always been one of my favourite members of the OOPSLA community.

I learned this afternoon that Steve passed away yesterday shortly after having been diagnosed with cancer. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters. He will be very missed -- OOPSLA won't feel the same without him.

Edited on Sunday, 10 February 2008 to add the following from his family:

Steven John Metsker passed away on Friday, February 8, 2008 after a short illness with cancer. Aged 49, he is survived by his loving wife, Alison, and their daughters, Sarah-Jane and Emma-Kate. Having earned Engineering degrees from both the Colorado State University and the University of Massachusetts, Steve was accomplished in a profession for which he had great passion. Born in Colorado, he also lived in Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, Switzerland, Kentucky, England, and Richmond. He made many friends everywhere he went. A loving and caring husband, father, brother, son, friend, and colleague, he was also a humble and wise mentor. He was a positive and loving influence on all of us, who will miss him dearly. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Baldrick's fund raising program for childhood cancer or to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin Ireland.

Edited on Tuesday, 12 February 2008, to add the following from a colleague of Steve's:

Steve's memorial was yesterday and it was an beautiful summary of an incredible life -- the church was filled to over capacity. Steve touched many, many people who will miss him dearly.

Several people have asked how they can best help Steve's family through this difficult time. The following information from Alison's brother describes an education fund that has been established for his daughters to ensure their college planning is continued without disruption. Please send this information to others you know that may interested in helping in this way.

I don't want to post this information publicly, but if you would like to assist his family in such a way, please email me and I will share it. I can also share an address for condolences.