Michael L. Jalkut – 1950-2010
February 3rd, 2010Today I learned that my dad, Michael, has passed away while traveling in Washington, D.C. We were never the closest father & son pair, but I loved him, and he loved me. Over the years of my adulthood, and especially since my son Henry was born, I have been trying to work towards a closer relationship with him.
He taught me to love computers. When I was 5 and living alone with my Mom, he brought me a copy of a BASIC programming magazine, and a Timex Sinclair computer. He tried to talk through the logic of control flow with me. Of course, it flew over my head, but it taught me enough to know that my dad’s finger could move across the rules on a piece of paper, and the rules dictated where his finger would go.
A few years later he and my Mom got back together and we all moved back in together. He bought me a Commodore 64, and set me up with some fun games. I didn’t program anything, I was too busy playing Little League baseball and trying to be a normal kid. Sometimes he played catch with me. On Father’s day we would drive to San Francisco to see the Giants. He didn’t even like baseball, but he did a good job faking it for me. He bought me frozen Carnation malts.
My Dad had gone back to school in his 30’s to earn a computer science degree. When we moved back in with him, he was starting his late-blooming career at IBM, where he worked for a short time. He moved on to Digital Research and worked on GEM, a graphical windowing system not terribly unlike the Mac. Later he joined MetaWare, where he worked as a compiler engineer with the same group of people for almost 20 years.
When I was 17, a friend of mine got into legal trouble, and I could have snitched on him and made it worse. I asked my dad for help, so he took me to a lawyer and paid for it. He didn’t judge me for wanting to protect my friend. He made it possible for me to be a loyal friend, even to somebody who may not have earned my Dad’s respect.
After I graduated from college and left the house, the years seem to rush by like a blur. I did my thing in San Francisco, working at Apple, meeting my (now) wife, and going back to school for a second degree. Meanwhile, I saw my Dad a few times a year. We always expressed our love for each other, but there was a lingering anxiety and awkwardness. Our relationship had frozen somewhat in the form we had left it in my teens: each of us struggling to come to terms with our significantly differing political and metaphysical beliefs. After my wife and I moved to Boston in 2005, I saw even less of my family, sometimes only once or twice a year.
He always expressed great pride about the career path I followed. He was impressed that I had graduated from University, found a great job at Apple, and then founded my own business, all after dropping out of high school (against his wishes!). He let me know so often of his pride, that he gave me the gift of never having to worry particularly that I might have disappointed him. I think this helped me to pursue my dreams more freely than ever.
His satisfaction with my career turned him slowly but surely from an Apple-hater into one of its biggest fans. A few years ago he lost his long-time job as a compiler engineer, and reoriented himself towards the Mac, starting a business of his own, and feeling his way towards a niche. He became certified in all manner of OS X support technician programs, and even decided to attend WWDC a couple years ago. Some of you will probably remember having met him there.
His business never really took off, and a sequence of unfortunate events handed him some serious blows. Life didn’t hand him a perfect hand, but he managed to leave some beauty here with us, and I am grateful for that. I would have loved to have seen what would have become of the rest of his life, and how my own young family would have fit into it.
The circumstances of his death are sad, and personal. We barely spoke over the past year, but I had a good conversation with him at my Grandmother’s funeral in November. Suffice to say, he died too young. I miss you, Dad.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I am so sorry to hear that – our thoughts and wishes are with you and your family, Daniel.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:29 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight, Daniel.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I’m very sorry for your loss Daniel.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope all is as well as it can be.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I doubt you could have written anything that would have more deeply honored your father’s life, Daniel. And there’s a measure of healing that comes with paying your respects so clearly. My heart goes out to you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Take care, Daniel. We’re thinking about you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Sorry to hear.
This is a wonderful post.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Reading this post makes me glad you spent the time and effort to get closer to your Dad, and that he got to meet Henry before he passed.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my own dad (a Daniel himself) last June. My thoughts are with you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I am very sorry for your loss Daniel.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:52 pm
He was definitely to young to pass away. So sorry Daniel.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:56 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Your post was so moving and will remain a fitting tribute to your father. Godspeed.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:58 pm
My condolences. Praying for you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Your post was beautifully written and conveyed the struggles that many of us are familiar with when it comes to our families. I cried.
I’m sorry for your loss, but he’ll live on in those he left behind.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:01 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Daniel. This post clearly shows the love and pride in each other that you shared. Lean into your family during this time, as you will need each other for comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:02 pm
I’m so sorry. You’re in our thoughts.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Sorry about your loss, Daniel. All my best.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
This post made me cry, in part because I lost my own dad three years ago this week and our relationship was similar to you and your father’s. I only know you through blog posts and tweets and podcasts, but I’m really sorry to hear about your loss and hope you can take some comfort in knowing that Henry was able to meet his grandfather while he was still alive.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Sorry to hear of your loss Daniel.
Also, I was one of those weird kids who had an Atari STE.
I spent quite a few years of my life in GEM, very nice little GUI ;p
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:06 pm
I’m so sorry, Daniel. We’ve never met, but your words make me feel like I’ve lost something.
Hang in there. Be strong.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Your dad helped shape you into a wonderful person Daniel. Thanks for sharing some of his story with us.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:08 pm
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. This post is a beautiful memorial to your father.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Very, very sorry to hear this. My wife’s dad passed away very unexpectedly last year at a fairly young age and it was really hard as well. Hope your family’s doing alright.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:10 pm
So sorry to read that. My dad has some health issues and I really wish he’s gonna be fine. I really wish your dad would still be with you, especially for your kid, which will miss something. We met only once daniel but i was very happy to speak a bit with you and I felt how nice you are. May the love of your wife and kid makes this easier for you to live.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:12 pm
My wife and I will be sending thoughts and prayers your way. Take comfort in the knowlege that you are not alone. We’re with you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Daniel,
My condolences on your loss. I’m glad that you have many memories of him. Retain the good ones, let fade the not-so-good & always keep a piece of him in your heart.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Daniel, very sorry to hear about your father. Our thoughts are with you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:16 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your loss Daniel. Losing a parent is a tough thing. I think your father made you a good person. My thoughts are with you and your family.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
My condolences on your loss; I lost my father a few years ago and yes, it is a very sad thing. I wish the best for you and your family.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:20 pm
What a touching post you have made here in your father’s memory. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
I’m very sorry for your loss. Be strong and take care of yourself.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
My deepest condolences. I lost my father about five years ago, and he was about the same age as yours. It’s one of the hardest things to have happen in life, even harder in this day and age when we expect are parents to live into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. Just know you have a whole community of mac addicts wishing you and yours well.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:31 pm
The gifts of your father shine through you, Daniel. Life sure can turn out differently than we all expect it to, but those that continue taking a step forward into the challenges are the ones that get the most from it, in ways that words can’t really describe. May your Dad rest in peace. All the best to you and your family during this difficult time.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:33 pm
That was a beautiful post. I feel deeply for your loss. Please know that my wife and I will be praying for your family. I hope this outpouring of well-wishes from the community can bring some measure of comfort in these hard moments.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:33 pm
I’m sorry for your loss Daniel, we’re thinking of you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:36 pm
My condolences, Daniel. Sorry for your father’s loss; may you and your own live long and remember him, as we say
in Greece.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 pm
I’m truly saddened by your loss. My deepest sympathies, and condolences go out to you and your family.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Daniel, I’m really sorry to hear about your loss. What a beautiful and heart-felt post. Best wishes to you and your family.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:46 pm
I understand exactly where you’re coming from. My father died just three short years ago. We had been estranged for over twenty years and reconnect just a year before his death. Although he was not able to meet his daughter-in-law and granddaughter in that short time, we shared pictures, phone calls and emails. Like your father, he was proud of what his son had accomplished.
Feel free to drop me a line if you want to share a pint.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Sorry to hear that happen. Best wishes to you and your family through this tough time.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Sorry to hear that. My dad died in 1991 while I was at Macworld Expo, so I always think about him around this time of the year.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:01 am
So sorry for your loss. Your post is a beautiful tribute.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Daniel, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I do remember meeting him at WWDC and thinking how amazingly cool it must have been to go to something like that with your dad. That he could really understand what it is that you do and share that. My condolences.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Ach. there’s no good words dude, so i won’t even try. Been there, done that, i feel for you.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:05 am
The loss of a parent, at any age, is like a hammer blow. My thoughts are with you.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:08 am
I am truly touched by your post, Daniel, and wish you and your family peace during this difficult time.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Daniel,
words from your father:
we have done a poor job to date, overwhelming the innocent with overly complex, dysfunctional, unusable machines and software, and then blaming the customer for his inability to figure it out on his own.
I for one, do not want to be complicit in this farce any more.
Thank you for introducing us to your father. He is a wise man. His words will live on.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:34 am
Condolences, Daniel. I’m sorry for your loss.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:46 am
I do remember talking with both of you at the WWDC bash a few years ago. I remember him being a really friendly guy. My sincerest condolences for your family’s loss. Hang in there Daniel…
February 4th, 2010 at 12:46 am
Sorry to hear about your father Daniel. My sincere condolences.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Condolences, Daniel. Even if you weren’t super-close, it’s clear you feel a real sense of loss. You have my best wishes as you and your family get through this.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Daniel,
My condolences on the loss of your father.
I lost my mother one year ago today and know that losing a parent is a terrible loss.
Take care
February 4th, 2010 at 1:08 am
As I head to NJ for a funeral tomorrow, know that I’ll be thinking of you and your dad. Remember to tell Henry good stories.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:24 am
Dan,
I’m very sorry for your loss. I always thought it was great that you and your dad were in the same field of work. That photo is really special.
Gonzalo
February 4th, 2010 at 1:27 am
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss Daniel. I remember briefly meeting your dad at WWDC, I’m glad I got the chance to. My dad was also born in 1950; thanks for the reminder that our time together is precious.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Nice father. Good son.
Pray for you.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:53 am
I’m very sorry to hear about your father. Your post hits home for me because in many ways your description of your relationship with your father reminds me very much of my relationship with mine. Perhaps I’ll give him a call. My condolences to you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:31 am
The quiet, but constant pride. The best gift parents can give their children.
My condolences. Great write-up.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:48 am
I’m sorry to hear about your dad. My dad too got me a Timex Sinclair when I was young. He didn’t try to teach me at the time, but was always supportive like your dad.
Thanks for sharing this with us. It touched me and reminded me that I need to talk to my mom and dad more often.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:09 am
My condolences [*][*][*]
February 4th, 2010 at 3:10 am
You introduced me to your dad at WWDC. I remember how excited you both were about his new Mac pursuits. I’m always inspired by folks who are courageous enough to try new things, especially later in life. I’m sorry that didn’t work out as well as planned. And I’m extra sorry for your loss. Your post was a nice tribute to him.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:12 am
Sorry for your loss, Daniel. Wish there were words that could help in this tough time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:19 am
My deepest condolences for the loss of your dad, Daniel.
Writing this loving and honest remembrance of your father is both a worthy tribute to him — and a very open-hearted way to navigate your own grief.
For what it’s worth, I hope that knowing your many readers and friends are wishing you well gives some comfort to you during this difficult time.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:21 am
My sincere condolences on your loss and thanks for sharing your story. While my father was considerably older (born in 1930) I also had to learn what it feels like if a loved one passes away unexpectedly.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:38 am
So sorry to hear this – my condolences, Daniel.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:02 am
Very sorry for your loss. My father passed away a couple of months ago (I’m heading home for burial of the ashes tomorrow in fact) and I know it’s a really hard time, no matter the relationship. The coming time is tough, but remembering the good stuff (as the post outlines) really helps.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Daniel, thank you for sharing. Makes me think of my parents and our relationship and how we live it. My thoughts are with you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:27 am
sorry to hear of your loss. Wish your son a good dad he can enjoy the next 70 years at least!
February 4th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Thank you for sharing this story with us. What a great reading!
If your father is like mine you probably got closer together than you assume. He surely is proud of you — wherever he is right now — and he enjoyed all the time being with you.
Best wishes,
The team of Mac OS X Screencasts
February 4th, 2010 at 4:47 am
My condolences, Daniel
February 4th, 2010 at 4:48 am
My deepest condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story of you and your dad with us. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Very sorry to read about your loss, Daniel. My condolences.
Regards,
Rob…
February 4th, 2010 at 5:32 am
Sorry to hear about your loss, Daniel. 60 is way too young.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:09 am
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss, Daniel. My condolences.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:46 am
Sorry about your loss, Daniel. The good always die too young.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:59 am
My condolences Daniel. My thoughts are with you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:05 am
I’m very sorry to hear of about your loss, Daniel, but thank you for sharing this. It’s a beautiful reminder to be thankful and make the best of everything we’ve got, even if it doesn’t quite match the picture-perfect way we’d like things to be. Thinking of you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Sorry to hear that, Daniel. My thoughts are with you.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:41 am
I’m very sorry for your loss, Daniel and I empathize with you.
Cancer took my dad away from me and my family several years ago, before I had a chance to reconnect with him. He had been a good dad but we didn’t always see eye-to-eye when I was growing up and after graduating, I took an (unwise) life path that led me away from him. By the time I managed to change the course of my life, it was unfortunately too late.
I still miss him and reading your story brought back the good memories.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:54 am
I am very sorry for your loss, Daniel.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:30 am
I’m sorry to hear this Daniel. I had a similar relationship with my dad who I lost in 2000. It may seem like a small thing now but the effort you put into making a connection with him in the past few years and you’re writing this remembrance will help form a solid, lasting memory of him.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:43 am
That was a wonderful re-telling of your life with, and your love for your Dad. I hope writing it down has helped you, and you keep the best thoughts of your Father forever.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Sorry for your loss Daniel. As a youngster I had a great relationship with my Dad then somewhere along the way things got “weird”. About 8 years ago I made a decision that I needed to patch things up and I am thankful everyday that we did.
Again sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:39 am
So very sorry for your loss Daniel, you and your family are in our thoughts.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:20 am
My condolences Daniel. Being distant from my own family for many years now this reminds me that I probably don’t tell my own father how much he means to me.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. I had some contact with Mike in the last few years as we both participated on the ACN listserv, and he was always helpful and knowledgeable. He’ll be missed.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Daniel,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I’m not sure what I can add that hasn’t already been said. May you find comfort in knowing that he loved and cared for you.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Daniel,
My condolences on your loss. This is a beautifully written tribute to your father. Prayers for you and your family.
Kevin
February 4th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Daniel, very sorry for your loss. Your Dad would have been very proud of your tribute. You write prose as well as you write software.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:29 am
My condolences, it’s clear that you loved your dad. I hope that I can honor mine as well as you have when it his time.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Great tribute. My condolences to you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Well said. I am sorry for your loss.
Makes you look at our fathers and our children differently.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I’m sorry to hear that Daniel. I hope you and your family find peace and celebrate your father’s memory for the rest of your lives.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Daniel,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how hard it is — today is the 9th anniversary of my dad’s passing, and it’s tough. But your tribute is so beautiful, and I’m sending you and your family much love.
xoxoxo
February 4th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Daniel, though I believe that everything happens for a reason, I have to confess that death is never timely.
It took me a long time for me to find peace with my own father’s death, and the thought of losing my mom still frightens me, as well. The months after were not fun, and it’s hard not to feel like somebody’s missing in my life.
Yet despite that, I believe the experience has left me a more hardened person, and I’ve felt more eager to take chances than I ever have before.
Take all the time you need to reflect.
Six years on, I don’t believe I’ll ever find total resolution, but I’ve rediscovered the strength of friendship, and my faith in humanity is stronger than ever.
Take care.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Dan,
I’m touched by your words — I can truly relate. My father and I haven’t been close in many years, and I often wonder what it would be like to get “that phone call” someday.
It’s a tough thing.
In all sincerity, Thank You for sharing.
-David
February 4th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Daniel, I’m so glad you included that picture, which seems to capture a special moment between you and your Dad (I have one like that with my father, and although we’re not hugely close, it’s meaningful to me). So sorry for your loss.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Daniel – Your remembrances of Michael were so beautiful and very touching. I liked the way you chronicled your dad’s life by reflecting your cherished memories. Those were the aspects in both your lives that brought you both joy and love. You always showed compassion toward Michael and I’m sure he appreciated that. We send you all our love and best wishes for getting through the challenges that await you, Jane, Patrick and Becca
February 4th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Really sorry to hear this, Daniel. I didn’t know your dad too well, but I do remember him being nice to me every time I visited Alan during high school. I remember him having the latest/coolest Mac gadgetry, as well, before I really knew much about Macs. Makes me smile.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Daniel your post does such an honour to your dad and family.
My thoughts are with you and yours
February 4th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Resolved to make the effort and spend more time with my dad. Thanks for sharing and motivating.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Your post is beautiful and amazing. Though I was not close to my own father–I had decided to “give him one more chance” early in the hear he died–I couldn’t delete his phone numbers from my phone for several years after he passed. I still miss the number s and him at weird times. Some days I see his face in others. My deepest condolences to you and your family, sir.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Daniel, Your tribute and remembrance of your father is moving. A couple of years ago I started a conversation with him when I recognized his/your last name on his badge. We were in Jillian’s, I think during Macworld. We spoke about for over an hour about linguistics, compilers, Berkeley, Santa Cruz and much more. I’m glad that I had that brief and interesting encounter with him. I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Chuck
February 4th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Daniel,
Our deepest condolences to you, your family, and all who knew your father. Your post brought a tear to my eye. While I have been blessed to be quite close to my father (though unfortunately not geographically), and, God willing, will have him around still for many years to come, what you wrote is a reminder of just how precious time is with family and with those you love. Thank you for allowing us to share in that with you.
P.S. That is a great picture you included.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Daniel,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I’m sure that he would be proud of the eloquence and caring that came through in your post. It’s a touching remembrance.
Peace,
rk
February 4th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I’m very sorry to hear that. My sympathies. I’m glad I got the opportunity to meet him once.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Daniel, I’m very sorry for your loss.
February 5th, 2010 at 2:19 am
I was shocked to see your tweet. I instantly recalled the photo from WWDC. It’s great that you have good memories to revisit. I’m sure this will be a gift that will benefit your son, as well. I’m saddened to read of your loss. Be strong and take care. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Condolences. Your eloquent post is a great tribute. Prayers for your family.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
My deepest condolences Daniel. That was a very moving tribute and I’m sure he’d be smiling.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:49 am
My condolences Daniel. I’m sure he’s now in better place.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Sorry for your loss. It was a very beautiful tribute you wrote for your dad. Touching!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Daniel, I’m so sorry. Your dad was always very kind to me, and I will miss him. My condolences to you, your mom, and your brother, and your family.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
So sorry Daniel. There are a lot of new emotions that I have for my parents now that I am one. It complicates the grieving process. Hope you’re doing okay.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Daniel, sorry to read about your loss. My condolences to you and your family. The loss of a parent is is quite a blow.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I just wanted to say that I hope your father’s memory is always a blessing to you.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
His light will shine through you. Fathers may never say much but their presence is always missed after they are gone. Sending you strength. Namaste!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Deeply sorry for your loss
February 10th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
I’m deeply saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I spoke with your mom yesterday and she gave me the very sad news.
I grew up with Mike in Illinois and knew him since 2nd grade. We were great friends in grade school through high school.
I will always remember the fun times that we had together as kids.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope that he is at peace now.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Thanks, Daniel, for that personal insight you shared about Michael. I met him one Thursday night in Soquel about 25 years ago and came to love him as a friend. He had some great spiritual insights and a group of us were discussing his passing last night and we all remarked about some of the things he said in years past that we have always kept with us. That’s quite a remarkable legacy.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless you all.
February 13th, 2010 at 10:24 am
I am very sorry for your loss.
February 21st, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Daniel, it seems that in a way, your father paved the way for your career, so it’s probably fair to say that he will live on through Red Sweater Software, among other things. Come to think of it, the same may be true for what a lot of us software guys do today — as far as I’m concerned, the fact that he worked on GEM just turned him into one of my childhood heroes retrospectively.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I, also, grieve with thee… A beautiful and moving portrait. My relationship with my father has also had its ups and downs; like yours, largely for political and spiritual reasons. We got close again when I moved in and tried to help out when my mom was dying, but started falling back into the kind of disagreements we had when I was a teen. Moving halfway round the planet again has made me dread That Call; more so now that he’s working so hard to care for close others that it’s wearing him down, too. He’s a Marine; he keeps going as long and hard as he can. It took me a long time to get my head on straight, is all.
Thank you for sharing, and for reminding each off us how blessed we truly are. Godspeed to you and yours.
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Daniel,
I stopped by to look at the latests on Marsedit and was saddened when I read about the passing of your father. Last November I lost my brother in a motorcycle accident.
We just never know when a life is going to be cut short. It makes it so important for us to forget any differences of opinion etc… Especially when it comes to family members
Please accept my condolences.
Glenn
March 11th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
D-
Deepest condolences to you and yours.
-trent
March 19th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Hi, Sorry to hear about your father. I lost my dad in 2004. Died in my arms. No easier close or far, I am sure. Although you may not have been as close as you were now working toward, it sounds like there was a lot of love and mutual respect between you and he. To me there is always a bright side. And maybe for you it’s that your father may now be closer than you think, and he has the time to spend watching your family grow. Best wishes to you. JD
March 20th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Im so sorry
July 5th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Daniel… I worked with your dad at MetaWare for about 7 years. I really enjoyed the time I spent with him. He was a good man!
take care…
February 6th, 2011 at 2:41 am
Daniel, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember reading this last year and feeling so moved. I couldn’t figure out what to say. In recent years, my relationship with my parents has undergone similar awkwardness due to differences in beliefs. Thanks for the reminder to treasure that relationship.
March 12th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I think I just lost my comment because I didn’t fill in my email address first.
I was looking on Google today for Michael Jalkut who I knew in the late 60’s/early 70’s. I had just read a biography of John Lennon and was remeinded that Michael was my John Lennon at that time in our youth. I woder if you could confirm if this is the same. We were so young it is hard to tell by the photo for sure but his birthdate would be about correct.
I knew him in Iowa City, Clinton street about the time you were born. I saw him later on a trip he made to Washington State a year or so later.
I’m sorry for your loss.