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I started using Linux about ten years ago. And when I did, I logged in to an IRC channel to talk with people about how it worked. That channel was #linpeople.
Since then, I've spent lots of time on #linpeople's IRC network. Not continuously, and not always on the same channel, but over the years I've logged many hours on #linpeople, #debian, #python, #pygame, and #twisted, to name just a few. For half a year I had a job that had me living in #oe and #mipslinux, and with my current job I'm in #openid and ##identity. It's hard to say exactly how my life would be different had this particular IRC network not been around, but it's true that it's contributed greatly to the knowledge I use in my professional life today.
There are now a number of people who run that network, but it was founded by one person, Rob Levin, better known to many of us as lilo.
Tuesday night, lilo was the victim of a hit-and-run incident while riding his bicycle. He was hospitalized. Yesterday he passed away.
So long, lilo. Thanks for all the work you did for us.
The rest of you, those who are still riding around out there: wear your f**king bicycle helmets. kthx.