Phil Katz, R.I.P.
When he was found dead April 14, Phil Katz was slumped against a nightstand in a south side hotel, cradling an empty bottle of peppermint schnapps. The genius who built a multimillion-dollar software company known worldwide for its pioneering "zip" files had died of acute pancreatic bleeding caused by chronic alcoholism.
What a sad end for him. I remember communicating with Katz back in the early days of BBSing. Seemed like a nice fellow. His father's death, shyness and alcohol were more than he could handle. Perhaps it's corny to say so, but I think if he had found someone to love in those early days, he'd have come through alright.
(via Lake Effect)