Passings...

This past Saturday, two great people left their legacy to be remembered by others. I am honored to have known them both.

Trish Mudgett died from complications following a fairly routine surgery; she was 45 and left behind 3 children and her husband. My association with Trish goes back to my first full-time job at a software company. She was the manager of tech support who hired my future boss and mentor; she eventually left the Bay Area and started an Atlanta office for this company. Although I didn't know her closely as a personal friend, she's one of those people that nobody has ever said a bad word about. She was warm to all, had time for all, and seemed to always be only 1 or 2 degrees of separation from any big story. Based on the response I saw from friends and former colleagues as she fought for her life the past few weeks, she will be missed greatly. I hope that her legacy will be that others learn from her and take time out to truly care for everybody who comes into their lives.

Dallas Moore was the best friend of my father-in-law for over 45 years. He was the kind of guy who could hug you with a handshake. He had big, encompassing hands but the shake was full of warmth and caring. It was firm and full of conviction. When Dallas looked you in the eye and told you something, you knew it was coming straight from his heart and contained nothing but truth. Dallas had a passion for his family, for cars, for his students (he was a high school teacher), but most of all he had a passion for sharing the love of Jesus. He was one of those guys who "got it", who "lived it". Back in 1961, Dallas and my father-in-law were the first missionaries with Youth with a Mission. Check out this great article for a brief glimpse into their trip. Dallas was truly a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.