What can I say in response to the tragic news about John G. Lynch? I was deeply influenced by Mr. Lynch and held him in the highest regard while working for him in UNIX Product Marketing. John was brilliant and taught me invaluable lessons about business and product marketing that I used throughout my career.

He was funny and always thinking about the next big project. I still laugh about some of his trials and tribulations—especially the time his Porsche burned. I always suspected a dropped cigarette on the floorboard, though the official explanation was an engine gas leak.

I remember one camping trip when the fire burned so hot that, by morning, John had created what looked like the next Dale Chihuly glass sculpture from melted wine bottles. Then there was his golf game: he sprayed Pro V1s around as if they were Top-Flite balls. When I asked, “John, why don’t you use cheaper golf balls?” he replied, “You have to play the part if you want to be a golfer.”

When we traveled together to Oktoberfest, John and I spent countless hours walking and talking. He will be missed more than he could ever know, and I will always carry his memory with me. Rest in peace, John. P.S. Sell your Coca-Cola stock—it’s going to tank when the news gets out.

Some Photo's of recent times: