I had the privilege of working side-by-side with Mike Eastman throughout most
of the last eight years. Three years ago, Mike recruited Rod Forman, Darrel
Andrson and I into his Web Services department, where we all still work. Mike
formed the nucleus of that group and became the glue that held us together.
Mike took a great, quiet pride in his work. That pride was contagious –
he made me work better, just by his example. His work ethic didn’t get in the
way of him having fun at work. That attitude spread to the rest of us, too.
Mike had great skill with people – he seemed to make a friend out of everyone with whom he came in contact. Like many talented people do with their special gifts, he made this seem easy.
I think Mike’s secret was enjoyment: He enjoyed his work, he enjoyed the people
he worked with and he enjoyed himself. This infectious love of life made him
a pleasure to be around – someone you looked forward to seeing and
missed when he wasn’t there.
I continue to miss Mike every day but I comfort myself knowing that he lived his too short life to the fullest. His example is an inspiration to us all.