I’m incredibly sad to report that the Portland open source and startup community has lost an amazing contributor, a crux of our community, and an incredible person. Igal Koshevoy is no longer with us.
There’s so much that Igal did for our community—largely unrecognized—that’s it difficult to even remember it all.
I’m just at a complete loss.
I remember Igal as initially timid and unassuming. But if you were lucky enough to get close to him—or push one of his hot buttons—you found a well of passion and opinion. A person willing to engage in good natured yet heated debates on whys and wherefores.
Someone who was always the first to show up—be it Beer and Blog or something more serious—and the last one to leave. And always always always with a stubborn stalwart determinism to create the best possible product in the allotted time. From developing to sprinting to hacking.
And he did it all with a smile and energy that amazed and inspired us all.
I remember Igal as someone who took the time to capture moments. With an eye that brought those events to life in still images. For many folks—me included—Igal’s camera captured what would become our favorite photos. His eye and his lens just managed to capture something. Time and time again.
Long story short, Igal’s impact on the Portland open source scene is both immediately palpable, and at the same time, practically untallyable.
If you’ve ever looked at an event on Calagator, you’ve been touched by Igal’s work. If you’ve ever participated in Open Source Bridge, you’re benefitting from his efforts. If you’ve ever attended any number of awesome user groups he helped organize, you’ve realized his contribution. If you’ve ever submitted a proposal for Ignite Portland, you’ve seen his handiwork.
Thank you, Igal. For all that you did for us. For your community. We were lucky to have you with us. And so so amazingly blessed to have had your help, guidance, mentorship, and support. I’m just terribly sorry that we couldn’t be there for you.
You will be missed. More than I can say. Such a complete fucking loss.
Finally, I’m truly sorry if I’m the one breaking this news to you. Please visit the Stumptown Syndicate post on Igal for more information.
(Image courtesy Reid Beels. Used under Creative Commons.)