from Hacker News

"Goodwill", key member of the SoCal Python Community has passed away

by rdegges on 5/16/25, 4:01 AM with 8 comments

  • by rdegges on 5/16/25, 4:03 AM

    I wasn't sure if I should post this or not, but if you ever met Michael you probably remember him. He was a kind soul and helped grow the Python developer community in LA for well over a decade.

    In addition to being an excellent engineer and human, Michael was also the definition of a hacker. It feels suitable to share the news here.

    He was an incredible person and touched many lives. If you ever got to meet him (in person or online), please share your experiences on his in memoriam page.

  • by jefurii on 5/16/25, 6:41 PM

    I wish I'd gotten to know this Michael. I used to attend SoCal Python but stopped after it moved out to West LA and started to feel like an exclusive club that I couldn't be part of. I interviewed at his company and was rejected in a way that still casts a shadow on my confidence as a developer. I tried to volunteer at the SCaLE booth but after I took a break to go to a session he let me know in no uncertain terms that I was not welcome back and I've stayed away from the community ever since.

    It sounds like everyone else experienced him as a really great guy and I'm glad he was there for the community. Given the glowing praise he is receiving from everyone here and elsewhere it's probably my fault. I must have sad something wrong and I guess I just wasn't able to receive his gruff way of talking as humor or caring. I'm sad that I missed the chance to appreciate him the way so many others have.

  • by john-tells-all on 5/16/25, 4:44 AM

    Michael was tireless in helping the community. He was relentless in connecting people together and making sure people had a great time. He sought out and encouraged speakers and teachers, like me.

    I'm happy to keep his memory in my heart by telling stories about him :-D

  • by pabs3 on 5/17/25, 3:53 AM

  • by pabs3 on 5/17/25, 3:43 AM

  • by cafard on 5/16/25, 2:41 PM

    Clearly a remarkable guy.

  • by oveja on 5/16/25, 3:47 PM

    We lost a great one.