SGML: Memory of Yuri Rubinsky (1952-1996)

Article: 12456 of comp.text.sgml
Newsgroups: comp.text.sgml
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 1996 14:02:11 -0600
Message-ID: <9602052002.AA18515@fly.HiWAAY.net>
From: Len Bullard <cbullard@HiWAAY.net>
Subject: Yuri Rubinsky



[From Donna Hanlon.  Forwarded by Len Bullard.]

Yuri is one of the most charismatic, good-hearted, and finest people I'll
ever know.  Long before I met him, I admired him for his tireless work in
SGML.  At that time, SGML was "just another standard" -- far from the
popular acceptance it enjoys today.

When I met him at the first HyTime Conference in 1994, he seemed so real,
genuine, and (as ever) helpful.  I was afraid to take even the 30 seconds
of his time it took to give him my card, so he could make sure SoftQuad
sent the World Tour CD to me.  (Once again, he was sharing information --
comp.text.sgml archives -- not advertising.)  But he was so friendly, so
approachable.  I was surprised.

The second time I spoke with Yuri was at the 1995 HyTime Conference.  Steve
Newcomb had to leave early, so Yuri took over as host.  Yuri had to
introduce me as a speaker, so he spoke with me before it was my turn to go
on.  I was terrified.  Here were all the people I admire, in one, small
room, listening to me -- with Yuri introducing me to boot!  But, he was his
down-to-earth, charming self, and his friendly manner helped calm and
reassure me.

At the same conference, Yuri called the best minds in SGML and HyTime
together to participate in the "URL bake-off" -- just another example of
how Yuri always built bridges between people, countries, languages, and
standards.

His spirit lives on in the communication which he has made possible.

Donna Hanlon