Passing of the Guard

October 2011 saw three pioneers pass on to the next life.  First, there was Apple founder Steve Jobs.  A few days later, we receive news of the death of C and Unix creator Dennis Ritchie.  A couple of days ago, AI pioneer John McCarthy moves on as well.

These men applied their talents to move the computer industry forward.  Their deaths are not really losses because they have lived their lives well.  True, such occasions are cause for sorrow, specially for their loved ones.  However, we are thankful for their contributions to this industry.

Their influences are not to be compared.  In the world of computers, coopetition is very evident.  We build on each other's success.

The question is, what are you contributing to forward the industry?