Occasionally you meet people that truly touch you by their kindness and helpfulness. Unfortunately, most of us aren't good at telling these rare gemstones that we do truly appreciate their kindness. We are too busy, caught up in our own petty worries, and feel there is really no need to tell them right then and there. It is not that we don't have the best intentions to repay their kindness in action but putting our appreciation into words is a big step to take for most of us.



Yesterday, I attended the funeral of the co-founder of Opera Software, Geir Ivarsøy who died after fighting cancer for many years. Despite being an extremely smart developer, the co-founder of the company, and of course always very busy, he was one of those rare people that are always kind and helpful. I never knew him well, but I got the pleasure of working together with him on a project and I remember being amazed at how such an important man could be bothered being so nice, helpful, and most amazingly so humble. Geir was all of those things and working with him was easy and enjoyable.



I remember always trying to repay his kindness in action while I worked with him, but I never put my appreciation into words and that I really regret now. I wish I had told him that I respected him and that I really appreciated his kindness. We should never take for granted that we will have a chance later to tell people that we appreciate them.



It is really too late now, but Geir may you rest in peace and thank you for being a extraordinarily kind and helpful co-worker.