A week ago Friday, Brian Crowe, a co-worker of mine, died suddenly at his south Florida home of an apparent heart attack. One of my other co-workers, his manager, noticed he hadn’t joined their weekly conference call after speaking to him just hours before, and chalked it up to him just being occupied with a client. As it turns out, his girlfriend arrived home from work later that day to find him dead. This internal posting sums up both Brian’s commitment to his craft and just how much he will be missed:

We are extremely saddened by the loss of our colleague, Brian Crowe, Senior Custom Services Consultant for Sunrise Clinical Manager and Sunrise Critical Care Application Support Services, who died Friday, May 22 after suffering a heart attack.

His long-time partner, Sue Bailey, recalls Brian as a man of great curiosity and generosity, who had a wonderful laugh and lived life to the fullest. In particular, Brian loved Florida, the state’s wildlife, and nature in general. A sharp-shooting problem-solver, well-respected and liked by colleagues, Brian valued his role at Eclipsys and appreciated working for a company with a worthy cause.

In tribute, Bill Duffin, Director, Custom Services, writes:

Brian was a gem of a guy who always went above and beyond to satisfy his clients. He shared his expertise with other team members and was always willing and able to assist when needed. He will truly be missed by everyone in Custom Services.

Frank Nagy, Custom Services Project Manager, adds:

Brian was a creative and energetic ObjectsPlus and SQL developer, and he genuinely deserved the genius label. His ability to quickly solve technical problems was nothing short of remarkable. Beyond that, Brian was a good person and was always ready to assist others in working through issues. His helpful and caring nature will be missed by co-workers and clients alike.

Brian is survived by his partner, Sue, a sister, a step-brother and many close friends in and around Melbourne, FL and Key West, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Brian Crowe to: Turkey Creek Sanctuary Committee, P.O. Box 060175, Palm Bay, FL 32906-0175

I’ve been haunted by Brian’s passing this past week, as it just makes you realize how tenuous our grip is here on this earth and just how how fragile our lives are. Knowing that Brian, like me and so many others in our company, worked out of his home alone makes you realize the same thing can happen to me (or anyone, for that matter). How important it is, then, that we all strive to live our lives to the fullest and get our souls right with God, as none of us know when we will, as the Psalmist writes, “fall sleep and arise to behold [the Lord’s] face.” (Ps. 17:15)

I didn’t know Brian Crowe that well – I’d only had occasion to speak with him a few times – but I know how much everyone liked him and respected him. Brian was a huge Florida guy – he loved the state, it’s beauty, and everything tropical – so the picture above captures him perfectly. If I could find a You Tube video of Jimmy Buffett’s song “Floridays”, that would be a perfect tribute to him. Since there isn’t one, I hope he’ll appreciate this one instead.

Rest in peace, Brian – I didn’t know you well, but I know you are, and will be, missed.