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Martin Minow
Martin
was a gentleman hacker. He was passionate about listening to customers and
adored innovations, even if they led nowhere. We shared an affection for
Science Fiction, both good and bad. Martin enjoyed fine wine and good beer, but
most of all he enjoyed the company of others, be they Hashers, Engineers or
Comedians. He knew countless people. He tried to imitate a cockney accent with
an "orl right?" down the phone, but he just sounded like Dick Van
Dyke. Worse, in fact. He had a high-pitched laugh. He couldn't cook asparagus.
As an infrequent visitor, I had no idea who would be
at his house - the Swedish Ambassador perhaps, or the World Champion Orienteering
Lady - also Swedish. When I visited once the whole Swedish Orienteering
Championship team were visiting! Perhaps a pattern emerged here:-)
Martin was a polymath and I was jealous. He was good
company at parties. He was well-liked by the ladies. He had a dirty mind
although always tinged with a light humour.
Martin was a friend to my whole family. He had
invited Pippa, my daughter, to stay summer 2001 with him in
Somehow it is appropriate that Martin died on a bus.
He would have enjoyed the look on the drivers face as he realised the situation
when he checked on his remaining passenger at the end of the line. I believe he
had a smile on his face.
Oh, and by the way, Martin's definition of a
"Gentlemen Hacker" was one that ensures his lady is fully satisfied
before reading new mail.
I'll miss him.
Andy Leslie
28 Dec 2000 (Updated 24 Feb 2004)