Rheta Shan has been my friend and trusted confidante for the better part of a year.  Today, after more than a month with no word from her, we learned of her tragic passing.

On 3 April 2009, just days from giving birth to her first child.  She was struck down while crossing the street.  Her death, we are told, was quick and for that I am grateful.  I’m not sure that I could bear the thought of my friend suffering.

Rheta was remarkably brilliant, her’s was the winning entry in Dusan Writer’s User Interface Design contest, she was a vocal advocate for avatar rights, and she is loved by a great many people, most notably her devoted partner, Thaddy.  To me, she was the voice of reason. Always talking me down from my ledges, making sense where I found none, and, in turn, allowing me to do the same for her.

Though I will miss you terribly, I know that the things I’ve learned from you will always guide me.  Goodbye, my friend.

Valérie M./Rheta Shan
† April 3rd 2009