I’ve just read that Phil Bagwell has passed away. Although I only met Phil Bagwell once he has had a large influence on my life. His research into data structures is perhaps what he is best known for, and this work is appreciated daily by Scala, Haskell, Clojure, and other programmers.
I, however, owe Phil a bigger debt as his suggestion led directly to the formation of Underscore. At ScalaDays 2011 I was discussing the trials of constructing a consulting organisation around Scala. He suggested forming a consortium with other consultants, and gave me a few names to contact. The result if of course the organisation you see today. We’ve met up with Typesafe people numerous times since, and I always hoped Phil would be present at our meetings so I could say thanks. Alas it was not to be, and now of course that opportunity is gone. Phil will be missed by all of us at Underscore.