by Brian Solis
Photograph of Marc taken at DemoFALL 2007
It is with great sorrow and disbelief that I sit here typing these very words, Marc Orchant has passed away.
Marc suffered a heart attack on December 2nd, 2007 and has been hospitalized ever since. He never regained consciousness.
Marc’s wife, Sue Orchant, reported the news today to Oliver Starr, one of Marc’s best friends and co-workers. Starr had been keeping an online journal updating the world on Marc’s condition.
It is with great sadness that I report that Marc Orchant, Husband to Sue, Father to Rebecca and Jason, and friend to so many, passed away just a short time ago. I was notified by Marc’s brother Craig.
His family and closest friends were at his side and his favorite music was playing. Craig said that Marc’s passing was as peaceful and easy as anyone could have hoped and he left this world surrounded by love from so many people that he couldn’t possibly have failed to know how many people cared for, appreciated and respected him.
Anyone that knew Marc also knew how much he loved music; especially the Grateful Dead. The excerpt below is from one of the songs that helped the family say goodbye to Marc and helped Marc move on to the next world.
Marc is one of the most amazing people you could ever hope to meet. I am wrought with sadness. My support goes out to Sue and his family, and if there’s anything that I, or we, can do, please, please let us know.
Marc, I will miss you. You were always there to help me and for that I will be eternally grateful. The tech industry just won’t be the same without you. We are all much better for knowing you.
Dedicated to Marc Orchant, 1957-2007:
River gonna take me
Sing me sweet and sleepy
Sing me sweet and sleepy
all the way back home
It’s a far gone lullaby
sung many years ago
Mama, Mama, many worlds I’ve come
since I first left home
Goin home, goin home
by the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
to rock my soul
Oliver set up a fund to help Marc’s family. Please click here to donate.
