I started reading Marc probably in 2001 or 2002. I saw him blog in 4 different networks, and read almost religiously what he wrote until he moved to blognation. There, I lost him in the last months because blognation changed the address of the subscription feed for some reason and I wasn’t really happy with blognation in general so I kept thinking about him but delayed on catching up with him.

Marc and I exchanged a few comments on our respective blogs (mine is off since 2005) and we also exchanged emails through the years. I’m quite distant on the blogosphere, that’s how I am, but I must attest to him that he’s the first blogger to which I felt at ease to personally send an email.

Marc has had a profound impact on some aspects of my life. I highly considered him, both on the professional and personal sides of his person. I loved to learn to know a bit more his family through some posts about Batman or educational software for example, and see how much he cared for his family. I would really have liked the opportunity to see him in person. Moreover, he personally encouraged me to show my thanks to other people who are important in my life on the web, either for their blogging or for the software they design. This encouragement, although I’m still waiting to apply it, followed me along. There’s no month I wouldn’t think about Marc and about taking action on his advice. For personal reasons, though, it was not a great timing to do so, so that’s why it’s still to be done.

In any case, I am truly sorry for this loss of him and I’d like to pass my condolences to his family if it’s proper to do it this late. I hope you are – or will be – able to find happiness in great memories and contentment.

Sincerely

BLOGGER REMEMBERED FOR TECH EVANGELISM: The local software industry, and the consumer technology world in general, lost a champion with the passing last week of Albuquerque “storyteller” Marc Orchant.
Orchant, a prolific blogger, podcaster, author and productivity guru, died Dec. 9, a week after having a heart attack in his home office. He was 50. He is survived by his wife and two children.
“He was one of the most well-connected people I’ve ever known,” said Brad Key, president of the New Mexico Information Software and Technology Association.
Key described Orchant as a “tireless” advocate for not only technology but for educating the next generation of technologists. He frequently advocated for technology programs and career pathways in schools.
“He was just one of the most brilliant lights in the community,” Key said. “This is a tremendous loss.”
Orchant, a native of Freeport, N.Y., had lived in Albuquerque for 28 years. He worked for several local companies, including graphic design firm Subia and security software company Van Dyke Software, where his official title was “chief storyteller.” He also worked for Florida-based project organization software developer Foldera, and authored books on Microsoft Outlook and other products.
As a blogger on officezealot.com and ZDNet and other sites, he wrote about personal technology, from pen-based PCs to mobile phone accessories, as well as using software and hardware to maximize task efficiency and personal productivity. His readership was international and numerous, as evidenced by the raft of comments last week lamenting his passing.
“Marc was always able to look at an upcoming technology and tell if it was going to have an effect on our lives,” mobile device fan and blogger James Kendrick wrote on his Web site. “He loved differing viewpoints, and discussing them.”
NMITSA founder Randy Burge called him an ambassador for the state.
“He was a bridge between the larger world and New Mexico in a very unique way,” Burge said. “He was always going into the tech world and bringing back his ideas and thoughts. He was one of those guys you know is out there working, and his energy was always radiating. Whenever I needed some gas myself, I’d just think about him.”
Among other projects, Orchant helped organize and promote a 2004 program that distributed 40 computers to schools and students.
“I really got from him the passion and enthusiasm for exposing the next generation to technology,” said Jonathan Wolfe, of the Fractal Foundation, a local math and science education nonprofit. “He really helped foster the creative community here.”