I only today learned of his recent struggles with the American healthcare system. As his condition worsened, rather than focusing on treating what was going wrong, he had to focus on juggling coverage, paying huge mounting bills, and navigating needless delays.
His loss was a needless and tragic one, just one of countless many people who have had to choose between getting the care they desperately needed and avoiding devastating financial ruin.
Many years ago, the two of us had our run-ins after I worked with him for a few months as a contractor. That famously did not go well, and we haven't spoken since. But nobody deserves to suffer like that.
I never thought that as we got older, despite our differences, we'd struggle together like that, under the crippling weight of American capitalism.
I wish those closest to him peace in this time. Rest in peace.
And burn the system down.