Hynek Schlawack

Today is truly a sad day for the Python community, as we mourn the passing of Michael “voidspace” Foord.

Most people will know him for his mock package (and later stdlib module), but those of us who had the pleasure to meet him… almost all my memories of him are delightfully goofy.

This was my last night with him in 2023 and it was no different.

Thanks for everything buddy! 💛

Jan 25, 2025 at 7:24pmMona for iPad
Show threadHynek SchlawackJan 26, 2025
Guido opened a thread on DPO for us to share our memories of Michael: https://discuss.python.org/t/in-memoriam-michael-foord-1974-2025/78317/14
In memoriam: Michael Foord 1974-2025

Through Nicholas Tollervey the news reached me that former core dev Michael Foord has passed away. Michael, an original thinker if there ever was one, started the tradition of having Language Summit events at PyCon, IIRC together with Barry Warsaw. He also wrote and contributed the influential mock library. I have met Michael enough times to have some really good memories of hanging out with him. Once he explained to me (over a pint, of course) how much vaping had helped him end his lifelong sm...

Discussions on Python.org
Show threadJames ScholesJan 25, 2025
@hynek Damn. I remember him for maintaining an absolutely massive collection of Windows wheels, mostly for third party modules based on C extensions where the contributors couldn't/wouldn't build them themselves.
Show threadFloris BruynoogheJan 25, 2025
@hynek what?? So sad to hear this news! He was a great person.
Show threadFabian N. T.Jan 25, 2025
@hynek 😔 rest in peace.
Show threadStefan ScherfkeJan 26, 2025
He was one of the first Python devs I looked up to when I learned Python ~15 years ago. The awesomeness of Mock was mind-blowing at the time. I never met him in person, and I'm not even sure if I ever wrote to him. But something stuck with me that I still feel a connection today. May he rest in peace.
Show threadTibsJan 26, 2025
@hynek This is so sad. I remember being inspired by Michael at the early PyCon UK conferences, and also somewhat intimidated because he had such presence - but he was so gentle and friendly that I soon got over it. I was always so proud he remembered my name ❤️