When you can't find someone on LinkedIn or Facebook...

... that's not always such a good thing.

One of my old friends from Microsoft, Marty, was one of the more dynamic and outgoing people I've ever known. But, in my experience knowing him, he was a kind, generous person who never failed to brighten my day. He had a million stories, a million jokes, boundless energy, and was almost always smiling. And he was always glad to see me. Sometimes his personality rubbed people the wrong way, and in those instances I think he was usually misunderstood; he liked people as much as anyone I've ever known, and I can't think of a person he thought badly of (and Marty and I talked a lot).

Recently, I've been having a great time reconnecting with some of my old friends via social networks. I tried to hunt down Marty, but wasn't having any luck. Unfortunately, I found out today that he died of cancer in 2005. He was only 53.

Even though I hadn't seen him in over seven years, I'm sad he's not still on this planet and I'll miss him, but I'll always smile when I remember him.