I am grieved to say that my friend and colleague Ian Clatworthy died last night, after a long and horrible struggle with cancer. He and his wife Geri celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary yesterday before he passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home, with his family.
I’ve known Ian for eleven years and he has worked at Canonical since 2007. He made large contributions to Bazaar, including launching and driving the bzr-explorer project. Even though he had many technical and business achievements, the most remarkable and inspiring thing was what a thoroughly nice man he was. He was determined to change the world for the better, both in software and in how people relate to each other, and he accomplished both. He will be missed, and remembered.
– Martin
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Bazaar developers' blog 
This is very sad news. Rest in peace, Ian! And thanks for all the good work – your writings about distributed software development inspired me a lot.
Comment by LenZ — September 1, 2010 @ 8:11 am
I worked with Ian at Mincom as did many others. He was technically outstanding, but far more notable was Ian’s fine qualities that made him a wonderful human being. I feel privileged to have had Ian as both a colleague and a friend. Ian is already greatly missed and will never be forgotten.
Comment by Bruce Blackshaw — September 1, 2010 @ 11:26 am
I am just a silent reader of Bazaar developers blog, feel very sorry to hear this sad news. I thought he would make a miracle, but… Thanks for your great work and articles that inspire a lot of people, Ian! You will be missed.
Comment by SuperMMX — September 2, 2010 @ 3:37 am
Sorry to hear this news about Ian. I am also a silent reader of Ian’s, have followed his writings and appreciate his work.
Condolences to his family.
Comment by Lewis — September 2, 2010 @ 6:37 am
This is sad news. I wish his family well during this hard time. Thanks for all the great work and posts Ian.
Comment by Parth Malwankar — September 2, 2010 @ 8:23 am
Ian was one of the reasons I felt comfortable contributing to Open Source. He helped a newbie like me understand how to become involved in a complex project. He helped me navigate the patch submission process. Ian knew his stuff technically, but what really stood out was who he was as a person. He was kind, patient, and always willing to answer even the simplest questions. The open source community lost a great person.
I can’t even begin to understand what his family is going through. Is there any way we can help?
Pat
Comment by Patrick — September 2, 2010 @ 11:54 am
So sad to hear about his departure, although happy that he ended existance in this painful body…hoping God will take account all his good qualities and provide him with a bette destination.
Although I ‘met’ him only via electronic media, despite of that I was able to be touch with his kindness and humanity.
All the best, my unknown friend…
Comment by Gour D. — September 2, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
rip
Comment by rip — September 2, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
I’m very sorry to hear of this. Ian’s positive attitude was the primary factor that got me interested in being a consistent contributor to the Bazaar project. RIP sir.
Comment by Neil Martinsen-Burrell — September 2, 2010 @ 4:46 pm
I’m so sorry to hear Ian has passed. Despite what must have been extremely difficult times, he was incredibly nice, enjoyable to work with, and so motivated. Thanks for all your help Ian. You will be missed.
Comment by John Szakmeister — September 2, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
Ian Clatworthy was consistently a positive contributor to the Bazaar project. In addition to his tangible contributions that are apparent in the software, his communications within the community were always seeking to increase understanding and foster cooperation. A message from Ian in a discussion thread was always one that I looked forward to, for his insights and positive attitude.
I’m very glad Ian took the advice of many well-wishers, by spending his time at the end surrounded by loved ones and enjoying the world.
He will be remembered. Thank you, Ian.
Comment by Ben Finney — September 3, 2010 @ 12:37 am
I’m not a bazaar developer, but a simple end user. Ian was, in every interaction I had with him, generous, positive and immensely helpful. This is very sad news, and I thank both him in memorium and his family and friends who would have supported him though these difficult times. Thank you Ian for your positive contributions and generosity of spirit!
Comment by Ian Andolina — September 3, 2010 @ 10:36 am
This is indeed very sad news. It’s though to loose someone with such a passion for life, software and open source. I wish the family and friends well in these hard times…
Comment by Ringo De Smet — September 3, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
I thank you, Ian, for your optimism and will to makes the world better. It was a great pleasure to work with you, especially on Bazaar and Bazaar Explorer. I never met you in person, and sometimes I regret about this. But anyway, you have inspired me many many times.
Rest in peace, Ian. You will be missed a lot.
—
Condolences to Ian’s familyn.
Comment by Alexander Belchenko — September 3, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
Thanks, Ian, for your kindness and your help. Like the many others you helped and influenced I will remember you. My heartfelt condolence to his family; I wish you strength to overcome this sad time.
Comment by Frits Jalvingh — September 4, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
Earlier this year Ian helped me contribute some patches to the docs for Bazaar Explorer. Without his clear explanations to my questions I would never have been able to contribute. He will be missed. RIP.
Dave
Comment by Irongut — September 10, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about this. Ian was a beacon of positivity from the little I knew about him. My condolences to you, Martin, and to Ian’s family.
I think I know how difficult this must be for you Martin. My grandfathers, my aunt, and my mother were all killed by cancer. Awful disease.
Comment by Tony — September 27, 2010 @ 11:31 am