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JC Francois (40)
I fell into computing and networking when I was a little boy
I work in business development for an IT company
I am a firm believer in openness: open standards and open business models
Syndicate
I don't feel like blogging today
JC — January 25, 2005 - 23:16
I found out this afternoon that my ex-colleague and friend Dan Berk disappeared in a avalanche in Austria on Saturday. He is probably the person I valued the most at Intel, a smart and fun guy, hungry for life...
San Mateo man dies in avalanche
Snowboarder's change of plans had saved him from tsunami
Bay Area native Daniel Berk had planned to spend the Christmas holiday in Sri Lanka, getting his scuba certificate, but canceled his plans at the last minute. He missed the deadly tsunami, but on Saturday, he was killed in an avalanche while snowboarding off-trail in the Austrian Alps.
Source: sfgate.com
I did not find out until
Louis de Bruin (not verified) — January 17, 2006 - 12:59I did not find out until today that Dan had passed away. And I can't believe it. I have been thinking of Dan frequently over the past few days and wanted to know how he was doing. But my email was returned to sender - 'bad address'. It was one of the best in my address book....
Not many people have this unique blend of zest for life, maturity, confidence, trustworthiness, purposefullness that Dan posesses. I was hoping to talk to him in the coming days and imagined him saying: "Louis my friend, long time no speak, how are you doing ?".
They say the gods take the best when they are young - they sure did with Dan.
I remember how we got stuck in a traffic jam a few miles before Swindon - 15 miles that took us three hours. But talking about business, personal matters: with Dan it seemed like no time at all.
Allthough we were only in touch for business - our talks and meetings were more than just that.
Dan, chaver - I miss you and will never forget.
Louis de Bruin
The Netherlands
I worked with Dan (And JC
Russ Beutler (not verified) — June 16, 2005 - 00:41I worked with Dan (And JC for that matter) in 2002 in Germany and we became friends over that summer! I will always remember the good times we had, Dan's smile and his love for others.
He will be missed but I know I will see him again - Russ
It's still sooooooooo hard to
Michael Berk (not verified) — April 2, 2005 - 07:23It's still sooooooooo hard to believe it's true. The question, Why?, doesn't begin the process. There was so much more to do, to see, to laugh at, to make fun of, to cry about, to regret. Everyone continue to grow, to explore and to live strong. Remember, there is no answer to the question, why?.
An old friend...
Carla Fex (not verified) — January 31, 2005 - 20:29I went to high school with Daniel, was good friends w/ his older sister Valerie. I'm just still so in shock, as I'm sure the family is as well. Daniel was such a great kid - he was funny, sweet and just a great person to be around. We always enjoyed hanging out at Val's house - due in part to Daniel's 'little brother antics'. Haven't seen him in years but I will miss him dearly.
Ira/Michael - I wrote Valerie, not sure if she forwarded it to you guys. I'm sorry I won't be able to make the services, I'm in Austin now.
... As a big travel bug myself, I've always though of my parents and family when I'm in a 'sticky' situation. And the one thought that comes to my mind is - if I don't make it out of this mess - will they know I died doing what I love the most? I'm so glad to see your blog out there stating just that...
Big hugs to you and the family.
Dan
his father (not verified) — January 31, 2005 - 17:25Dan's Memorial Service is at: Temple Beth El, 1700 Alamadea de las Pulgas, in San Mateo, CA at 12: pm.
He was a great son, energitic, smart and was doing what he loved best, snowboarding with friends.
Ira, Jane, and family Our co
hal and carol wilner (not verified) — January 31, 2005 - 21:51Ira, Jane, and family
Our condolences and thoughts go out to you--We will see you Sunday
Hal Wilner
Dan Berk
Patrycja (not verified) — January 31, 2005 - 00:36Hi JC,
I'm afraid there is no update about Dan. He still hasn't been found. I will be organizing a memorial service in Munich shortly. Please e-mail me if you would like to attend.
Take care
Patrycja
Daniel, My Brother
Michael Berk (not verified) — January 31, 2005 - 04:30It's frikkin sad, he was a great man and an even greater brother. We wil all miss him tremendously.
Dan-Mike's big brother
Arianne (not verified) — February 15, 2005 - 08:56Mike, I just found out today about your brother. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you and your family are doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Loving Support
Emma Frowine (not verified) — February 7, 2005 - 01:56My thoughts and sympathy to all who loved Dan...Michael, his family and friends. May you find healing and strength day after day and know that happiness will find you again.
A great man....
Fil Sebastian (not verified) — January 31, 2005 - 23:14Mike, Valerie, Mr. & Mrs Berk,
I am at a loss for words. When I heard of the news from my sister, i couldn't help get emotional.
Although I havent spoken to Mike or Dan or Ira for many years, I do wave "hi" and "bye" as I pass by the family home in San Mateo. I remember the times where I would fly out to San Diego and stay with Dan as I scoped out colleges. Although I was mainly Mike's buddy, he never hesitated giving me a place to stay, picking me up from the airport and making sure I was okay during my stay. I will always remember Dan and the great moments we spend together with both friends and family.
I will be at the service in San Mateo next Sun.
-Fil Sebastian
Dan was an inspiration - to live life to the fullest!
Stacia Firestone (not verified) — February 1, 2005 - 18:27I have included an excerpt from an email that I received from Dan in January. His words symbolize how he lived his life, to learn and expose himself to everything around him.
My thoughts and blessings are with Dan and his entire family. I loved Dan as a friend and also as a person that represented good values and respect for humanity.
My parents will be attending the Memorial this weekend on behalf of me. Although I am not able to be there, I will be thinking about all of you and sending my love your way.
Best,
Stacia Firestone
-----Original Message-----
From: Berk, Daniel [mailto:daniel.berk@intel.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 2:07 PM
To: stacia firestone
Subject: RE: Happy New Year my friend!
Hey???
I had been meaning to write you after the last visit, etc ;-) We were supposed to be going to Phuket, Thailand last Wednesday, but that didn't???t happen.
We just got back from 4 days in Budapest???such a great city. Lots of Jewish history as well.
Is the job title below new?? Sounds really good!!
Happy New Year!!
Dan