«If this is not what you expected, please alter your expectations.»
- Erik Naggum

Today, 2009-06-20, is a sad day for me.

Erik Naggum was found dead in his home.

I have known Erik since I first ventured on to the Internet back in the late 80s.

When discussing anything with Erik I knew that I had to sharpen my mind before replying or posting a followup to whatever he was writing. The really good thing I learned to appreciate when talking with Erik was that it forced me to ask my self WHY I had the opinions I had.

For the last 15 years we did not had many public discussions on USENET, but where part of a close group of old "netcitizens". It was during this time I really learned to know Erik on a personal level.

You will be missed, old friend.

Erik was one of the smartest people I knew, even tho his style could be seen as a bit dramatic for those standing in his path to enlightenment. More than once I was in his path - and I always became enlightened. When Erik saw my enlightenment he returned a simple "thank you".

Erik also have a excellent sense of humor, unfortunately not experienced by many people.

Every time I had the opportunity to meet with Erik was enjoyable, pleasant and always a time for learning new things. If there ever have been an human encyclopedia, Erik was just that.

We did share a interest in academic papers and I was always keen to chip in on a set of DVDs or online subscriptions. He has more than once saved me countless hours of looking through ITU recommendations - he would always point me in the right direction be it esoteric ISDN knowledge or simple information on E.164. But always with his own twist to the information, ether as a well funded critique - or a warm endorsement.

Erik did also have a huge private library, and I am really proud to have contributed to his collection on a few occasions. I have never seen anybody so genuine happy to receive a few books - this was Erik in a nutshell: Extremely grateful for receiving small (or big) favors.

From my first encounter with Erik saying: You are just a silly soap-opera, to me maturing into his endorsement, I really like what you write and how you write, I will never forget what he taught me.

Yes Erik - you where always the best!