I’ve known Om Malik for 26 years. We built companies during the first internet boom. We discovered photography together. We wandered Greenland, Svalbard, Wyoming, Idaho, and plenty of places in between. During COVID, he was part of my tiny bubble. We spent far more time talking about life, art, and philosophy than we ever did talking about technology. The world knew Om as one of the greatest technology writers of his generation. He had a rare gift for seeing past the headlines and finding what actually mattered. He didn’t just explain what was happening. He explained why it mattered and where it might lead. Ironically, some of his finest writing came from his hospital room during the last two months as he waited for a new heart. In the end, a heart never came. There is something painfully unfair about that. Om was one of the biggest hearted people I’ve ever known. His loss leaves a hole that stretches far beyond technology. It reaches into the lives of friends scattered across the world who laughed with him, traveled with him, argued with him, and came away seeing things a little differently. I’ll miss his curiosity. His generosity. His perspective. Most of all, I’ll miss my friend. This is a small collection of what 26 years of friendship looked like. https://lnkd.in/gSuEDW4p
Christopher Michel, you provide a wonderful tribute to Om in words and in photos. I didn’t personally meet him but he touched so many founders and technologists in the formative years of the Internet. I’m so sorry you’ve lost your dear friend, but laud your courage to keep his memory alive for others to appreciate.
I remember the long, passionate conversation I had with Om Malik a few years ago. I was struck by his mind — his gift to see what few could discern at first. And as a photographer, the same eye: his landscapes still leave me speechless. So sorry to see him go. Thank you, Christopher Michel, for sharing your photographs of your friend.
Christopher Michel - thanks for keeping the memories of Om alive. Such a generous and wise person who could so easily see beyond the obvious both as a professional and as a private person. RIP Om Malik.
Chris, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Om is all of our loss, but I know how close you were and I can only imagine the ache you’re feeling. Sending you love.
Christopher Michel your amazing photography speaks far more than your words (which are also on point and full of compassion and emotion). Thank you for sharing both.
So sorry for your loss my friend. Your photos are incredible.
So very sorry. I followed his blog and loved his thinking through his word. He seemed both so kind and intelligent.
So sorry that you have lost such a dear friend Chris. I know how close you were.
my deepest sympathies. i only knew om through work. he was very kind to offer me career advice as a young tech blogger. interviewed his lovely self and attended industry events with him a bit through the years. (enough to know of his health issues and discuss his love of photography.) sounds like you will carry his memory and light in all you do.