Desmond File

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Remembering Rex Farrance

I was fresh out of graduate school when I first met Rex Farrance at PC World magazine in 1992. A trim man with an easy smile and measured speech, Rex and I shared a cubicle wall for a couple of years in the magazine's sixth-floor offices in San Francisco.

I'll never forget how Rex would calmly set aside everything to greet me as I approached. As a young editor struggling to understand the technical workings of PC technology at the time, I benefited greatly from Rex's patient and gracious explanations. Despite all the stress and deadlines, it seemed that Rex was always willing -- always -- to make time for people in his life.

I bring this up because Rex Farrance was killed Wednesday night, the victim of an apparent home invasion robbery at his house in Pittsburg, Calif. Farrance was shot in the chest and his wife, Lenore, pistol-whipped by four assailants who broke through the door at 9 p.m.

It's always hard to come to terms with the sudden and violent loss of a friend and co-worker. But when that loss strikes someone as honest, as patient and as positive and good-natured as Rex Farrance, it's simply a shock.

I don't think I've ever met someone who was at once so calm, measured, gracious and positive. No matter how tight the deadline, Rex always gave you his full attention when you came by. He was always smiling, always positive and always young. At nearly 50 years old when I worked with him last, he looked all of 35.

Rex was truly one of the good guys, a person who made a place better just by being in it. I think we can all learn a little something from Rex. He made time for people first, even if it meant setting aside his own cares.

I'll have to take that lesson forward with me, because it's honestly one I've forgotten.

Rest in peace, Rex Farrance. You will be missed.

Posted by Michael Desmond on 01/12/2007


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