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Chris Seaton has died

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Re: Chris Seaton has died

#21

Post by vintermann »

Mikeb85 wrote: post #12
infinitedata wrote: post #5

He basically announced his ‘permanent-rest’ via twitter. So sad but grounding for all of us to remember that there are things way more important past the marvelous inventions we can code or make. For learning purposes, anyone knows what was his major cause of frustration?

> For learning purposes, anyone knows what was his major cause of frustration? Suicide isn't because of frustration. Everyone has frustrations, most don't kill themselves because of it.

Frustration is just a word. It's maybe not the optimal word for it, but we understand what's meant: the situations on the inside and outside that made him consider such a choice.

Keep in mind many people on HN (incl. me) don't even speak English as a first language.

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#22

Post by orra »

adwn wrote: post #15

Really unsettling to think that just 4 days ago, right before his death, he was still posting here on HN. [1] [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/threads?id=chrisseaton

It's a shock, yes, but worth knowing it's a common one.

“They can't be dead: I just spoke to them” is a common response to death. Unfortunately, death can be rather sudden.

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#23

Post by kshahkshah »

aardvark179 wrote: post #9

I worked with him on TruffleRuby for almost six years, and knew him for a few years before that. I think every one who knew him is shocked and saddened by this news.

I'm sorry for your loss then. We followed each other on Twitter and I tried to plug the TruffleRuby and Graal work wherever I could as I really believed it is the future of Ruby. Beyond that what a brilliant writer. This single article helped me understand so much more about a language I've cherished for nearly two decades: https://chrisseaton.com/truffleruby/deoptimizing/

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#24

Post by WhackyIdeas »

rob74 wrote: post #19
OJFord wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I do think it's interesting that it's so widely stigmatised (illegal even) though: like we've collectively decided life is meaningful and must be lived to the best of your ability, deciding there's nothing in it for you and you don't want to take part is not (with very niche old-age && ill-health exception) allowed. Weird, when you step back and think about it isn't it? If you're agnostic/atheist at least.

I guess it's the same as with the death penalty: it's a decision that's very permanent and irrevocable. Someone may be convinced that "there's nothing in it for them" now, but are you really sure they would feel the same in a few months or a few years?

But if you have been feeling that way for many years, with non-stop feelings of dread, it’s hard to see things getting any better.

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#25

Post by jimnotgym »

Chris often challenged me on discussions about UK politics. It is always important to hear different viewpoints, and I will miss that.

He lived within an hours drive from here. Which somehow makes it worse. This is not exactly Silicon Valley and people of his caliber are not everywhere to talk to.

He was pretty high up in the Army Reserve as well as his day job. It is humbling how much some people fit into a short life. My thoughts to his family and colleagues

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#26

Post by ksec »

About 10 years ago he started a project with Ruby running on Graal before it was known as TruffleRuby. I still remember those HN submissions. SubstrateVM, Graal, The VM to rule it all. And as far as I am aware, he was the only one putting all papers about Ruby and Compilers Design in a single place [1].

I still remember a thread which I have bookmarked somewhere, where you have the lead of JVM, Graal, TruffleRuby, JSC, V8 and Spidermonkey along with another compiler expert arguing ( or in a heated debate ) about Dynamic languages. And when ever you have compiler related submission on HN, you will see him contribute his expertise on the subject.

He has been a valuable member of the Ruby and HN Community. I once joked "I am a simple man, I see Chris Seaton, I Upvote :)." I still remember I felt honoured when he followed me on Twitter.

He will surely be missed by many.

R.I.P

[1] https://rubybib.org

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#27

Post by tuyiown »

infinitedata wrote: post #5

He basically announced his ‘permanent-rest’ via twitter. So sad but grounding for all of us to remember that there are things way more important past the marvelous inventions we can code or make. For learning purposes, anyone knows what was his major cause of frustration?

Suicide is very personal, should be treated as an extremely complex issue that its uniqueness for each cannot be expressed in details correct enough to respect the regretted.

I know you just want to know if any major points could stand out to bring some understanding, and they are probably some, but it's important to treat it as a might be relavant, but always small, piece of a the vastness of one's mind can be.

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#28

Post by graderjs »

Seeing some of the comments here how people valued him, it seems like maybe sometimes these sentiments of gratitude are not expressed until after someone passes. It works if folks cherish the time they have, and remind people of how they appreciate them while they're still on Earth in their body.

Re: Chris Seaton has died

#30

Post by foobazgt »

I wasn't privileged to know Chris personally, but I was always keenly waiting to hear his latest achievements and insights. He was clearly talented, passionate, and compassionate. It is so very sad to see him go.

Depression is a full blown pandemic. For example, in the US in 2021, there were approximately as many suicide attempts as there were COVID deaths. It is so fucked up and so pernicious.

We (rightfully) encourage folks to seek help, but the very nature of the illness makes it difficult for them. Let's all also do our best to recognize the signs of folks struggling so that we can be there for them - to help them recover when it's so hard for them to even reach out for help.

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