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In Memory of Stuart Litel

  • 1.  In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Mon April 21, 2025 04:13 PM

    In Memory of Stuart Litel
    Storyteller, Advocate, Friend

    We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Stuart Litel-a pillar of the Informix community, a founding member of the IBM Champions program, and a passionate advocate for technology and people alike.

    Stuart's contributions to the Informix world are legendary. As a long-time leader and President of the International Informix Users Group (IIUG), he was a tireless voice for the Informix customer base, consistently working to elevate the technology and the people behind it. His dedication and commitment made him an invaluable bridge between users and IBM, for which he was recognized as an IBM Champion.

    Stuart wasn't just involved-he was everywhere. His presence was known and felt at countless conferences, meetups, and events. He was the type of person who seemed to know everyone, and if he didn't know you yet, he would in just a moment-always with a warm smile, a booming laugh, and one of his signature, over-the-top stories that would somehow, incredibly, turn out to be true.

    Many of us remember him as a loyal friend, a fierce advocate, and a passionate debater. He never hesitated to argue for what he believed was right, especially when it came to customers. Whether discussing travel, baseball (especially if the Red Sox were involved), or the latest in IBM tech, Stuart brought energy and opinions into every conversation.

    One of my cherished memories is how Stuart brought me down onto the field before a game at Fenway Park-a small but perfect example of his generosity and knack for making magic happen for the people he cared about.

    Stuart's impact went far beyond his technical knowledge. He helped shape the IBM Champions program from the very beginning and was honored as one of its first Lifetime Champions. He brought heart, humor, and authenticity to everything he touched. His stories, friendships, and passion for the Informix community will live on in the many lives he touched.

    We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved partner Robin, and to all his friends, colleagues, and family. Stuart's legacy is one of loyalty and laughter. He will be sorely missed-and fondly remembered.

    Rest in peace, Stuart. Your memory is a blessing. Thank you for everything.



    ------------------------------
    Libby Ingrassia
    Program Director, IBM Champions
    IBM TechXchange
    IBM
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Mon April 21, 2025 04:28 PM

    Thanks for sharing Libby! He will be missed. I started a condolence book online, which can be a bit more personal than the ones from funeral homes. Ping me for the link.



    ------------------------------
    Jean-Georges Perrin / IBM Champion x11
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Tue April 22, 2025 01:27 AM

    That is very sad news indeed. This year we have lost two greats...

    My thoughts are with his family and friends. 



    ------------------------------
    Roy Boxwell
    Senior Software Architect
    Software Engineering GmbH
    Duesseldorf
    +4921196149675
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Tue April 22, 2025 05:38 AM

    Thanks for sharing Libby! He will be missed..

    My thoughts are with his family and friends. 



    ------------------------------
    [ahmed] [shaheen]
    [System developer]
    [valleysoft-eg]
    [Cairo] [Egypt]
    [+20-01015699307]
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Tue April 22, 2025 01:57 PM

    Very sad news! Thanks for your remembrance, Libby! Stuart was a force of nature! 



    ------------------------------
    Darren Surch
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Tue April 22, 2025 05:31 PM

    Thanks, Libby.  I did not have the privilege of knowing Stuart.  From your description, he will surely be missed and his legacy will live on in the lives and memories of those he touched.  Just reading your note brought a tear to my eye.  We should all strive to make such a positive impact.  Thank you for sharing and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.



    ------------------------------
    Amy Tatum
    Technical Director
    Starboard Consulting
    Longwood FL
    407-392-3177
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Tue April 22, 2025 10:27 PM

    Sorry to hear this sad news.Deepest condolences to Robin 



    ------------------------------
    Armand Mizan
    Business Analytics Solutions Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Thu April 24, 2025 10:03 AM

    Thank you Libby for sharing this sad news. This was a shock as a few days ago I still was talking with him. We planned holidays together in Ireland this summer. I have lost a true friend. Stuart will be missed but not forgotten.



    ------------------------------
    Christoph Cuscoleca
    Professor
    Schule fuer Informatik
    Vienna
    +436601470485
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Fri April 25, 2025 01:15 PM

    Very sad news. 

    He was a pillar of IBM Champions

    We'll miss him



    ------------------------------
    Carla Raffi
    System programmer
    Sogei
    +393387889337
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Fri April 25, 2025 02:47 PM

    I hope there are more people like in AIDA User Group. 

    These were my first words to Stuart when we saw each other. Then, we were a few thousand miles away on the map and mindset. I had so many questions trying to understand his world. And... we spoke about the best restaurant here in Berlin, where they serve the best steaks :) After that, I realised... 
    Stuart was a man with sharp talk, ready to fight for everything he believed in. 
    And that never changed. 
    Rest in peace, Stuart!



    ------------------------------
    Atanas Iliev
    System Architect
    ALH Gruppe
    Berlin
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: In Memory of Stuart Litel

    Posted Mon April 28, 2025 02:19 AM

    My Condolences!

    So sad! He will be missed! 

    I met him on different conferences and had very nice talks with him. He also introduced me as speaker at the IDUG conference.



    ------------------------------
    Birgitta Hauser
    Database and Software Engineer
    Birgitta Hauser - Modernization-Education-Consulting on IBM i (selfemployed)
    Kaufering
    +49 170 5269964
    ------------------------------