Content Warning: Death of a Ruby community member
I woke up this morning to receive the news, among others, that Noah Gibbs had passed away. It was a sudden and unexpected loss, and one that I feel deeply. Let me tell you about the man who was Noah Gibbs, and what he meant not only to me, but to an entire generation of Ruby developers.
You Are Welcome Here
I grew up in a world where I was often told to be quiet, to keep to myself, to not bother others and to just be normal. I lived a life of silence and isolation that took years to escape from, even with the help of several friends I met in the Ruby community.
I was alone.
When I was first invited to speak at Southeast Ruby I felt like I was finally accepted, that I had finally managed to be recognized for the things I loved and cared about, and I went there with a good amount of fear that maybe they'd see what everyone else did growing up, and maybe I would not be welcome.
Enter a teddybear of a man, Noah, warm and talking to everyone, who checked in on me as a new speaker and who took a legitimate interest in what I had to say. He was kind, patient, always smiling and always trying to draw out that next idea with an insightful question or a quick quip.
A man I felt had shared some of that deep loneliness, and could understand. A man who chose to turn that into a welcome for anyone who came through those doors.
Everyone is Welcome Here
Over the next several years I got to know Noah better. What he had given to me in that first meeting, that welcome, was something he did for everyone. He would always be there in any corner and any group asking questions.
If you knew no one at a conference you knew Noah, and he'd make sure of it every time.
Noah was a friend to everyone.
A Wise Mentor
But Noah never stopped at a welcome, no, he was a guide and a mentor for generations of Ruby engineers, myself included. He would always make time to answer questions, to talk people through tough career decisions, and to just make sure they were ok.
He always had time for folks who were in need.
He would even take time to walk through his book and provide discounts for those who could not afford it, if not outright give free copies, to help people level up and grow.
A Kind Man
Noah lived a life of teaching, mentorship, and welcome. He was a kind man, he was loved, and he made a difference in an entire generation of Ruby programmers who came to find acceptance through the community in no small part from his contributions to it.
A Man I Hope to Be One Day
The highest praise I can give is that Noah is the type of man I want to become in the future. A kind man who always has time for others, who supports those in need, who encourages and builds communities, and who always welcomes.
Noah was a good man, and I will dearly miss him.
If you have a story about Noah, please share it here:
https://bsky.app/profile/nateberkopec.bsky.social/post/3leai2fxcx22p
Top comments (1)
Thanks for sharing!