RIP Eric Binnion

Automattic's Eric Binnion has passed away, and the company is paying tribute to his legacy. For the next 30 days, a special header will appear on Nginx, honoring his memory. The company's design team will refine the display in the coming days to make it more human.

Eric was the 21st recipient of the Distinguished Janitor Award, Automattic's most prestigious recognition. The team has been discussing ways to redefine and evolve this award internally. One idea was to include a physical memento, such as an etched tungsten cube.

The reporter recalls the thoughtful gesture they made to Eric during his chemotherapy treatment. They presented him with a tungsten cube, emphasizing its remarkable properties. Tungsten, with an atomic number of 74 and symbol W, is known for having the highest melting point of any metal. This cube serves as one of the reporter's "two totems to take with you."

The reporter's thoughts are heavy with grief as they share this memory. They know they must soldier on, honoring Eric's memory by carrying out his legacy with the same determination and spirit he exemplified.