Rob Levin
Robert Levin (December 16 1955–September 15, 2006), also known as lilo, was the founder of the freenode IRC network and Executive Director of the PDPC charity that helped fund freenode. A computer programmer since 1968, he worked as an administrator and an applications programmer from 1978 onwards. From 1994 onwards, he worked to encourage the use of Internet Relay Chat for Free and Open Source projects.
On September 12 2006, he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle in Houston, Texas in a hit-and-run accident. After the accident, it was reported that he was hospitalized for several days. He died on September 15. [1][2][3] Levin's death certificate says that the cause of his death was accidental blunt head-force trauma.
Levin is survived by his wife Debbie and son Benjamin.
The origin of his nickname
Contrary to popular belief, his nickname, lilo, did not come from the Linux Loader nor from the movie Lilo & Stitch. It stems from John Varley's The Ophiuchi Hotline, where lilo is the female main character of the story. In his own words:
- I'm named after a favorite science fiction character, in John Varley's THE OPHIUCHI HOTLINE. I am not named after the LInux LOader, and I didn't write it! :) -- lilo, winter 1993 || Nor am I named after the little girl in the movie, nor the air mattress, nor Last In Last Out. ;) -- lilo, summer 2003
Controversy
Rob, has been found to have a criminal record. See PACER for further information: USA v. Levin CRIMINAL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 3:92-cr-00369-1 In the Northern District of Texas. Search the case on PASER should you wish to get further details.[4]
References
- ^ Chatmag News (2006-09-16). "Rob Levin of Peer-Directed Projects Center and Freenode Dead". Retrieved 2006-09-16.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Rob Levin, lilo of Freenode, Passes". Slashdot. 2006-09-17. Retrieved 2006-09-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ http://freenode.net/news.shtml Freenode.net news
- ^ Full Disclosure (2006-11-12). "The truth about Rob Levin". Retrieved 2006-11-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
- bloggage and dunnage - Rob Levin's freenode-related blog.
- spinhome - Rob Levin's personal blog.
- Rob Levin - Memorial at Freenode.net
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