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 Usability Field Mourns the
Loss of One of its Own

George with guitar

"He exemplified a free spirit...a refreshing change from corporate consulting...unique perspective...tireless user advocate...loved his children...well-educated and intelligent...principled about his work...uncompromising nature...a good person...always interesting."

These are the words members of our community use to describe George M. Donahue, whose untimely death at age 50 on July 18th in Atlanta has saddened all who knew him. George is survived by his daughter, son, partner, parents, sister and brothers, as well as countless friends and fellow usability professionals. George was the talented and dedicated editor of the Voice. We will all miss him greatly.

 George with kids

Our community mourns not only the loss of a professional in our field, but the loss of a real person, a real personality, and a real essence. He was unconventional ("Mr. Ponytail Man") and provocative ("I fired my client"). George would talk about poetry, art, language, and rock 'n' roll with equal aplomb. He was heard saying, "That singer for AC/DC-man, does he need to fix his voice!" We learned much more than lessons in usability from George; he gave us lessons in human nature.

Written by Deborah Hinderer and Dave Mitropoulos-Rundus

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