One of the most prolific and popular authors at Simple Talk has been Phil Factor. He wrote many pieces on all aspects of database work and has probably written more articles on the Redgate Product Learning site than anyone else. He has entertained, informed, and inspired many database professionals in his many years as an author.

Phil, aka Andrew, passed away recently. This was a shock to many of us and a sad day.

Tony Davis introduced me to Phil, whom I always thought of as Andrew, many years ago when I first traveled to Redgate. He published a tribute to Andrew on Simple Talk and has many more fond memories of Andrew. If you ever get the chance to meet Tony, ask him for a few.

Over the years, I've had the chance to get to know Andrew better. He, Tony, and I would often go out for lunch when I was in Cambridge. He came to PASS a few times, and he and I had many discussions about technology and ranch life over the years. Andrew lived on a plot of land similar to mine. We both tended to build, fix, and repair things ourselves, and we often discussed our latest projects.

He also had a love of bluegrass music and wanted to come to Colorado for the Telluride festival. I'm not sure that he ever made it, though I somewhat regret not being more enthusiastic in encouraging him and offering to go with him. That isn't my style of music, but does it matter?

As I get older, I appreciate the time I get to chat with friends and family. I cherish the opportunities to spend time with others, however long or short. These are the important things in life: the events and conversations. It's a sad time as Andrew and a few others I've known have passed away in a short period of time, but I hold many happy thoughts of the times we've spent together.

I hope you remember to appreciate the opportunities you have to spend time with others. And in memory of Andrew, flip through his articles and pick one to read today. There are lots of great ones, and some fun ones, like the SQL Limerick.