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Norbert Mikula Obituary
Norbert Hannes MIKULA 37 years old. Born in Spittal, Austria on June 6, 1971. Passed away on January 13, 2009 in Bellevue, WA. Most recently, Norbert was em ployed at Microsoft. He is well known to many in the technology industry for more than a decade as a leader in the XML and interoperability standards areas and a key partici pant in the global community while employed not only at Microsoft but also at Intel and DataChannel. Those who worked with Norbert will remember his commitment to excel lence and results, his forthright communication, the courage of his convictions and his sense of humor. Norbert is survived by his loving family, wife Linda; children Michelle, Michael & Kady; Grandmother Sternig; mother and father Annemarie & Emil Mikula; sister Silvia Mikula; brother-in-law - Andreas Klug. A Celebration of Norbert's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17th at Clise Mansion in Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway in Redmond. Flowers can be sent in care of: Bonney-Watson 1732 Broadway Seattle, WA 98122 Visitation will be possible at the service. Interment will be private. Norbert's favorite charities were for the health & welfare of animals.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norbert Mikula
Helena Micheu
October 4, 2009
My deepest sympathy go to his family.
Norbert and I went to the same high school and university. I am sad that Norbert has left us.
Sunny Charlebois
July 27, 2009
I worked with Norbert at DataChannel and remember how excited Dave Pool was when Norbert agreed to come to the states. Norbert was brilliant, funny, passionate and so committed to excellence. I lost track of Norbert when he was at Intel and just realized that he was at Microsoft when an Award of Excellence was given in his honor. I was so excited to realize he was at Microsoft and when to look him up and could not find him. I did an online search to see where this bright star had been wooed to only to realize the worst news of all. Norbert I am really sad to see you go. Warm reagrds to your family.
March 27, 2009
I never met Norbert but i'm always sad to hear of the death of a fellow employee. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Please know that people you've never met are holding you in our hearts
JK
March 27, 2009
Its always sad to hear of the death of a fellow employee. I never knew Norbert but my thoughts and prayers are for his family as they cope with this loss. http://www.watchtower.org/e/we/article_00.htm
Hacky Krammer
March 20, 2009
As Norbert was from the same village like me we shared a lot of time together growing up in Pörtschach/Carinthia. After that we attended the same highshool and spend lots of times together. When i heared this sad news i was shocked . For me he will always be remembered as a funny sportsloving guy who surprised his teachers at highschool with his demonstration of a bouncing ball on his very first computer.....
Tim Bray
February 16, 2009
I didn't spend a lot of time with Norbert but they were very intense and important times, for him and for me too. I never knew him to act other than with integrity. He will be missed.
Patrick McMahon
February 5, 2009
I met Norbert in 2004 while he was still at Intel. We worked together as part of an eight company collaboration (all competitors) addressing the challenges of upgrading the IT infrastructure in the healthcare industry. Norbert worked on the technical issues associated with developing a nationwide health information network connecting the great variety of healthcare providers, and he did it extremely well drawing in all the competitors to collabotate with one another. He always seemed so open, curious and friendly during the several meetings and dinners we shared. He had an incredibly broad perspective and I learned a lot from him. Later, I caught up with him as he was joining Microsoft and was thrilled to learn that he was joining the company. I just want to express my condolances to Norbert's family after hearing the news. So sad to lose him. With my sincerest sympathy. Pat
Millie
February 5, 2009
Words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear! May God give you the strength to overcome the pain. Warmest regards
Otto Pijpker
February 5, 2009
I met Norbert at Intel years ago and after initial introductions through some work we did together, we realized we had a lot in common. We both were from Europe, we both came to Intel from Seattle and we even had a lot of mutual acquaintances and friends in the industry. We would regularly catch up from that day on to grab coffee and share thoughts about work, industry and family and I genuinely enjoyed our regular chats. I was very excited when Norbert told me he had also joined Microsoft last year, but unfortunately we never managed to connect. My condolences to Linda and family; my thoughts are with you. Norbert was a wonderful person and I will always be thankful for getting to know him and his beautiful mind. All the bst to you and your family during this very difficult time...
Otto Pijpker
Franz Prax
February 2, 2009
I was very saddened by the news of Norbert's passing.
We were studying Informatics together at the University of Klagenfurt. We had a funny time, because he was a very nice and humorous guy.
We all lost a good friend.
Kim Jorgenson
January 31, 2009
Dearest Linda,
How my heart breaks for you and the kids. I never knew Norbert but felt I did through your e-mails and pictures. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you've shared with him and keep him close in your heart. Know that you are surrounded by people who love you dearly and will be there for you when you need us. We are here. You and your family our in my prayers. Love you, Kim
Angela Dial
January 30, 2009
I will never forget the night when these two giddy parents ran into my classroom and had to "rock-paper-scissors" to settle the debate for ribbit vs. croakin' frog sounds. I will never forget that every greeting to Kady was always started with a pet name like "buttercup" or "sweet pea". I will never forget the joy in your eyes each and every time you came thru the door. I believe as long as we let ourselves remember all the joy in our hearts we have with the ones we love-they never really leave us. May we never forget the wonderful person Norbert is and how lucky we are when someone that special touches our soul.
Tami Story
January 30, 2009
Dear Linda
For once I feel at a loss for words. Nothing I or anyone else says can take away the pain you feel right now. I want you to know that you and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I wish I could have known Norbert more. I do know that you were very happy and he must have been a wonderful man with how you radiated in all your pictures. God Bless..Love you and am thinking about you. Wished there was more I could do. Love...Tami
Jodi Nelson
January 30, 2009
Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Norbert, I know how much love there was between him & Linda. It is evident in all the photos that Linda shared with her friends from afar and in what she had to say. The love between Norbert and the kids is also very clear. I am glad that Norbert was part of their lives and contributed to many happy memories for them to carry with them.
Peter Brown
January 28, 2009
Linda:
Words are of little consolation compared with the devastation that you feel, but know that my thoughts are with you and your children - I worked on a couple of projects with Norbert and he was a truly wonderful guy.
I hope you gain some strength from the support from all those who have known him. My sincere condolences and very warm regards
Esther Monreal
January 24, 2009
Linda,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Esther & Ron Monreal
Laura Walker
January 24, 2009
Norbert's sense of humor was as singularly energetic as his intellect - but neither surpassed his generosity and love of humanity. I enjoyed every moment we shared during our service at OASIS. To his beloved family, I offer my most sincere condolences for this profoundly sad and premature loss. Our world has lost a beacon, yet Norbert's dazzling light will shine on.
Alfred Elkerbout
January 22, 2009
I have very fond memories of Norbert. He was my favorite student when he worked as an intern for me at Philips Semiconductors and came back again and again for more. We enjoyed doing great things when the web was young (Manager: "you can't do that; it'll take you at least a year" - Norbert did it in 4 days!) and he was such a pleasure to work with.
I'm deeply saddened to learn about his passing and wish his family strength in the days ahead.
Bob Yencha
January 21, 2009
I'm deeply saddened by the news of Norberts untimely passing. Our paths crossed less frequently since his intern days at Philips and the early days of XML, but each reunion was full of good cheer, great humor, interesting conversation, and challenging ideas, all engaged in with much enthusiasm.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. May you find comfort in your memories, he will be missed in so many places by so many people.
Eve Maler
January 21, 2009
Norbert was a talented and charming individual with a wonderfully sunny outlook on life. My condolences and best wishes go to his family.
I loved to hang out with Norbert and other standards geeks at the old SGML/XML conference; he was the first honorary inductee into our "PJW [Pushy Jewish Woman!] club", despite his lack of qualifying attributes. I was so very sad to realize that, even though we both ended up in the same part of the world, I never realized it in time to seek out one more chat with him.
Liora Alschuler
January 21, 2009
I knew Norbert briefly in the XML world and was delighted, maybe 6 or 7 years later, in 2005, when he popped up at a healthcare standards conference in the Netherlands. He "invested" in an initial dinner with me to prep his networking and within 3 days, had shared a drink, a laugh, a story with about 300 of the people gathered there from all parts of the world. He worked very hard, passionately, and contributed greatly wherever he was involved. During our dinner, he was the complete gentleman explaining -- to no avail -- that the 4th bottle of (the same kind of wine) was no better than the first. While he faded in and out of our circle of work over the next couple of years, I always assumed he would pop up again, full of energy, ideas and good cheer. My sympathy to his family, we share your loss.
Michael Sperberg-McQueen
January 21, 2009
In the XML working group, we often said that our goal was to keep the language simple enough, and specify it clearly enough, that a student of computer science would be able to write a working parser for it in a week, instead of the months or years needed for SGML parsers. Imagine our happy surprise when a student in Klagenfurt unexpectedly appeared, saying "well, it took two weeks, actually".
Everyone in the XML community owes a debt to Norbert Mikula, not only for that first parser but for his later work. We will miss him.
Steve Margenau
January 21, 2009
I met Norbert at XML World 1999 in Ottawa, Ontario. His presentation affirmed that my understanding of XML and its proper application was correct, and I will never forget that. 37 is too young to be taken. My sympathies to his family.
Martin Zitz
January 21, 2009
I had the pleasure to study with Norbert and I'll always remember his humour, attitude and spirit.
Linda and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Klaus Reimüller
January 21, 2009
I am very sad to hear from Norbert's dead. We were studying Informatics together at the University of Klagenfurt. After he went to U.S. I followed his successful career and was very impressed by his prosperity.
He was a very nice guy. We all lost a good friend.
We will miss you Norbert.
I send the best wishes to his family.
Bob DuCharme
January 19, 2009
As far as I know, Norbert was the first XML expert who didn't come from an SGML background, so he really led the way for a lot of people. After meeting him briefly in the early days, I ran into him on my first ever afternoon in England, and we stayed up late in the bar that night together. It was always great to hang out with him, and many people will miss him.
John Evdemon
January 19, 2009
37 is far too young to be taken. Norbert was a great guy and a tremendous contributor to the standards community. He will be missed by us all.
Matt MacKenzie
January 19, 2009
37 is way too young. The XML/Standards community will miss Norbert considerably. My condolences go out to his family. RIP, Norbert.
Duane Nickull
January 19, 2009
I am astonished? 37 is far too young. I worked with Norbert on many XML standards bodies. He was smart, always the life at the reception and just a fun guy. Norbert - you'll be missed buddy.
Carol Geyer
January 19, 2009
Norbert contributed intelligence, insight, and warmth to the international open standards community. It was a privilege to work with him when he served on the OASIS Board of Directors. No matter how complex or highly charged the issue, Norbert could always be counted on to inject a measure of common sense and good humor. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Henry S Thompson
January 19, 2009
Norbert was an important participant in the early growth of XML: his hard work and cheerful manner contributed to technical progress and the cooperative spirit of those times in equal and important measure. He will be missed.
Carla Corkern
January 18, 2009
I have not seen Norber for years but I will always remember that he was the reason I decided to sell ISOGEN to Datachannel in 1999. He was a great friend and an comember of the SGML Open Board of Directors before we became OASIS. I will always remember Norbert's sense of humor and the way he always took the high road on standards, as well as on ethical issues. We mourn his loss from the industry but I am certain that his family's greater loss is of a kind and generous man.
David Webber
January 18, 2009
This is a heavy loss both for his family and his extended family in the XML community.
DW
David Huryn
January 18, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Norbert during my years at DataChannel. He was known by those in the industry as a pioneer in XML and those fortunate enough to have met him in person also knew him for his ever present and warm smile.
I am sad to hear of his passing and will keep him and his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Ingeborg Vrbicky
January 18, 2009
I am very sad to here this bad news. Norbert was allways a gentleman and warm hearted man.
We will miss him so much.
Christina Pichorner
January 18, 2009
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry to hear such bad news and feel with deep compassion to you and your children, to Norbert`s family in Austria. He was a gentle man with a good heart and humor.
I will pray for him and wish you good friends and supportment in this dark time.
Angelika & Family Mikula
January 17, 2009
Dear Linda and family, you are in our thoughts all the time. Norbert was such a gentle man - we never forget him and we will pray for him.
Simon St.Laurent
January 17, 2009
Norbert was a bold pioneer at the beginning of XML, inspiring me as I wrote about XML. I'm shocked and saddened to hear of our losing him, and will always remember his contributions.
Heinrich C. Mayr
January 17, 2009
I am appalled at that sad and bad news: Norbert was one of my best students and I always observed with joy his successful career. My thoughts are with his wife, his children as his family meeting such a hard fate.
Ken North
January 17, 2009
This is a tragic loss for friends, family and the tech community.
RIP, Norbert. Thanks for the contribution you made to the advancement of computing. You will be missed.
My sincere condolences go out to Norbert's family and friends.
Liam Quin
January 17, 2009
I was sorry to hear the news. I didn't know Norbert well, and much less well than I might have liked, but his contributions to XML were greatly appreciated by many.
Don and Jody Stanwyck
January 17, 2009
Linda -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you.
Our thoughts often return to a shared Thanksgiving dinner and day. We are thankful for the opportunity we had to know and work with Norbert.
Don and Jody Stanwyck
425-788-8239
Michael Vrbicky
January 17, 2009
Dear Linda and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Norbert is my best friend and I refuse to believe that this is true. I cannot understand why all this happens – it makes no sense.
My thoughts are with you and the family
Michael
Annemarie & Emil Mikula
January 17, 2009
Norbert, you will alway live in our hearts and prayers.
In loving memory of a wonderful person! We will love you and miss you always!
Yours,
Mother and Father ,Grandmother,
all uncles & aunts
all cousins & cousins
Mark Ryland
January 16, 2009
Dear Linda and family,
I worked for only a few months with Norbert in the standards team at Microsoft. Yet I was deeply impressed by his friendliness and warmth, as well as his professionalism. I can only imagine his impact on those who knew him well. My family and I will be praying for the repose of his soul and for your peace and consolation in a difficult hour.
Katie Killian'indi
January 16, 2009
Dear Cousin
I am so very for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and your family. I wish so much that I could be there with you now and put my arms around you. I didn't get the honor of meeting your husband, I wish I could change that. You and your family are in my prayers now and always. Know that you are loved.
Katie
Joe Keenan
January 16, 2009
Linda,
As your big brother, I wish I could bring you peace and relieve you from your pain and loss...but your grief is a personal experience, one that will feel like a dark road that you must travel alone. But I mourn with you and please know that I and others are by your side as you travel that road. Please reach out to all of us when you need it. I love you and wish I could do more for you, Kady, Michelle and Michael.
Joey
Jennifer Trujillo
January 16, 2009
Unfortunately I had not had the honor of meeting Norbert yet, but through the pictures and the emails it's easy to see what a fantastic individual he was.
Linda he was truly your Knight in Shining Armour, your Fairytale. There is no mistaking the love and the special bond wrapped oh so tight around you and your children. Hang in there my friend.
Lisa Andrews
January 16, 2009
Dear Linda:
My prayers are with your family. Certainly a great light has gone out in the Standards world.
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.
Sally Chamberlain
January 16, 2009
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you guys were deeply in love with each other and it was a joy to watch. I will never forget our visit in San Francisco when Gary suggested the two of you get a room. :) Keep him in your heart and in your memories. I love you and will visit you soon. Love, Sally
Birgit Klug
January 16, 2009
Dear Linda,
It´s hard to find the right words. We would like to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved husband.
We wish you strength to overcome your loss.
You are in our thoughts.
Rudi, Dorli, Birgit Klug & Martin (Graz, Austria)
gail schaeffer
January 16, 2009
Linda-
I can't even believe this has happened to you and your family. I know you love Norbert so much and he added so much to your lifeand family. There are no words that can ever take any of this pain away and any thing I say seems so inadequate.
I know you will keep him close to your heart. I love you and send my deepest sympathy.
Love you,
gail
Sydney Dowling
January 15, 2009
Dear Linda ~ The loss of Norbert is just too sad to even begin to understand. He was such a gift to you and your family. You both brought out the best in each other. There was always a auora of serenity around you when you were together. My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish I could protect you from all this pain. Hold on to your memories of your wonderful life together. All my love -- Sydney
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