Hugo, I have many memories of moments we spent together, discussing data, career, life, and family. Three stand out, though not more or less important than any others.
I can remember asking you a question years ago at a SQL Saturday about the way an execution plan was formed, and you patiently explaining to me something I didn’t understand. I’m sure I asked some poor questions, but you tried your best to help me understand some aspect of why the plan was shaped a certain way. Your patience and exuberance still stand out in my mind today. You trying help me understand something that I’m not sure I understand to this day.
We caught up at one of the MVP Summits at night, at a time when our children were approaching the end of secondary school education. We had a common thread in theater, brought to us by our (not-so) young ones, and I recollect the pride with which you talked about your kid performing, me feeling the same way about mine.
At the PASS Summit, I gave a career talk a long time ago, and you came up to me at the end. You told me I hadn’t said anything you didn’t know, which made me feel a little as if I’d failed. You then told me I’d presented it in a way that made you think and inspired you to think about doing something differently. I was amazed that I’d touched someone like you, who I felt had already succeeded.
Hugo Kornelis has been one of the SQL Server experts who have helped, shared, inspired, and taught many of us over the last few decades. He runs SQLServerFast.com, where he provides a wealth of training, both free and paid (support him, buy a course). He’s also been battling leukemia for a few years, and recently posted Game over, as his fight has taken a turn for the worse. Hugo has faced this challenge by fighting with grace and honor in a way I’m not sure I would, or many have. I kept hoping he would keep improving and I’d have many more opportunities to see him. Grant and I have agreed to take over hosting his site, with support from Redgate, and I’m not happy about it. I wish I didn’t have this opportunity.
I’d much rather have more conversations with Hugo.
Just typing that line brings tears to my eyes. Hugo has been a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a joy to chat with, and an easily spotted man in a crowd with his trademark blond streak. I was thrilled to come over to Belgium right after the pandemic and spot that blond streak above a mask, knowing I’d have another chance to spend time with him.
Life is short, and I’m acutely aware of that as I age. I will cherish the words and moments I’ve shared with Hugo and hope I get the opportunity for more. Fingers crossed his fight continues for the foreseeable future.
Steve Jones
Listen to the podcast at Libsyn, Spotify, or iTunes.
Note, podcasts are only available for a limited time online.
Leave a Reply