Going Home

I’m going home.

As some of my readers will know, my cancer (read that link if the fact I have cancer is new to you) has been causing difficulty in my liver this year, and recently we had a meeting with my consultant to plot a way forward. He said that recent scans had shown an increased growth rate of some tumours (including the liver one), and that has overwhelmed my body’s ability to cope with the changes cancer brings. The last two months have seen various new symptoms and a reasonably rapid decline in my general health. The next two months will be more of the same unless something is done.

After some unsuccessful procedures on my liver over the course of this year, the last option is radiotherapy to try and shrink the problem tumour; we are investigating that this week. But even if that succeeds, the improvement will be relatively short-lived – perhaps 3-6 months – as the regrowth rate will be faster. If radiotherapy is not feasible or doesn’t work, the timelines are rather shorter than that. My death is not imminent, but either way I am unlikely to see out 2018. In all this, my wife, my children and I are confident that God is in charge and his purposes are good, and we can trust him and not be afraid of what is coming. We don’t know what the future holds for each of us, but he does.

We’ve taken this news as a sign to make some significant changes. The most relevant to readers of this blog is that I am stepping away from Mozilla so I can spend more time focussed on the most important things – my relationships with Jesus, and with my family. I love my work, and God has blessed my time at Mozilla and enabled me to do much which I think have been good for the Internet and the world. However, there are things in life which are much more important, and it’s now time for others to take up those projects and causes and carry them into the future. I have every confidence in my colleagues and fellow Mozillians that this will be done with the greatest care and skill. The CA program, MOSS, and Mozilla’s policy work are all in very good hands.

If you pray, please pray that we would make wise decisions about what to do when, and that we would live through this process in a way that brings glory to Jesus.

In case it’s of interest, we have set up a read-only mailing list which people can join to keep informed about what is going on, and to hear a bit about how we are handling this and what we would like prayer for. You can subscribe to the list using that link, if you have a Google account. If you don’t you can still join by emailing lightandmomentary+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” — 2 Cor 4:16-18.

If I have done anything good in 18 years at Mozilla, may God get all the glory.

106 thoughts on “Going Home

  1. Gerv, You may not remember me much, but back as a Mozillian in 2008-present you had a profound impact on me, both with your examples of leadership, community building, and tough love, as well as being a light in the world. I pray for peace and rest for you and your family. Thank you for your massive contributions, in ways you may not even know

  2. Gerv,

    It’s been a long road, and I had been hoping it would be a longer one yet. Please enjoy your family and I will pray that something comes up to change the situation for the better…

  3. Gerv,

    The impact you had on the open source (and web standards) community is so inspiring. From Link Fingerprints (aka Subresource Integrity) to your work at MOSS have had such positive effects whether people know it or not. I can’t thank you enough for the opportunities you gave me and please know I never took any of them for granted. Much love to you and your family.

  4. Gerv, I am very sorry to hear this but I am so impressed by the earnest kindness and optimism you have always shown as well as your commitment to your values, your work, and your family. I have only had a few chances to have lengthy conversation with you but I still think of them often because they were such a treasure trove of ideas. Take good care of yourself and your wonderful family. The rest of us are here for you in whatever way you need us to be.

  5. Please know that your contributions have had an impact on the world around you (and in many places you probably haven’t realized as well). This world is indeed a better place because you were here. May God continue to bless you and your family as you deal with this.

  6. As Justin said your work has had a real impact, I know I have been directed to your posts in https://gerv.net/security/ by others at Mozilla. They have helped form opinions on many factors of browser security.

    My thoughts are with you are with you and your family. I really wish you well.

  7. Thank you for all you’ve done for Mozilla. Your kindness and integrity have definitely made an impact on the people here. My prayers are with you and your family.

  8. Gerv, you have been a great example of kindness and love. You have been a true light for His kingdom. May God bless you and your family. We will be praying from Minnesota.

  9. Gerv, you may not remember me but your work for Mozilla (the project) has been an example — the web will be worse off without you. Thanks for everything you’ve done for everyone who is on the internet today or will be in the future. Enjoy you time with your family.

  10. Gerv, I am sorry to hear this news. I’ve always admired your strength in the face of adversity and your commitment to Jesus and Mozilla. You’ve had a tremendous impact on the web, Mozilla, and your colleagues – so much to be proud of. It was great working with you!

  11. Praying for you, now and in the future. We are not well acquainted, but we are brother & sister in our beliefs. May the Lord protect you, support you, shelter you and give you and your family the most precious year ever.

  12. Gerv, thank you for everything you’ve done for Mozilla. I hope you enjoy your time together with your family. I hope for the path ahead of you to be full of joy, love and support and I wish for things to take a positive turn in one way or another along the way, even if it’s in small increments.

  13. Gerv, words cannot express how your post makes me feel. You’ve been a major part of my onboarding at Mozilla back in 2001 and you had immense impact on my development from a stupid teenage boy who wanted to help into a, hopefully, less stupid adult capable of implementing the vision of Mozilla and the Free Web that you helped define.

    I learned a lot from you both in person and by reading your blog and following your career. I lack your faith, discipline and can only dream of developing your courage and wisdom but whatever traits I did acquired are in some ways by learning from you.

    Thank you for being a role model and thank you for your work.
    You will be terribly missed and I am left with no choice but to hope for a miracle.

  14. Gerv,

    I had hoped not to see this news so soon, if at all. You’ve been an important part of Mozilla’s conscience for as long as I can remember, and you’ve always had my utmost respect. It will be strange to have you no longer with us, both as Mozillians and as people of Earth.

    Now is the time to enjoy family and good friends rather than tilting at the great windmills of the web.

    May you find your peace, and your family theirs.

  15. Hi Gerv,
    My role allows me meeting people thru numbers. We’ve never had a chance to meet each other in person but your name and picture is my accounting memory. Life is a series of transitions. From the early stages of life for the infant and toddler, to the end of our days, each stage is necessary. We all move from stage to stage – from youth to maturity and from adulthood to our golden years, and we often celebrate these moments of transition. In Judaism (I’m here) we have ceremonies for the birth of our children, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah, standing under the chuppah at a wedding and many others. Each of these moments marks a natural transition and a celebration of life and each comes with its own opportunities and challenges. Saying goodbye to people is among the greatest challenge. I’m not ready for this. Please enjoy sunshine and rain, wake up each morning with feelings of love. You are amazing.

  16. Oh Gerv I’m so sorry to hear this — I will always remember working with you in the early days of Mozilla.org and the building of the first Bugzilla project team. May your path forward as much as possible be peaceful and full of joy for you and your family.

  17. Gerv, your technical leadership for Mozilla has always inspired me, and your unrelenting faith has inspired and taught me even more. Thank you, and God bless.

  18. We haven’t talked face-to-face much, but I’ve certainly felt, admired, and appreciated your influence across Mozilla.

    Praying for strength, clarity, fulfillment, and joy of eternal peace and glory for you and for your family.

  19. Gerv, I am so sorry to hear this news. You’ve been a fixture at Mozilla, fighting for us as hard as anybody else in the face of amazing adversity. I wish you and your family strength and comfort in the coming months.

  20. Gervase, it’s been a privilege to know you and work with you. I’m so sorry you must take this step. I wish you all the best for whatever an uncertain future holds for us all.

  21. Gerv, I feel so blessed to have worked with you on the CA Program. You have provided such terrific guidance over the years, and have been very fun and energizing to work with! You have made countless valuable and lasting contributions to the CA world, and I will miss working with you. I will be praying for you and your family.

  22. Gerv,
    We’ve met a few times throughout the years and I did not know you were battling cancer. I was shocked. I am sorry for this difficult journey for you and your family. When I think of Mozilla and the people WPR hear from when we roll out something new or send an email, I know you are someone who will always give us feedback. Yes, sometimes bad, sometimes questioning; but I know you’re out there and you are honestly reading it all and thinking it through. I love your energy. I want you to know we always appreciated it. I will miss hearing from you and so will my team. You are in our thoughts. And thanks.
    –Lori

  23. Gerv, it’s been a pleasure working with you over the years. You’ve done many great things for Mozilla. I’m sorry to see you leave, but I totally understand the need to spend time on higher-order things. You’ll be in my heart.

  24. Gerv, thank you so much for all of your hard work over the years. I first contacted you when you reached out for tech evangelism help for SSLv2 (https://blog.gerv.net/2005/09/ssl2_must_die/) whilst I was still at secondary school. You helped me come up with the plan for contacting sites and I filed https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=ssl2

    You also gave me my “editbugs” permissions in b.m.o.

    More recently I’ve been following your posts and hard work in mozilla.dev.security.policy. Your work has improved the security of millions of users around the world.

    Thank you for everything, and I wish you all the best for the challenges ahead.

  25. Gerv, Though we’ve only met once or twice at All Hands gatherings, your contributions to Mozilla have resulted in status that can only be described as legendary. I’m sorry to hear of your struggle with cancer and wish you peace and contentment in the arms of your family and your faith. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us Mozillians. We stand with you in spirit.

  26. Looking back at the email I sent to you 3983 days ago for me to help Mozilla with a Summer of Code project, my life and family are definitely quite different because of your presence and generosity. Thanks!

  27. Gerv, I know you’ll be home with the Lord in not too long. Until then, may I say I greatly admire your strength in the face of knowing your time here is short, to say nothing of your technical skills and your commitment to the Mozilla community. Prayers for you and your family as you all look towards being reunited in that life that never ends.

  28. I’m floored emotionally.

    On the Mozilla side of things, you were the first person at Mozilla that I ever had contact with. It was in 2005 and you reviewed a whole page of Firefox promotional items that I had made (website banners, etc), and they all got a failing grade as per Mozilla’s trademark policies. I laugh about it now, but, you did inspire me to do things the right way when representing Mozilla even if I was just doing so in my free time and on my own sites.

    I’ve still made some off-beat stuff, but it was art, otherwise, I’ve stuck to the code.

    We never met in person, but we came close to it when we sat next to each other at lunch during the 2006 Firefox Summit (the first I think). I believe that you were with Mitchell. I was with Jesse Ruderman and a few others.
    I don’t remember eating though, because Mitchell was so close by. I’ve met a lot of celebrities but they were just people. Mitchell I respected and admired so ya, I was star struck and nervous. Goofy, I know.

    As long as I’ve known you, or I more accurately have known about you, it seemed as if you’ve always faced tough challenges, like when you were being attacked for your Christian content that was seen on Planet but even more so of course, your battles with Cancer.

    You’ve remained resilient, kind, influential, and positive, but above all, you’ve kept your faith. It’s probably stronger than ever.

    I was by my cousin’s side during his last week when he lost to Cancer in 2016. He was only 1 year older than me.
    Another family member beat colorectal cancer the same year, but, we may now be seeing issues return.
    My stomach is knots and I’m very emotional writing this and thinking about your journey.

    Cancer is a horrific monster. You know that, I do, but despite it, our reward for going through this life is The eternal one with Him.
    I consider life to be just a pit stop on my way to Heaven and by the way, no one said that you could cut in line, but, it’s your turn now I guess.

    I will continue to pray for you and now more than ever for your family.

    I love you brother.

  29. gerv, thank you for all your time, patience, guidance, and commitment to mozilla. like so many i wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your help when i started contributing. my thoughts are with you and your family.

  30. Gerv,

    I am so sorry to hear this. I had the honor to meet and speak with you in person back in October 2017, you have been a remarkable person and have been making significant contributions to Web PKI and Cybersecurity. Thank you for everything that you have been doing for the CA community.

    I wish you to take good care of yourself and your family, and I believe you will get well soon!

  31. Thank you for all you’ve done for Mozilla, Open Source, and the Internet. You are a righteous person and I’m glad to have known you.

  32. Hi Gerv,
    We crossed paths several times, online and offline, in my life as a Mozillian. Coincidentally, one of my first tasks as staff was picking up your work on relicensing localization files under MPL2. You have always been available and kind, and I’ve always admired your work ethic and your dedication to Mozilla.

    Mozilla, the Open Source movement, and the Internet as a whole are in better shape thanks to your contribution, and you left a mark in the life of a lot of people.

    Enjoy this time with your family and your little ones.

  33. Hi Gerv,

    Not sure you remember me but we worked together I think when you were first digging into the CA project and helping with licensing around NSS. Thank you for being a calm voice of reason over the years and for taking the time to listen to our goals and perspectives. You have made an incredible difference in the lives and in the security of millions of people. On their behalf: THANK YOU!

    Best wishes,
    Bob

  34. “getting some rest” doesn’t get cancer better. It’s not a cold he has to overcome, and your statement is thus rather unfeeling and fatuous.

  35. Thanks for being a good friend and colegue and for all the things you have done for Mozilla over the many years you have been a contributor.

  36. Gerv, it is around 20 years since we met, at church, and I believe at least once on opposing football teams. I thank God for how you have continued to serve him in your various callings since then, and will both pray for you, and covet your prayers in the time whilst you are still with us.

  37. Gerv, I’m happy to have had the opportunity to work with you in the very limited time we have known each other. Cancer is a dreadful disease which has impacted my family as well as so many others. I wish the best outcome, no matter the prognosis, for you and your family. Your legacy has shaped the Web and touches everyone who uses it. Godspeed.

  38. I will always think of you as the Clark Kent of internet security. You have a mild mannered demeanor that hides the fact that you are a superhero who has been key in assuring security and privacy for users around the world. Thank you for all you have done for Mozilla and the Internet at large.

  39. Gerv,
    You’ve done so much for Mozilla, for the web, and for the world!

    I’ll be thinking of you and your family. I wish you all peace, and love, and happiness.

  40. Gerv, It has been a pleasure to work in the same fora as you over the years.
    You have done a great deal of good for the Web PKI, and I am sure in many other spheres too.
    I am sure that living such a productive live as a proud Christian is definitely to the greater glory of God.
    You and your family will be in my prayers.

    Robin

  41. Thank you, Gerv, for helping to shape Mozilla. Thank you for challenging me to think differently and more widely. I am sending love and light to you and your family as you journey home — I wish you all the best.

    Lizz

  42. Gerv, I think we first met in London in 2005 when Chris Bailey and I were with GeoTrust working on a brand new idea for a certificate type – what we called “High Assurance” and which later became Extended Validation (EV) certificates. You and we helped start the CA/Browser Forum about that same time – my how it’s grown.

    You were perspicacious and very helpful then and always have been in the years I have worked with you – plus you’re a lot of fun as well (you have a wry and ironic sense of humor, which I enjoy). Thanks for being such a good colleague. Kirk

  43. Gerv,
    I knew you were in bad health condition, but not that it was cancer. I wish you courage for your battle during the next months, next year.
    Thank you for your long-standing work in the Mozilla CA program and in the CABForum, you did that very well.

  44. Gerv,

    I’ve always had a deep respect for your work at Mozilla. I’ve looked up to you ever since I first saw your work when I was a student. Thank you for all of your work on Internet security.

    Best,
    Adrienne

  45. Hi Gerv,

    We didn’t know each other before. I know you recently from our company email.
    I read through your email and blog posts, and found them very inspiring.
    May God bless you and your family, I’ll be praying from Taiwan.

  46. Gerv,

    We lived and worked together most of two decades ago at a summer job, when I at least was young and foolish. Though we ended up working in quite different bits of the open source world, when I’ve run across things you’ve done I’ve always been struck by the measured care and dedication of your words and actions. I’m glad you have the opportunity for time with your family. Thank you for making the world a better place; God bless; and may the road rise up to meet you.

  47. Hi Gerv,

    I’ve never met you but I’ve followed your blog since it strayed into my feed many years ago. As a follower of Jesus who’s involved in the tech industry, I have been inspired by your honesty, humility, clarity of thought, and courage in the face of trials.

    You and your family have my prayers. And I look forward to meeting you one day at the Great Banquet, when God makes his home among his people, and wipes every tear from our eyes, and there is no more death or sorrow or crying or pain because he has made everything new, and these things are gone forever.

  48. Pingback: MozillaのGervase Markham氏引退

  49. Gerv,

    When I had chat with you about trust services’ policy at Taipei last October,
    I felt like the scales dropped from my eyes.

    I only met you once, but you gave me a great change.
    I will try to make the Internet better place, with that memory.

  50. Gerv, a big thank you for all your work during these years, it´s been amazing.
    Enjoy your time with your family

    Best wishes

  51. I think it’s entirely characteristic for you to not even be aware of the impact you’ve had over the last I think 20 years.
    As an outsider you’ve outwardly shown all the qualities that Mozilla seeks to have as an organisation, and been one of the ones defending those qualities when they were under threat.
    I know you’ll take whatever enjoyment you can over the next phase and continue to meet adversity with much the same humour, equanimity and faith.
    Have fun.

  52. I’m sorry for suddenly sending this message. I live in Japan and I am just a reader of Mozilla’s mailing list.
    So you probably don’t know me, but I know you as respected member of Mozilla.
    I just couldn’t help telling how I felt after I read this blog. I was very shocked.
    It’s sad that you have to leave Mozilla, but at the same time , very understandable considering your health situation.
    I hope you can have great time with your family. I even pray for the miracle that your cancer magically disappears any how. .
    I pray for you.

  53. Gerv, we haven’t interacted much, but I knew of your work long before I arrived at Mozilla. I was so sad to see your email. I have just a few words. I admire your courage. I agree with and support your focus on home and family. Your life’s work has mattered so much. We’ll do everything you asked us. We’ll say prayers for your family. We’ll always remember who you are and what you did. We’ll continue the project.

  54. I’m so sorry to hear this. I really treasured our prayer times together at the Mozilla summits, most recently in SF last year. Your steadfastness in the face of trials has been an inspiration to me. Yet, knowing your sins are forgiven in Christ, I look forward to our meeting again on the other side.

    I’m confident you have indeed brought much glory to the Lord, and are continuing to do so.

    My love and prayers are with you and your family.

  55. Gerv, you have been an inspiration for a lot of people like myself when we joined Mozilla long time ago, your leadership and vision has shaped what we are today, I’m honored to have had the opportunity to share time with you.

    My thoughts are with you and your family.

  56. Gerv, I’ve been thinking and thinking about what I want to say. From the first time I met you in a London pub in 2007, to our hustling to get the MOSS program live, what always spoke to me is about you is your unwavering integrity. You are a person to be relied upon, true to your word and deed. You’ve been often the reminder of our values, and the ripples of your contribution are without end.

    May this be a year filled with love of your family and of God. I know you know this is how it was always meant to be. God bless Gerv, with love and light for you and your family.

  57. Hello Gerv, since my early days at Mozilla, around 2001 when the community was still small, listening to your talks at Fosdem.org had repeatedly given me a feeling of being connected more closely to what’s going on at Mozilla. During the following years, I always enjoyed working with you, and I could rely on your thoughtful advice whenever I needed it.
    You are a great speaker, a diligent contributor to the security policy aspects of Mozilla that matter most, and an icon of Mozilla who wholeheartedly represents Mozilla’s values.
    Thank you for your many great contributions to Mozilla over the years and for being an inspiring person.
    I wish you strength for the challenges ahead of you and that you will retain your positive energy.

  58. Gerv: As we enter this Lenten season, your name is at the top of my thoughts and prayers. As seen in these comments, you have inspired a world of good among a diverse set of individuals. Your faith and devotion are exemplary, and I’m confident they will carry you through any difficulty along life’s journey. Although the CA/B Forum rarely agrees to anything as a whole, I’m certain we are all united in our praise and thanks for your contributions. Miracles do happen, and I will be seeking one on your behalf.

  59. 2 Timothy 4:7 comes to mind- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

    You have run an incredible race and I know Jesus will be waiting for you at the finish line.

    I’ll be praying for you as you spend this time with your family.

  60. Gerv: You have touched the Mozilla project in so many ways, leaving a lasting impact from the time you started as an intern back when Mozilla was part of Netscape.

    With warm thoughts and prayers, I wish you all the best.

  61. I pray the Lord will keep you with us longer, however, if it is His will that you go home; what a glorious moment being closer the redepmtion of our bodies!

    With love in the Lord Jesus Christ,
    Armen

  62. Gerv,
    I wish there were words I can say to express my sadness in the current turn of events.

    You have been always and will always be a fervent mainstay for Mozilla and its
    mission, whether you’re at Mozilla or not.

    My prayers are for you and your family and May the Light, Love and Strength of God be with you and your family during this time.

    Take care,

    Edmund

  63. Gervase,
    We met in 2006 on an Oak Hall trip to Dachstein in Upper Austria. I’m so saddened to hear this news! But I honor your courage and your resolve to press in to Jesus and your wife and children in this time. Your calmness and confidence in The Lord is an inspiration. I will lift you and your requests up to The Lord, and no, I’m not going to stop asking Him for the miracles you and your family need.
    I’m not sure if this entry puts me on the mailing list, but please do keep me updated.

  64. Gerv,
    I’ve admired the genius that God has given you. Reading these comments I deeply appreciate the impact you’ve had on others. And I am far more intrigued about the continuing philosophy and values of Mozilla and your work for them.
    I also very much interested in your thoughts about your life to come (mostly the life hereafter, heaven, eternity) and look forward to reading about how you prepare and what you value.

  65. Gerv, oh Gerv. The Gerv I always mention to my friends when we need the name of a fighter against cancer. The Gerv I have always *admired* for that fight and the incredible strength in that apparently endless fight. The Gerv I always mention to everyone when we need a name with major impact on a huge project for the benefit of all. The Gerv I am so happy and proud to consider, even if we don’t meet face-to-face too often these days, a friend. The Gerv who did not send me flames but polite questions when someone posted ad-hominem hatred abusing my identity. The Gerv, forever inseparable from Mozilla and its comunity. *The* Gerv.

    I feel so devastated reading this blog post, something I have always been afraid to discover on your blog some day. I don’t know how to pray, but that’s certainly the first time I’m sad about it ; I would happily do it immediately for you. So let me send you all my warmest and deepest thoughts. Courage, my old friend.

  66. Happened to see your Facebook post, and then this blog post, while teaching a computer science class. So very sad to hear this news but have shared your inspirational story and amazing witness for the Lord to them as part of it…! God Bless you Gervase, and I am definitely praying for a miracle. I still find the difficulty of explaining suffering to an unbelieving world intensely difficult – even to myself. How can we know that God is a) good and b) in control? I KNOW these things to be true, but only in a non-logical abstract way, that I wish I could articulate better ….. can you? can anyone? It’s reading news like this that really throws me.

  67. Gerv,
    What a road. What a journey. You have truly made a wonderful mark worthy of a Gervase Markham. Wishing you all love for the coming days, weeks and months.
    Claire E x

  68. Gerv you inspired me to serve the community – through Mozilla and in a number of ways. I had always hoped not to hear the news you are sharing about your cancer returning.

    You are an inspiring force and a truly good person, one I feel privileged to know.

  69. Just reading this after not being in contact for some time. I remember our meeting at Univ interviews in 1996 then sweet fellowship in years which followed. We will be upholding you all in prayer not knowing what the future holds but trusting Him who holds the future.

  70. Gerv,

    We have never met, but I heard of you from a former student at Trinity Church of Sunnyvale, a place I served in youth ministry from 1996 – 2001. Your courage and faith are an inspiration, and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective on such a difficult topic. Two days before my father succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2012, he said, “I don’t want to die, because I don’t want to leave you all behind…but I know where my hope lies.” Indeed you know this as well, as you also have your eyes firmly fixed Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Thank you for running the race and showing us how to do so under the most adverse of conditions.

    Peace and blessings my brother,

    Dave

  71. Gerv,

    Thank you for all you’ve done for the open web it’s very sad to see you go but I know your mark will always be there for those of us who saw the work you did even if it was often behind the scenes.

  72. Dear Gerv, So sad to hear of your news. What a race you have always run!! You have always so inspired me with your integrity and faith in our Lord. May God bless you and your family with full assurance of His love and Grace, and may even these last weeks and months bring even greater glory to Him. With love x

  73. I am deeply saddened to hear this. For me you have always been an inseparable part of Mozilla. It was always a joy to work with you on different issues over the years, and I looked forward to seeing you at All Hands and other meetings and carrying on our long, always unfinished, disputation on religious questions, sometimes live and sometimes in comments on this blog.

    I learned a huge amount from you in those discussions about how to engage someone whose views are miles away from your own, to present and expound your own beliefs against all opposition without sacrificing honour and respect for the other person.

    Your trust in God in the face of this terrible news is also an inspiration. We have all been blessed to know you.

  74. Gerv, you are one of my early, and always great, memories of the mozilla community. One of the strongest of those memories is hanging out with you and other Mozilla enthusiasts at FOSDEM a long long time ago, and you arranging for me to give a presentation about XSLT in the Mozilla room. Maybe 2000 or 2001?

    So so sad to hear about your cancer. Hope that you’ll be able to make the most of the time that you have remaining, and that that time is as long as possible.

    There’s no “if” regarding you doing something good for Mozilla.

  75. Gerv,

    it has been an honor to work with you, you are someone I respect and I sincerely believe the work you have done in your role at Mozilla has made the Internet both safer and better.

    I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Ryan Hurst

  76. Hey Gerv. I hope you know how much the kindness and warmth you brought to the Mozilla community affected so many people so deeply. I know I enjoyed our conversations – disagreeing is never more fun than with someone sharp and empathetic. The Moz community and open internet generally are forever positively changed by your dedication and love. Ben and I wish your beautiful family comfort and peaceful time spent together.

    Also, I made a custom shirt for you 10 years ago and never managed to be in the right place at the right time to hand it over. If your address gets posted in the Google Group, I’ll send it.

  77. Hi Gerv,

    You answered my questions on mailing list 2 weeks back. Its sad to hear this news. Thanks a lot for your amazing contribution to Mozilla and Opensource.

    My prayers are with you and your family.

  78. Gerv – I hadn’t heard your news. We’ll be praying for you and your family in the months ahead.

  79. hi Gerv, I’m a new participant in CA industry, and previous daily work is to review the topics discussed in CA/B forum, though I’ve never seen you face to face, from the topics you discussed with other co-participants, I can feel that you are a very experiened expert on WebPKI and a generous contributor in CA industry. Recently I read your blog, to my great surpise, you appear so optimistic though you have suffered so much agony and torment caused by the cancer. You’re a great man, to be exact, a hero, this is not because of your massive generous contribution to WebPKI and Cybersecurity, but your astonishing optimism against difficult life. I admire your spirit and your life attitude, May God bless you! Best wishes from remote China!

  80. Gerv, we are not well acquainted but I have really respected your work at Mozilla and you have done a lot of good there. You have been truly inspirational… a true ambassador of the Lord, full of the light and truth.

    As you know, life is all about the people around us… our friends and our families so now is the time to draw near to those close to you and nearer to The Lord.

    You are a valiant Spirit and have been since before the world was. Continue fighting the good fight!

    Your brother in Christ, Mike Ratcliffe.

  81. This is so very sad! Gerv, please know that Adam, the boys and I are praying for you and the family as you walk through this time. We are thankful for your life lived by God’s grace and for his glory. It’s lovely to read all the messages from people who have been encouraged, motivated and impacted by you. I trust that you will find continued strength and peace in Him who knows what it is to suffer and so secured our hope of a future free of suffering — praying that you and the family keep looking to cross and clinging to the hope of the resurrection.

    Ps. I have a fun little memory of one day at Sharrowvale, following one of our old team lunches…everyone was packing up and our little Joel (I guess he was about 3 at the time) was grumpy about something — I remember you just pausing, looking at him brightly and saying “let’s sing a song, shall we?” and so we all started singing something like “Rejoice in the Lord always” as we tidied up. Atmosphere changed in one cheery suggestion. I am thankful for the way you point others to Jesus!

    With love and prayers from the Tysons in California

  82. Hello Gerv,

    Its sad to hear this news. Thanks a lot for your amazing contribution to Mozilla and Opensource. May God bless you! Best wishes to you .

  83. Hi Gerv,

    I’m so glad that we’ve met in Brussels on the second day of FOSDEM during breakfast. It was great to have a conversation with you in person. You always have been a source of inspiration for me and many others with regards to your optimism, dedication and energy. I want to thank you for all of this.

    —Tristan

  84. I’ve been reading your blog for years. It has felt like a light in the darkness to read the words of a fellow Christian in a world where that light is so desperately needed. May your light continue to shine and be a blessing to those around you. God bless you.

  85. Gerv, it has been an honor working with you through the CABF and I will miss seeing you at the meetings. I’ve enjoyed hearing your insights and sharing conversation about making the Internet a safer place. You have done, and will continue to do, great things. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless!

  86. It has been an honor working with you for all of my tenure here at Mozilla. You’re an inspiration in your commitment to what’s right and just. To always have uphield that commitment in the face of such adversity is so admirable.

    I am glad for all the opportunity I’ve had to work alongside you.

  87. Gerv,

    I have only had interactions with you via the CAB Forum conference calls. I remember thinking this guy listens, empathizes with each position and carefully considers the facts before before weighing in on the topic being discussed. Even in your measured tone I could hear your passion for doing things right and secure.

    Cancer is a common theme through my family so I know what you are going through and will pray extra hard for you and your family. God Bless!!

  88. Gerv,
    I am very sorry to hear this, and to have never met you in person. The open source community will definitely mourn your departure. Wherever you are going, I hope you will be embraced and appreciated, for your kind deeds and friendly, helpful attitude. This blog is another way you are setting a good example for the rest of us.

    Vicky

  89. We met just recently at fosdem and I’m glad we managed to spend at least a little bit of time there.

    I’m yet another of the many grateful for all you did.

  90. Gerv,

    May God be with you at this difficult time. You have inspired my friends and I with your inspirational story, and we wish you and your family all the best for the near future. I have seen/read much of your work and must say I am very impressed (like you, I am a born-again Christian). I hope we can meet one day,

    Regards,

    The Tea Boyz

  91. Pingback: To Planet Mozilla Readers | Hacking for Christ

  92. You don’t know me, but I’ve followed your blog for a long time through your work on Firefox. I thank you for all the effort, which has been towards a worthy goal.

    Two years ago, my sister was faced with the same decision you have had to take, and she made the same choice as you. I don’t believe she ever regretted it, as she was able to spend more time with her children and our family. I can tell you from my experience that your family will continue to live their lives with wonderful memories of you, and will go on to achieve many things in the knowledge that you loved and cared for them and made everything possible.

    My best wishes for peaceful and fulfilling days.

  93. Gerv,

    While we’ve interacted some on bugs over the years, your main impact on me has been as someone unashamed of the gospel in his public life.

    I have always admired this, but over the last couple of years, as I’ve sought to bend my life towards making disciples, your steadfast witness has served as a concrete example to me.

    I will be glad to have you in the great cloud of witnesses, seeing my many failures, yet also seeing Christ perfecting faith in me. And I rejoice with you that you will be rescued from this body of death and can join the multitude giving thanks before the throne.

    I also weep with you at the loss to your wife and children of not having you present in the flesh with them. As a new father I struggle to imagine my family growing up without me. Yet God promises to work even this for good, and declares that he knows the plans he has for them. My prayer is that they would be sustained and comforted in grief and loss, knowing that our God is familiar with both.

    Do not lose heart or hope in these last days; unless Jesus returns, all of us will also pass through this portal. Your sins have been forgiven through Christ’s crucifixion, and your eternal future is secure in his arms. Until then, may you have strength to continue to lead, teach, and disciple your family and friends, that by the seed you sow God would raise a harvest you will only learn about in heaven.

    Godspeed my brother.

  94. I’ve been a quiet fan of your Mozilla work for years. This may not mean much, but I will miss your insights and unique voice.

  95. Thank you for being such an inspiration for me; being able to see a brother in Christ having a light and a positive influence in this industry.

    I pray that the Lord will keep you and strengthen you, brother, before he welcomes you into glory, and that he will give your family the strength they need as well.

    I am encouraged by Psalm 68: “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!”

  96. CELLFOOD – MANY PEOPLE IN THE LAST STAGES OF CANCER, EVEN METASIZED HAVE LIVED. PURE OXYGEN. A SMALL BOOK OF 38 PAGES IS EXPLAINED IN DEPTH, WRITTEN BY A CHRISTIAN DOCTOR DR. DAVID DYER HOPE THIS IS A GREAT HELP TO YOU. This book is a very informative, insightful book that gives a compelling report on the life work of Everett L. Storey, a Physical Chemist, Microbiologist, Author, and Humanitarian, and his quest to assist humanity. Dr. Dyer’s book also contains well known knowledge and understanding of the significance of oxygen, hydrogen, essential mineral, enzymes, amino acids and electrolytes as it relates to wellness and longevity. Cellfood® is the world’s leading high-performance oxygen and hydrogen based consumer health product. For over 40 years, Cellfood® has safely provided nutritional benefits, without toxicity. The mastermind and inventor behind Cellfood is Everett Lafayette Storey, who worked on the American “Manhattan Project”. Albert Einstein called him a “Genius” and credited him with the “water splitting technology” which lead to the development of the hydrogen bomb. Because of exposure to extreme radiation, the people on the project began to die. Everett Storey himself was affected and, by the early 1950s, he had lost 30 kg in weight. So in the process of trying to save his own life Storey invented a deuterium-based product, which he called “Cell Food” or “Liquid Life” in 1956. It kept him alive for almost another 30 years even after exposure to high levels of radiation. Everett Storey spent most of his life researching Cellfood’s incredible health benefits. He died in 1984.
    Cellfood® Ingredients: contains “Aerobic” proteins, 17 amino acids, 34 enzymes, 78 major and trace elements, deuterons, electrolytes, and dissolved oxygen. Cellfood provides an unsurpassed oxygen and nutrient delivery system, and is absorbed quickly and efficiently by every cell in the body. Cellfood’s unique structure oxygenates and feeds the cells, cleaning and tuning up the body’s systems throughout the day. Cellfood is made from all-natural plant substances, and is yeast-free and gluten-free. Cellfood’s unique formulation comes in an easy to use one ounce bottle and lasts approximately 30 days at the recommended dose of 8 drops three times a day. Cellfood® works well in concert with Microwater, the best water to drink. But even if all you have is tap water, Cellfood will purify the water and energize it for optimum benefit.
    Cellfood: Aids materially in the digestive process. Assists in the cleansing of upper intestines and lower intestines, and restores normal bowel functions. Provides a steady flow of both Oxygen and Hydrogen to all parts of the body. Enables the blood stream to deliver directly to each body cell a minimum of 78 essential elements for complete, direct and quick nutrition.
    In 1985, the American Government recognized Everett Storey’s amazing work and his product, “Cellfood” and passed the “Deuterium Freedom Act of 1985.” Under the section 2(b) in the Act, line 25 states: “Because of Deuterium’s facility to speed up the digestive process, it will aid in patients getting ‘more mileage’ out of the food they consume; and at the same time, reduce the toxicity in the blood stream. Deutrosulfazyme is a systemic normalizer. No wonder it is called ‘LIQUID LIFE’ as well as ‘CELLFOOD.'”
    Cellfood received this award because of the two persuasive reasons:
    It can produce both nascent Oxygen and Hydrogen inside the body, resulting in the simultaneous cleansing and building of body cells and tissues.
    It can hold 78 elements, trace minerals and minerals in liquid colloidal suspension.
    In same year, the Japanese Ministry of Health approved the sale of Cellfood as a nutritional supplement. Japan tested effect on vitality levels, and its ability to deal with disease conditions, e.g. cancer. For this purpose, they used the Magnetic Resonance Analyzer (an analyzing machine, developed in U.S.A. for measuring frequencies and wave motion) to diagnose the physical and mental conditions of patients.

    Mr. Kohei Fukuda reported: “We tested Cellfood with the Magnetic Resonance Analyzer (M.R.A.), and obtained results which are unbelievable. According to the results, Cellfood is an incredibly good product. The M.R.A. measures up to a limit of +20. Some of the readings for Cellfood exceeded this limit, which is incredible.”

    Remember that Cellfood is not a medicine. Cellfood achieves results by providing the body with all the building blocks that the body needs, in order for it to function more effectively.
    Cellfood Ionic Trace Minerals

    Actinium
    Antimony
    Argon
    Astatine
    Barium
    Beryllium
    Bismuth
    Boron
    Bromine
    Calcium
    Carbon
    Cerium
    Cesium
    Chromium
    Cobalt
    Copper
    Dysprosium
    Erbium
    Europium
    Fluorine
    Gadolinium
    Gallium
    Gold
    Hafnium
    Helium
    Holmium
    Hydrogen Indium
    Iodine
    Iridium
    Iron
    Krypton
    Lanthanum
    Lithium
    Lutetium
    Magnesium
    Manganese
    Molybdenum
    Neodymium
    Neon
    Nickel
    Niobium
    Nitrogen
    Osmium
    Oxygen
    Palladium
    Phosphorus
    Platinum
    Polonium
    Potassium
    Praseodymium
    Promethium
    Rhenium
    Rhodium
    Rubidium Ruthenium
    Samarium
    Scandium
    Selenium
    Silica
    Silicon
    Silver
    Sodium
    Sulphur
    Tantalum
    Technetium
    Tellurium
    Terbium
    Thallium
    Thorium
    Tin
    Titanium
    Tungsten
    Vanadium
    Xenon
    Ytterbium
    Zinc
    Zirconium

    Cellfood Major Minerals

    Chelated Calcium and Magnesium

    Cellfood Aminio Acids

    Alanine
    Arginine
    Aspartic Acid
    Cystine
    Glutamic Acid
    Glycine
    Histidine
    Isoleucine
    Lysine
    Methionine
    Phenylalanine
    Proline
    Serine
    Threonine
    Tryptophan
    Tyrosine
    Valine

    The superiority of Cellfood® as a trace mineral/electrolyte supplement
    As excerpted from a report by Dr. Richard Weber, O.M.D., Ph.D., P.M., N.M.D., H.M.D.,Dipl. (NCAA) (ND)(HOM)(FIACA)— July 16,1996
    “…..the most important task we have is to reduce our neuro resistance and increase the speed (velocity) with which these nerve impulses tell our bodies what to do. The best way to accomplish this is to increase our trace minerals and electrolytes. Here is the result of a recent electrical conductivity test comparing a group of mineral/electrolyte products; the goal was to activate a 50cc reverse osmosis water activated circuit.
    Cellfood® – 1 drop activated the 50 cc reverse osmosis circuit;
    OFLAqua Charge – 35 drops activated the circuit;
    OFL ColloidalTrace Minerals – 45 drops activated the circuit;
    Dr. Joel Wallach Ultimate Mineral – 60 drops activated the circuit;
    The Real Willard Water – 90 drops activated the circuit;
    New Visions Essential Minerals – 120 drops activated the circuit;
    OFL Oxygen Solution – 163 drops activated the circuit.

  97. for the men who did wrong for what they knew was right?! let our yes be yes and or no be no..and ofcourse its at LORDS will -Amen

  98. Thank you for being who you are and were. Well done good and faithful servant. May your children and wife realize more and more the many people you have helped and have been a light to. I came looking for you after almost 10 years for some more inspiration and guidance. Thank you for answering my emails and questions in 2011 about Christianity and Anonymity for friends of mine serving in hostile nations back then. You helped protect others doing good work (non-profit volunteer in Afghanistan) by the tips and expertise you shared. Thank you, and I hope to meet you on the other side.

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