In this world there are people who go through their lives in quiet, unassuming ways. These are people who do their jobs well, but without fanfare. Who hold out a helping hand without expecting special recognition.
And sometimes these people are presented to the rest of the world in a package some might consider eccentric, and because of that package, we might write them off as something less than they really are.
One of those people, Kim Meisel, used to work with us here at Battlefords Publishing. Sporting a full beard, long wild hair and an easygoing manner, he was the genius who kept all the technologically quirky components of an increasingly computerized and complex operation running smoothly. Not one of the inevitable glitches that are part and parcel of computerization was ever met with an "I don't know." If he didn't know the solution he puzzled over the problem until he solved it.
Kim worked his magic at odd and unusual hours, but was always ready to answer the call if his help was needed , even when he'd really rather have been sleeping.
Kim died on the weekend, after a brief but concerted battle with cancer. I think we all entertained the idea Kim would win and would someday return to work to lead us once again through the technological minefields to serenity. The C demon took the upper hand, however, and now we can only remember him with respect and true fondness.
We'll all remember his gentle sense of humour, his devotion to his mom, his Harley and yes, his sometimes wild and crazy lifestyle.
Our condolences to his family and his friends. He was loved here too.
