DoubleClick Alumni Blog

Sadness yet again..

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This entry was posted on 6/22/2008 3:18 PM and is filed under clicker updates.

I got the word today, one of the best of the best who ever called themselves a "Clicker" has been tragically killed.  Steve Wolkoff, who started in support, became one of the best rich media folks ever at DoubleClick, then moved to product management.  He left DoubleClick to head to Adobe and most recently was a product manager, alongside many other ex-clickers at Freewheel. 

Steve and his girlfriend, Cindy were in a car accident, hit head-on by a drunk driver.  Steve was killed and Cindy is in critical condition.

Steve was one of the first few folks who worked on my team when I joined DoubleClick, alongside folks like Ed Chen, Eric Kirtcheff, Jason Hodge, and others.. Steve went to Albany, I went to Binghamton.  He was a nice Jewish kid, something that I liked to think we had in common.  Steve and I enjoyed many basketball sessions on the roof at 450, he had a decent jumper,  but I still remember his savvy going to left or right to the basket.. I remember him telling me he wanted to go to SF and helped facilitate that.  I thought it would be good for him, good for us, and just good for rich media.  And I don't mind saying, his wardrobe was memorable for sure..

I can't begin to think of the sadness his family and parents must be going through, a memorial site is underway, I'll post a link to that once I get it.  I was unable to find any news clippings on the accident, but will post them here too.

Steve was a nice guy, a smart guy, a funny guy, a hard working guy, and just a guy you wanted on your team.. I don't mean this as a eulogy, but I think he'd appreciate being remembered for the way he carried himself and how everyone around him just enjoyed the time they had with him.

We'll miss you Steve.. I already do.




Update: 6/23/2008: Doug, from Freewheel, was kind enough to send over a link to the news story.. not much detail, but I expect those will be forthcoming

One of the complications with losing people these days is the sudden brakes applied to their online lives, diaries, blogs, and profiles.  I keep coming back to Steve's facebook profile, it's hardly the measure of a person, but there's a somber reality that it will never be updated again, I can't jot a little remark, or send a link to some cool new web site for him..

News stories starting to include some details:

 

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    • 6/22/2008 4:47 PM Jose Tutiven wrote:
      This truly brings sadness to my heart. Steven was such a wonderful person and aside from playing basketball, I always remembered him being a great fellow clicker. My condolences and prayers go out the his family, friends and loved ones as well as to his girlfriend, Cindy and her family.
      Reply to this
      1. 6/22/2008 8:04 PM Efrain Jimenez wrote:
        This is terrible news, Steve and I enjoyed many fun times on the basketball court on the roof of 450 W.33rd. My condolences go out to Steve's family, his many friends, his girlfriend Cindy and her family, let us pray for her recovery. This is truly a great loss.
        Reply to this
    • 6/23/2008 2:40 AM deeje wrote:
      Wow. I met Steve at Adobe, and kept in touch when he moved to Freewheel. He was a great person, I am glad I got to know him, and sad that I won't see him again. My condolences to his family and loved ones, and my hopes for Cindy.
      Reply to this
    • 6/23/2008 7:58 AM Kevin Towes wrote:
      Terrible news. Steve was a great guy - I just saw him in NYC a month ago and his card is still sitting on my desk. He made his mark in the world. I knew Steve from his days here at Adobe and sit as his old desk now - Our hearts are with his family and Cindy.
      Reply to this
    • 6/23/2008 2:26 PM Stefan Richter wrote:
      I've had the pleasure of working with Steve during several pre-release programs at Adobe. While I never met him in person I feel that I knew him well. Steve was a very kind and helpful person and I feel a great loss upon hearing this terrible news. I sincerely hope that Cindy will recover and my deepest sympathies go out to Steve's family and friends.
      Reply to this
    • 6/23/2008 8:48 PM Robert Colvin wrote:
      I met Steve at max, practically his first Day @ Adobe, he was well respected in this community, every time our paths crossed he was working on something new and exciting... Our prayers are with Cindy family and friends.
      Reply to this
    • 6/24/2008 6:08 PM Mehdi Daoudi wrote:
      Where to start?
      Angry, upset, there is actually no word to describe what i feel about what happened to Steve.
      He was a very nice guy, the type of guy we all want to have as a friend.
      He was always polite, always helpful, always there to land a hand at DCLK and Adobe.
      We all loved Steve and always will.

      What a shame that his life ended so early and did not get to spread his kindness to more people.
      But maybe from up there, he will keep teaching us lessons, and guide us.

      Steve, I will miss you not being around.

      May God Bless his Soul.
      Reply to this
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