UPDATE (12/10/07): I am extremely sorry to report the passing of Marc Orchant yesterday. Marc was a friend and inspiration to so many people. How is it he could make anyone he talked to feel like the most important person in the world? What a smile, what an upbeat person! I will really miss him. My sincere condolences to Sue and the family. When I try to understand this, I’m reminded of what Joe Gibbs said recently when he learned of the passing of Sean Taylor: “The way I’m going to deal with it is, God tells us that it will take a thousand years for us to begin to understand heaven.” Rest in peace, brother.

UPDATE (12/9/07): Oliver Starr (who, by the way, is no longer affiliated with Blognation) is regularly posting updates on Marc Orchant’s condition. The family is getting an enormous outpouring of well wishes and support, which just shows what an impact Marc has had on so many people. Keep praying.

ORIGINAL POST (12/3/07): (Note: photo is from a group shot I took at DEMOfall, September 2007.) I was really floored this afternoon to learn, via my Twin Cities buddy Steve Borsch, that our close friend Marc Orchant suffered a massive coronary yesterday. Marcorchant2
Horrible, totally unexpected news. Steve told me it was reported earlier today by Oliver Starr, Marc’s blogging colleague at Blognation, via this post. According to Oliver, Marc is in critical condition at a hospital in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Marc is one of my closest and best blogger friends, and just a great, great guy. He’s been a real inspiration to me, and one of the most helpful, positive, fun-loving guys you could ever want to know. I pray for his recovery, and I send my best to his wife, Sue, and the kids.  He’s too young for this!  Marc, we love you and we need you back, buddy!