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The warning we always get from our local news channels came true for a acquaintance of mine today. I got word from the daughter of this acquaintance that he passed away today, suffering a critical heart attack while shoveling snow in his driveway.

He was about 3 years older than me, but I’ve known him for maybe 10 years. I didn’t see him often, maybe once a year if lucky at a conference, but we were both presidents of our local organizations at the same time, so there was a period where I saw him at least 3 times a year. But he was one of those guys who was always willing to share information, and on an organizational list serve he was a willing and regular participant.

Unfortunately, he was also heavier than me, and out of shape, and snow is much heavier than many people believe it to be. It gets a lot of people each year, as many folks get out there without any real preparation for it, and that’s all it takes.

I don’t want to hear of anyone else falling to this. If you must shovel snow, don’t lift too much, and don’t shovel for too long. I wish this upon no one.