Hi Eric :-)

As a UNC Computer Science graduate, I also had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Brooks on numerous occasions. He was truly a delight to be around and a casual observer would never guess that he was in fact an intellectual giant.

Had no idea till now, three days late. How surreal is the modern web that I find out about this via SV-funded HN, rather than organically in the town that I am currently in, coming from a meeting on the campus of which I just met to discuss plans for future of health computing, from my own campus student newspaper where I worked and where I first heard of and met Fred Brooks.

Professor Brooks is really a pillar of the computer science field, and as you point out, a true Tar Heel. He contributed so much to the students, faculty, and staff at UNC.

I have nothing to say but good things about the guy. He lent me his copy of the Mythical Man Month when I was in high school. (I went to the same church as he did)

Can't help, but ask this: did Prof Brooks ever comment on progress/deadlines for the tickets he opened?

Or request more manpower...