Wiredrive has lost a dear friend and family member, Stephanie Ogaz
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Ogaz, our longtime friend and first employee here at Wiredrive. At 31, Stephanie was way too young.
Stephanie started with us in April 2000 as a receptionist and quickly worked her way up into Wiredrive support, programming and ultimately into one of the best Information Architects in the industry. Stephanie, or “sogaz” around the office, worked behind the scenes so not many people know how instrumental she was in Wiredrive development. She helped us understand the fine intricacies of Wiredrive and made everything feel ordered and simple. She was incredibly detail-oriented and artistic, two traits not often found together. She was heavily responsible for sculpting the Wiredrive workflow that you all use on a daily basis and is a primary reason that Wiredrive is as successful as it is today. We just always took it for granted that she’d be with us to help us do more.
Stephanie, we love you and will miss you tremendously. We all feel that we’ve lost a family member. We promise to take really good care of the plants and the animals around the office and will remember you in our daily lives, especially when it comes to the fine details.
We will miss you,
Your Wiredrive Family
“Sogaz” Links
Watch Stephanie’s movie Negative Spaces, a selection from Attack of The 50ft Reel 2004
Watch Stephanie’s movie Beans? Gross! from the Attack of the 50ft Reel 2005
Stephanie dressed up and dancing
May 7th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I am heartbroken to hear the sad news about Steph.
She is an amazing soul and was the heart of IOWA. No hyperbole. She bled IOWA colors, and was the one constant in a business full of change and evolution.
They say that you can judge a person by how animals react to them. The fact that every dog, cat, and other fuzzy critter that ever met Steph worshiped her speaks volumes about her character and demeanor. She was a kind and gentle person, and my dog Ralph, who I raised from a puppy and moved around the world, would have kicked me to the curb to spend time with Steph. He adored her.
We all did.
I miss you, Steph, and am so happy that we got to joke around one last time last week about Axium, how fat I used to be, and how good hedgehog cakes taste when they’re eaten to celebrate a bitter victory.
Love you,
Charlie
P.S. IOWA crew… you guys are in my heart and prayers. Love you guys, too. Even Funk.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
There are no words that could describe Stephanie. Sweet, kind, funny, smart and extremely thoughtful….. she is Stephanie “SOGAZ”. In the five years we worked together she was not just a co-worker, she was family to me and i considered her as a sister. We joked around, we argued about work (she always won), we picked on each other, ….I am just really lucky to have known such a wonderful unique person.
It is the belief that some things are infinite such as the universe. Stephanie’s kindness, thoughtfulness and wonderful heart will always be infinite and we will never forget you Steph.
Ashraf
May 8th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Dear Stephanie,
My last memory of you was simple and sweet. We were all hanging out in the kitchen on Cinco de Mayo, eating chips and salsa and drinking beers and margs. When everyone left, you and I were still sitting at the kitchen counter - each of us with a pile of chips and a salsa container. The only thing was that you were low on chips but had a lot of salsa. I was out of salsa but had a big pile of chips. We didn’t say much… just admired the process of balancing everything out again.
Some people only knew you as a quiet, friendly and very detail oriented thinker. Others knew you only as a powerful and amazing singer, who would keep singing long after the crowds had left. Many of us are just finding out about your stunning paintings, your fun video projects and your incredible library of books. I will cherish knowing you, Steph, and am really sad to say Goodbye.
Love,
Bill
May 8th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Stephie……You’re sitting here with me now across the table. Your eyes shine with love and excitement for life. I can’t see you, but I know that you are with me and with everyone who’s life you touched. My love, help us to feel your presence every moment in the love we give to others.. Help us to greet everyday with joy.You will give me strength every moment. We can’t see you but we feel your presence.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Dear Wiredrive’rs,
While we didn’t know Stephanie and we’re just getting to know all of you, we’re so sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to everyone at Wiredrive and Stephanie’s family.
With affection,
Jim Golden & Pete Christy
Rascal Films, Ltd
NYC
May 8th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I am so so saddened by this news. My thoughts and hugs go out to all those at Iowa, friends and family.
Stephanie- your warmth and openness allowed for me to feel close to you despite having little time together. You were always smiling, warm and gentle whenever I would visit the office or see you at an iowa function. Your gentleness seemed to neutralize anxiety.
I never wanted your Christmas arias to end as they would put me into a space of love and joy felt only through the purity of music. You were tapped into a special space and shared it with all those around you.
Despite having spent little time with you, I feel she has taught me so much about life. I am blessed for it. You will be missed.
Sarah Sewell
PS. You would have loved my dog, he’s like a bear.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
To Stephie…
I met you in 2001, while working at IOWA. You were already making your big steps in the Html world assisting Taylor. I was making my first baby steps in the field of programming websites, and I remember you as my “little mentor.” Even though we only spent one year working together, my memories of you are vivid and I remember them like yesterday.
You were so young, full of life, joyfulness and sweetness. You also were quiet, but very aware, awake and smart. Always ready to help me out and full of patience when I’d ask the same question twice. I still remember your collection of goodies and toys displayed on your desk, your fragrant hand lotion and your cute giggly smile. You had sparkly eyes, fun to chat with, great with the office doggies and the best care taker of the plants!
You were always wondering who could be the “disheartened” person to water “your” dear plants with left over coffee/ tea? Well…while you may still be wondering, you definitely managed to have them looking healthy and radiant. The love for little things and detail was in your heart.
I would usually open the office early in the morning and then you would come in with fresh aromas of toasted bread wafting throughout the office and that is how I would know you were in! I can still see you enjoying your morning toast with butter and jelly while sitting at your computer ready to start the day.
Remember the time you confessed to me about this wedding that you were attending and the need to match that particular outfit with the right shoes?…and there and then we went to that store next to the organic deli in Marina del Rey and tried on a pair of dream shoes. I told you at the time and I will say it again: yes those shoes were just perfect for you Stephie! Great choice!
Then there was my birthday celebration and of course you were among my many guests! It was a cold Saturday in January but that did not stop you, you came to dinner and then to the club! Great dancing steps we had that night and my friend Gina bought a couple of drinks for young Stephie! Yep! Those were tough times for money but I loved the fact that you were there to celebrate and make me feel special!
I haven’t seen you in a few years, but I kept track of you through Bill and I know how respected you were at IOWA - a key member to the Wiredrive development. I know that your friends and family at IOWA will miss you terribly but we will all treasure you in our hearts. Your great spirit is an inspiration to all of us.
I am so sad to see you go…You are in my memories.
Love…
Mariela
May 8th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Sogaz! Miss Stephanie, My FRIEND! I am quite fond of your PopGiggle and sparkling eyes! Somehow the words will never be enough and will never say what I really feel. The vacancy that fills my heart at the moment is almost as deafening as the silence. Yet all I can hear is your laughter and soft voice. The kindness and love of you’re precious heart has really inspired me. The patience and humility that embodied your spirit set an example for our community. I only hope to be half the listener you were and to possess a fraction of your generosity. I’m so sad that the plans we made never came to pass but I’m so thankful for the ones we shared. You showed us in so many ways how much you truly cared. Thank you for being so wonderful, so understanding, so attentive, so thoughtful, so generous, so kind, so gentle in spirit and profound in mind. You were my friend and I will miss you everyday.
PS. I fed the orchids today. I didn’t know how many ice cubes to give them so I just gave them four. It seems like a good number, I don’t know. I promise to do the best I can to keep them alive and strong!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Madam Ogaz,
I’m just not sure what to say first? But in my relationship with you that was pretty much the m.o., so I guess it is an apt beginning. Quite simply, I feel like I’ve lost my little sister. It was not just to know you, but to grow with you - and to watch you grow and feel so proud of each and every step made. While I know you’d be highly uncomfortable with all of this attention… tough luck, kid… you matter that much. Being someone who always has something to say I feel helplessly tongue-tied, and as I write this I realize how imperfect a job I am doing to express my love and sadness for you. So for that reason and because of your love of silliness I would be amiss not recount the poem of my fat dog Angus, which I know you made you laugh…
My Dog is Not Fat
My dog is not fat, says I. You ask why?
Because he Doc says he’s a stocky guy.
And though Gus does weigh more than some
He’s only 108 lbs from his head to his bum.
Which is great if you to be me
Because I have to lift his ass into the truck you see.
However instructions were given to follow,
In hopes to make Gus a bit more hollow.
So feeding him nibblies, quips, tads, and treats
is no longer permissible for Gus to eat.
So say goodbye to fatso, chunk-head, blimpy,
for this is the new Angus Tyng (though he’s still kinda wimpy)
love,
T
May 8th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
My greatest imprecation is against the reality that no more fine memories will be generated with you. Yet i have such a long list in my mind and soul (for which I am thankful). Your thoughtfulness with your siblings, concern for the greater good, and most interesting twist of humor that often lent calamity a smiling face continues to amaze me even to today.
I miss you and will continue to miss you. The Crazy gods did not make many of you.
Your ever loving dad.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I am a friend of her father’s, David the above poster, a man equally proud of all his children who all excel at whatever they do. They are truly a fine American Family Living the Dream, until now. What a horrible setback. My love goes out to you and your family David. I’m fighting back the tears. The same goes to anyone who shared Steph’s life.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Steph had a thing for hats and big flowers with bright friendly petals… like big daisies.
When we first met she drove an 80’s ford thunderbird some kind of special edition with a dozen or more amazing power seat controls. She had a painting of a fried egg. She joined me in secret heckling of those that took work a little (or much) too seriously and was the friendliest, most patient listener and friend that I knew. I left Los Angeles 7 years ago heartbroken and overwhelmed by the passing of another close friend, depression, mid life crazies and a crippling case of agoraphobia. Steph is the only person I have spoken to since.
Once or twice a year she would call me in the middle of the night and we’d talk about the silliest things and more sober things…depression medications, work, plans for the future, relationships.
Once or twice a year I would call her when my personal life was in such a chaotic or ironic state that I had to tell someone… she was the only person I would call.
She is also the person that I called when I came home piss drunk (my first week managing a wine business), had dropped my keys in the bushes in front of my house and decided to sleep there until I could find them in the morning… I only called Stephanie even though she was 800 miles away - we talked until the batteries in my phone gave out.
We talked until the batteries in our phones gave out…
I’ll still be waiting for you to call me back.
I love you so much Stephanie. This is really so difficult.
May 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am
To my Nephew Billy and Stephanie’s Family …
Our hearts go out to all of you. Stephanie seemed to be the perfect girl for you Billy. She was bright , beautiful and had a really contagious smile. My last conversation with her was at Cathy’s house in the kitchen. We were filling our glasses and giggling about you.
Words are just not adequate enough to express my sorrow for your loss… everyone’s loss.
I am sure her memories will never leave you and as time goes on your smiles will return.
With Love for Always
May 10th, 2008 at 11:48 am
God bless you, Stephanie. It was really nice to meet you. You’re such a sweet soul, full of love, light and a wonderful smile. I hold the memory of riding the blue line for the first time ever with you and Erika. Remember? We went to Long Beach, to the aquarium. We had a great time! Then we ate dinner at Islands before we took the train back up north to go to our homes.
You were so charming and nice to be around. You left our lives full of beautiful memories.
Rest in peace now with your Spirit and The Father.
With love and gratitude,
Juan
May 12th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Stephanie. Baker, singer, reader, painter, film maker, artist, friend.
A long time ago, I was searching for a place to live. I met you… checked out the apartment. You said you’d let me know. But before I left, I said, “You don’t have to choose me but whatever you do don’t choose that weird guy that was here before me.” And next thing you know, we were roomies.
More recently, I called you to find out if you wanted to go to lunch so we went to the little Thai place around the corner. They were so busy we had to wait for a table. We didn’t talk about much, but we didn’t need to. This was the last time I saw you.
Steph, you taught me so much. About being an artist, being responsible, judging people (which you never did.) You always had a balanced view.
When I moved to the desert, you were one of the only people that came out to visit… and you brought my favorite flowers because you are so considerate.
It was so much fun being your room mate. Garage sales, moving furniture around, sitting in the yard, laughing about whatever. You were so easy to live with. If there ever were any problems you can bet it was usually my fault.
I had so many plans for you! We were going to grow old together and you were going to be friends with my kids!
I just wanted to show you that all the help me you gave to me for my wacky ideas would be worth it. I haven’t done that yet and I am so sad about that. That we don’t get to jump up and down together because it worked. Thank you for supporting me and believing in me, regardless of all of my imperfections. Thank you for seeing me for who I really am.
I admired your consistency, dependability, logic, talent, intelligence, creativity. You’re perspective.
Always giving more than I can return. You are the reason I want to learn to play the guitar. Every time I play, it will be for you.
I’m just grabbing, stumbling, trying to express my loss. The profundity of which will never be realized.
You are so young and I can’t help but think that even though there is a master plan and I know you are in a peaceful place, this whole thing is a mistake. I want to rewind time.
I too am sure I have felt your presence. It reminded me of how much you smiled and how much you laughed. I think you must be laughing at all of us now! We are funny. We are.
I can feel you, hear your laughter echoing and see your thoughtful pretty brown eyes. I hope you come back to visit me again. Thank you for that.
I have a candle in front of your picture pretty lady. Thank you for your light.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
You beautiful shining lady,
That is the image of you in my mind’s eye; your smile and silly giggle. I am so happy that every thought I have of you is filled with fun and love and celebration. But it hurts to know that those are the only memories we will ever share again. I just can’t believe the last time we were together, just over a week ago, was doing Yoga and you were laughing out loud in class about Stefan’s funny attempts at poses. You were so strong and vibrant and supportive and encouraging. (But couldn’t help but laugh at my funny husband anyway!) I want to thank you for being such a great friend to my husband and puppy.
I will miss you!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Dear Stephanie,
I miss you every day. As a friend, as a co-worker, you are irreplaceable. I admired, respected and valued you more than I expressed. It’s ironic because you always envied my “glamorous” life because of all the traveling and partying that goes on in Sales. But, I in fact, envied YOU. I bet you didn’t know that.
You were the only girl in an office of like 10 guys, and we became fast friends. I felt a sisterhood with you. You always made me feel at ease.
You came to all my birthdays and even spent all day making gnocchi for my husband, Juan’s Birthday last November. It was my first attempt at Thankgiving Dinner on my own, and you spent most of the party in the kitchen with me helping. That’s just the kind of person you were, and you didn’t expect anything in return. You did it out of love.
I dragged you to the industry parties, and accompanied you to the theater on several occasions. I wanted to make more time to nurture our friendship, but I always thought I had more time. Tomorrow, we’ll go to lunch. Next weekend we’ll hang out. We’ll make plans for the summer….
I don’t take anything for granted now. Every day is another opportunity to give, to love, to learn. Your passing has been very cathartic for me.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, But in seeing with new eyes.
–Marcel Proust
I am blessed to have known you. I will never forget you. Thank you for all your love and support.
Love always,
Erika
May 21st, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Dear Stephanie,
I cannot express the sadness I feel that you will never pop-up on IM again. I keep hoping that some way, somehow you would just come back to us. You were my trustie virtual co-worker and sweet friend. I could always count on you to be at the office until odd hours, working or checking out the latest craigslist finds. How fortunate I feel that we had a chance to get to know each other and hang out. I still remember the many lunches we had at Iowa, walking to the Mexican taco truck or getting In & Out, then sitting outside to eat and talk. Then came our very first concert together, Imogen Heap, she was great, and it started a trend for us. You were my concert/movie/cultural outing/Ikea buddy. You even helped me move apartments, and attempted to fix my broken chandelier and reprogram my weird 4-channel TV. You inspired me with your handiness and made me think that maybe I too could attempt small bathroom improvement projects. I will forever cherish spending the 4th of July with you, watching oddly smoky fireworks light up the Marina del Rey sky, and our many trips to Ikea, where you would very meticulously peruse the entire store, followed by our ritual of eating hot dogs and talking. Our last movie together, Run Fatboy Run, was a good choice because it was funny and silly, so that I got to hear your infectious laugh fill the theater beside me. Thank you for the beautiful silver earrings you gave me from your trip to Spain, the wonderful Gustav Klimt book, and the many memories of times shared that I will always treasure. I hope that wherever you are you know how many people loved you and that you will be missed tremendously.
Tam
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Some links to other Stephanie things out on the web:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sogaz
http://flickr.com/photos/dragongirl/2472433082/
http://del.icio.us/freiheit/StephanieOgaz
June 29th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
On may 8th above David Ogaz, Steph’s father made an entry above. I sadly announce that Monday, June 23,2008 that David also passed away due to a brain tumor. He was a decent and honorable man who worked for me for 2 years. I am deeply saddened by this news. I cannot imagine what the Ogaz family is going through at this point.