My great sympathy to the family and friends at the passing of Ekkehard Schwarz. I cannot count how many years I have seen and talked with Ekkehard at conferences.  Always a smile on his face.  The last DGIQ West June 2024 we were supposed to have dinner together the last day after the seminars, but he had to leave the conference early so it did not work out. I am sad to have missed that opportunity. I appreciate his long time dedication to our data community. He will be missed!

- Danette McGilvray 

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Ekki was a true and strong believer in the lord Jesus Christ. Now he see his saviour face to face. We spent few years from 1976 upto 1981in the EC in Ettlingen near to Karlsruhe city. Ekki was always very engaged for his believe and the holy bible. He likes sports and music. I wish his wife and son gods comfort and presence in this hard and painful time. See you soon Ekki🙏

- Bernd Walter

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A wonderful person and a great professional, he did everything he could to find someone who wanted to develop the Data Management Summit in Germany - he told me “if I were 10 years younger I would do it myself without a doubt”. I will miss you, my friend.
- Michele Lurillo

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I have just read today that Ekkehard has passed away unexpectedly and surprisingly for me, and I write these lines affected by the deep sadness of his absence. I had the privilege of meeting Ekkehard while I was collaborating on the working group for the elaboration of the new bylaws of DAMA International, after an invitation I received from Peter Aiken. Ekkehard was a kind, gentle and generous person, who knew how to integrate the members of the working group above the cultural and linguistic barriers to carry out work of excellence. His vision of the future of DAMA International as the reference institution in data management worldwide, inspired all those who collaborated with him. My condolences go to his family and friends. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace, Ekkehard​

- Francisco Guinez

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I had the pleasure of working with Ekkehard at DAMA International for the last few years. He was passionate about his work and was willing to go the extra mile to ensure accuracy and quality in his work. I appreciated his willingness to listen and include different thoughts and ideas. I will miss him and know that his contributions to the data management field will be long lasting. I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as they grieve.
- Christine Ruddy

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My deep condolences to all of you. Carlos Barbieri, CDMP from Brazil
- Carlos Barbieri

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I am very saddened and shocked to hear about Ekkehard’s passing. I only had the chance to know him for a couple of years, having first met him at a Dataversity conference about two years ago. I truly enjoyed our conversations. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to really get to know him better, nevertheless I will remember him as a warm person. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the DAMA community during this difficult time.
- Mathias Vercauteren

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I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Ekkehard was one of the kindest and friendliest people in the data management industry and he will be missed dearly. My sincere condolences to all of his friends and family. May his memory forever be a blessing!
- Bob Seiner

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I first met Ekkehard 3 years ago when I joined the DAMA International Board. A more passionate advocate for our global community you will not find. I will miss our robust discussions in person and online, and our walks together in the evenings at conferences where we talked about big ideas and the meaning of our work in Data for the benefit of humanity. We have experienced a deep loss and my most sincere condolences goes out to his family and friends. Our community has been made better through his significant contribution. You will be deeply missed. Vale Ekkehard
- Andrew Andrews Adelaide, Australia

 

Ekkehard was truly one of the kindest, intelligent colleagues I have had the pleasure to work with. He was passionate about what he believed in and worked towards. Sometimes we didn't agree about approach, but he was one of those rare colleagues you meet that you can trust and walk away with a different point of view. His committement to DAMA for so many years is an inspiration to all of us. Ekkehard had a clever wit about him Our hearts ache for our loss, but especially for you his family. 'Ruhe in Frieden Mein Freund.' ( He gently teased me about my german skills which are evolving, but always encouraged me as well). Peace to all of you.
- Dawn Michels

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My heartfelt condolences. A true friend has left us. We founded the German chapter of DAMA with him 30 years ago and kept it alive together as chairor co-chair even in difficult times. It was a real blessing to have such a friend and genuine person at our side. A real person, which is very rare today. Your spirit, my friend, will stay with us!

- Bernhard Thalheim

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My friend and colleague Ekkehard Schwarz is gone. I worked closely with Ekkehard for more than 30 years. His unwavering devotion to the data management community left his legacy as one of the most fruitful contributors to the community and to DAMA International. His passion for increasing the value of DAMA I individual memberships will leave a lasting mark on our organization. I miss you my friend!

- Peter Aiken

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I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Ekkehard. He was a very humble and kind man. He always supported our ideas and helped us establishing successful Stammtisch meet-up group in Munich. I will remember him as someone who saw something in me and contributed towards the person I am today. He will be remembered fondly!

Ich bin zutiefst betrübt über das plötzliche Ableben von Ekkehard. Er war ein sehr bescheidener und freundlicher Mann. Er hat unsere Ideen immer unterstützt und uns geholfen, einen erfolgreichen Stammtisch in München aufzubauen. Ich werde ihn als jemanden in Erinnerung behalten, der etwas in mir sah und zu der Person beitrug, die ich heute bin. Ich werde ihn in guter Erinnerung behalten!

- Shruti Sharma

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Es gibt Nachrichten, die alles Andere in den Hintergrund drängen. Mein tief empfundenes Beileid an die Hinterbliebenen. Mir wird Ekkehard fehlen, als Mensch, als geschätzter Kollege, als rühriger DAMAist. Ruhe in Frieden!​

- Günter Penzenauer

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For the past three years, I have collaborated with Ekkehard multiple times as a member of the DAMA-I Board. His tenacity in advocating for his proposals and his determination to make them a reality have greatly inspired me. His vision for supporting DAMA Member Chapters and Individual Members has become a legacy that we must uphold. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
- Marilu Lopez

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I have had great conversations with Ekkehard over the years. I found his perspectives on data enlightening and his experiences invaluable. He will be missed.

- Steve Hoberman

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Deeply saddened by the passing of Ekkehard Schwarz. His passion, selflessness, and dedication to furthering DAMA International and the Data Management community were truly inspiring. He was a great asset to our field, and his contributions will have a lasting impact. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. Heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning this loss. Thoughts and prayers for his family during this difficult time.
- Peter Vennel

 

As DAMA-I's outside counsel. I had the pleasure of working with Ekkehard on the bylaws revision and many other governance issues and was always amazed by his ability to put the issues we were dealing with into good, clear visuals that made it easy to follow and understand. He was a person of great intellect and passion. His contributions to DAMA-I's continued growth and maturation as an organization will pay dividends for many years to come, particularly as his dream of One Person One Vote becomes real for Individual Professional Members next year with the first elections in which they will participate! Sending deepest sympathies to all his friends and family and long-time and new professional colleagues who will feel his absence in the days and years ahead. May we all find peace.
- Claire Gastanaga

 

I never had the chance to meet Ekkard face-to-face, but I recall his kindness during our interactions. My love and support go out to his immediate family. ​ 
- Monica Bellini