In Memoriam: Alex Mills – A WordPress Luminary
In the vast universe of WordPress, few stars shine as brightly as Alex Mills, known to many as Viper007Bond.
A Legacy of Innovation
Alex Mills, known online as Viper007Bond, was a Portland, Oregon web developer who worked for Automattic and contributed significantly to the WordPress community. His passion for WordPress development was evident in the numerous plugins he created and maintained, including the popular Regenerate Thumbnails plugin, which has surpassed 10 million downloads.
Contributions to WordPress Core
Alex's contributions extended to the very core of WordPress itself. He was an active member of the WordPress community and contributed to the open-source blogging software. His dedication to quality and excellence helped shape WordPress into the robust and flexible platform it is today.
A Life Beyond Code
Alex was more than just a developer; he was a car enthusiast who loved his Dodge Viper and Ford Mustang. He ran the biggest fan forums for the show Top Gear and enjoyed spirited drives through the country with friends.
A Brave Battle
Tragically, Alex's life was cut short after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with leukemia. Despite his best efforts, the disease took a toll on his liver, and he chose to spend his remaining time at home with family and friends. His journey and reflections were candidly shared on his blog, where he also expressed gratitude for the support and love from the community.
Honoring a Legend
Alex's family has coordinated with OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University) to create a web page for donations in his name. The donations will go to the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, a program that provided Alex with compassionate care.
In memory of Alex, we can honor his spirit by continuing to innovate, share knowledge, and support one another in the WordPress community. His work, his passion for cars, and his kindness will never be forgotten. He has enriched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire.