Christopher Bock, or CB as many knew him, had a long tenure with Digidesign, playing a vital role in the company's early success. As long-time vice-president of sales and marketing, CB had recently been transitioning into a new role to focus on building strategic new business areas, the first of which was helping to expand Digidesign's growth in the live sound market.
"It's very difficult for us to accept that CB is no longer with us," said Dave Lebolt, Digidesign general manager. "He was a part of Digidesign from the very beginning. He was a charismatic leader and an excellent strategist, to say nothing of his musical skills as a percussionist. It's hard to convey how strongly this affects all of us because CB was so instrumental in helping to define our culture. Christopher meant so much to this place; to me, he represented much of the company's soul. He was a great friend and colleague, and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies are with CB's family and all who knew him well."
"CB was a long-time friend and business partner who was involved with Digidesign before we even named the company," states Peter Gotcher, co-founder of Digidesign. "His percussion contributions to our first product, Digidrums drum chips, played an important role in the success of the product, which ultimately provided the early funding for Digidesign. He contributed in many ways to Digidesign's success over the years. A true individual, CB was well known for his 'larger than life' personality and his many talents. I will remember CB most for the love and passion he brought to everything he did. Although we are shocked and saddened that he left us too early, he lived an incredibly rich life and had a profound impact on his many friends and colleagues."
"Christopher was a fellow musician, a good friend, and an integral part of Digidesign from well before Day One," says Evan Brooks, co-founder of Digidesign. "He was universally liked, and he will be sorely missed. In an industry that has more than its share of memorable characters, CB will always stand out for his enthusiasm and love of life, and the wonderful memories he has given those of us who have shared it with him."
CB passed away peacefully in his home on July 29, 2006, and is survived by twin 9-year-old daughters, Sophia and Natasha, and father Ray Bock. In honor of one of CB's passions, the family requests no floral arrangements, but does encourage donations in his name to his favourite charitable foundations. The first is The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) - a member-supported, non-profit organization, dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by integrating ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. Visit www.coralreefalliance.org. The second is Sharkproject - one of the largest international shark protection organizations dedicated to the protection, conservation, and research of sharks. Visit www.sharkproject.org.
Digidesign invites everyone who knew CB to visit www.digidesign.com to access CB's memorial web page, and to post personal photos and/or messages on the blog set up in CB's memory - see address below.
(Lee Baldock)
