Linux business pioneer dies in home accident

The Australian Linux community has been rocked by the sudden death of Linux and free software businessman Anthony Rumble in an apparent home accident.

Rumble, a Linux user since its earliest days, turned his hobby into a profession with the Linux product and services store Everything Linux.

He also worked as an independent Linux and open source software consultant to local businesses.

In an announcement to the Sydney Linux Users Group (SLUG) e-mail list Rumble's friend Grant Parnell said he died as a result of a home accident on Friday, May 8.

Parnell had been out for dinner with Rumble on the Friday evening before parting company at about 9:30 p.m.

"We believe he took a shower and slipped and hit his head resulting in a quick death but we're still waiting on the word from the coroner," Parnell wrote.

Rumble is survived by his 8-year-old daughter Abigail.

Parnell is still uncertain when a memorial service will be held for Rumble, but "all will be welcome and we guess it'll be some time after May 18."

"Anthony has made a huge contribution to the Sydney Linux community and Linux in general in terms of promoting it to businesses and hobbyists through both the store, the Web site and for many years before, through SLUG," he said. "Indeed he was involved with SLUG from it's humble beginning."

Linux and open source software consultant Pia Waugh said Rumble's death is "terrible news" and he has been "part of this community for many years, and an active contributor".