Chances are if you’re reading this column, you’ve encountered Marta Koloma­yets either directly as a friend or colleague or, without being aware of her role, through someone whose life she influenced. She’s another of the “golden friends I had,” whose loss I now mourn. Marta died August 16 in Kyiv.

Marta Kolomayets was one of those rare persons who truly made a difference: a journalist, administrator, mentor and inspiration to many as a lifelong activist for Ukraine. Marta loved life and, as tributes to her pour in, we also know that she loved hundreds of people who loved her in return.