Randy Pausch, rest in peace
Randy Pausch, a terminally ill professor whose farewell lecture at Carnegie Mellon University became an Internet phenomenon and best-selling book, died today, according to wire reports. He was 47.
Pausch, a computer science professor and virtual-reality pioneer, died at his home in Chesapeake, Va., of complications from pancreatic cancer, the Pittsburgh university announced. When Pausch agreed to give a theoretical "last lecture," he was participating in a long-standing academic tradition. But a month before giving the speech, Pausch received the diagnosis that would heighten the poignancy of his address.
Originally delivered last September to about 400 students and colleagues, his message about how to make the most of life has been viewed by millions on the Internet. Pausch expanded it into a best-selling book, "The Last Lecture," released in April.
Yet Pausch insisted that both the spoken and written words were designed for an audience of three -- his children, then 5, 2 and 1. "I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children," he wrote in the book.
Comments
Hard to believe it was just two months ago that Randy Pausch delivered some stirring words at Carnegie-Mellon's graduation ceremony, then swept up his wife in his arms and carried her off. He never looked or acted as if his days were numbered, although he surely understood that they were. That is true grace, in my book.
Posted by: Dahlink | July 26, 2008 5:05 PM
My initial reaction to Randy's passing was one of stunned sadness; though I knew his situation, I had hoped that he would have had just a little more time to, in his words, "build the net at the bottom of the cliff," as to soften the impact of his death on his family.
My knowledge of the man came from his writing and speaking, and such unique wisdom is rarely imparted to so vast an audience. With simple words, humor, and anecdotes, he pulled off the ultimate "head fake." In creating a legacy for his children, he taught us all with examples of simple humility and humanity, and his courage in the face of such a monstrous disease was a credit to his silent strength.
In short, he made me strive to be a better man, and to look for the brick walls to climb, and there are few who deserve such a epitaph. Today's one of the few days I'm proud to call myself a fellow Marylander.
Rest peacefully, Randy. You've done well.
Posted by: David | July 27, 2008 11:39 PM
was pausch a jew?
i found your site by googling the question
Posted by: vin north | April 25, 2010 10:53 PM