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Laurence Urdang Obituary

URDANG - Laurence Of Old Lyme, Connecticut, age 81, died peacefully on August 21, 2008 at Connecticut Hospice. Cherished life long companion of Irena Urdang de Tour (Saybrook Point, CT.), beloved father of Nicole S. Urdang (Buffalo, NY) and Alexandra S. Urdang (NYC and Quogue), grandfather of Madelaine Urdang Criden, Maxwell Urdang Criden and Harrison Urdang Messer, father-in-law of Irwin W. Messer. Laurence was a true Renaissance man: eminent lexicographer, Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University, linguist, wit, gourmet cook, scholar, Anglophile, and polymath. He was adept at everything in which he evinced an interest, whether it was sailing his vintage sloop, swimming from one community to the next off Fire Island, singing in his basso profundo, or playing Scrabble. His zest for life and never-ending quest for knowledge were evident to all who knew him. A prolific writer of over 200 reference books and articles, Managing Editor of the first edition of the Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Editor of the Oxford Thesaurus (affectionately dubbed Thesaurus Rex), he also created and edited Verbatim: A Language Quarterly. As a longtime member of the Dictionary Society of North America, Laurence delighted in providing a scholarship for lexicographers, and supporting their unpaid work through donations to Eurolex. His quirky sense of humor, ability to see the lighter side of almost anything, and hearty laugh will be sorely missed. Contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice (203-315-7500) or Yale-New Haven Hospital (203-688-9644).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News on Aug. 26, 2008.

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5 Entries

John Daintith

August 31, 2008

I first met Larry Urdang in 1972, when I began work as a trainee editor on the Collins English Dictionary. We kept in touch over the years. He made important contributions to lexicography and reference-book publishing, especially in the use of computerized databases. He also had a good sense of humour. I will miss him.

Martin Manser

August 29, 2008

I was a junior editor and just started with Laurence Urdang Associates in Aylesbury, Bucks., England in the late 1970s. It was a great privilege to get to knew Larry and to work with him. He was a great support and encourager. He was towering figure in the world of lexicography and will be greatly missed.

Della Summers

August 29, 2008

I knew Larry in the late 60s and 70s, when his reputation as the Managing Editor of the Random House Dictionary went before him. He made a great contribution to lexicography and was a true pioneer in the early computerization of dictionaries. He was also a great character. I'm sad to hear of his death.

Patrick Hanks

August 28, 2008

I was very sad to learn of Larry's death. I worked closely with him for nine years in the 1970s and learned so much from him. He was a man of tremendous intelligence, vision, energy, generosity, style, elegance, and wit -- especially in matters lexicographical. He made a splendid contribution.

Clifford Johnson

August 24, 2008

Larry will be remembered for his brilliant wit and challanging conversation.

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