WARWICK RICHARD de LAUNEY

WARWICK de LAUNEY Obituary

de LAUNEY, WARWICK RICHARD Oct. 1, 1958 to Nov. 8, 2010 Warwick Richard de Launey passed away on November 8, 2010, at his home at the age of 52, after a valiant five year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Ione Rummery, and sons Rohan Warwick de Launey and Merric Richard de Launey. He is also survived by his parents Neville Joseph Edward de Launey and Margaret Frances (Davis) de Launey, and his sister Michelle Boydell, brother-in-law Chris Boydell, and his nieces Emma Boydell and Bridgette Boydell. He was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer Margaret de Launey. Warwick was born October 1, 1958, in Sydney, Australia. He was educated at St. Ignatius College, Riverview, and University of Sydney where he obtained his B.Sc (Hons.) and Ph.D. Warwick then commenced his 26 year long career as a mathematician. At various times, he lived and worked in Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Annapolis / Baltimore region. He moved to the San Diego area in 1996 to join the Center for Communications Research, La Jolla. Warwick was known for his passion for Mathematics which he pursued with great determination, creativity and enjoyment. He did ground breaking research and created some beautiful mathematics. He took much joy in working with numerous colleagues from around the World. Warwick's other great passion and talent was painting and drawing, and he left a wonderful legacy of many beautiful works of art. Surfing (board riding and body surfing) was a lifelong passion as well, and he had a great love and respect for the ocean and coast. Warwick had an abiding interest in helping younger mathematicians and other people, and became a mentor for many. He had a special gift for encouraging others in all walks of life. Wanting to leave a lasting message to his sons, in 2010 he wrote a book entitled "The Unified Life: Essays to my Sons" in which he distilled the essence of the wisdom he had learned from his life. Warwick was a truly original and unique individual, and very much his own person. He developed many warm and lasting friendships. He enjoyed life by living it to the fullest. He made hard work fun and stimulating. Sincere thanks to Drs. Godfrey, Scholz and Lam, and to all Kaiser staff who helped him over the years. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. Contact the family for details.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for WARWICK de LAUNEY

7 Entries

Stephen MAXWELL

November 13, 2022

12 years since Warwick's passing, Warwick is well remembered to us as a gentle and lovely person, who must have left warm and lasting memories for many. Rest in peace Warwick, God Bless

Nick Coulthurst

November 24, 2010

I too grew up with Warwick in Sydney Australia and I have vivid and fond memories of surfing safaris, fierce table tennis competitions and wonderful discussions on the meaning of life. Warwick had an incredible mind and a warm and endearing personality. In Australia he was awarded the highest mateship award of 'being a good bloke'. I can assure his extended family that he will be remembered at all our future school re-unions & gatherings. Warwick, together with his immediate & extended family, will remain in our thoughts.

November 24, 2010

Dear Ione,
I'm very sorry for the loss of your husband and the sadness you no doubt feel and have felt for a good while now. Your husband sounds like a very loving, joyful and giving person to all. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Best,
Sharon Kelley

Stephen Maxwell

November 23, 2010

I sat next to Warwick in chemistry classes all those years ago, and pondered how he could comprehend the impossible. Warwick played great tennis, and was a good friend to all. I lost contact with Warwick after school, as we followed life's pathways, however was aware of his persuit of mathematics, and his new life in USA. I was so pleased to see Warwick again at our 30 year school reunion, but was saddened by his battle with cancer. Warwick had so much to offer to the world in such a short time. Warwick will be remembered by all his classmates from St Ignatius College Riverview. Warwick and family, you are in our hearts and in our prayers.

Karen Miller

November 20, 2010

I didn't know Warwick, however upon reading his obituary I felt a great loss for his family and friends. I wish I had known him.
Karen Miller - Oceanside

Ginger Hodges-Rodigo

November 20, 2010

Please allow me to offer my condolences over your loss. He fought the good fight that's for sure! I was quite taken with the story about his wonderful life. He will certainly be missed. I would love to read his book "The Unified Life: Essays to my Sons" I am sure that is a gift that the boys will treasure forever. I will say a special prayer for Warwick and the entire family who will be missing him so. God Bless you all!

Doug Novak

November 19, 2010

My condolences to the de Launey family. Warwick's impish grin and engaging sense of humor will be missed. I will cherish the thought provoking conversations we shared over many a cup of coffee. He spoke often of the love for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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