George Brinton Thomas Jr.

Allow me to pay belated respects to Professor Thomas, and condolences to his family. Like many others, I knew of him only through his calculus text, which I used for 3 semesters back in the 1970s. The book is still on my shelf, and I refer to it regularly in my engineering job. Back then when I was just struggling with homework problems, I didn't appreciate how well written it was, but thirty-five years later I actually enjoy reading it. So it's no surprise to me that his former students say...

I used Professor Thomas’ book in high school, and through the AP Exam was able to place out of first semester calculus. This set me up to take the second semester course in the fall of my freshman year at MIT. I was thrilled to discover that Professor Thomas was the instructor. He was truly an excellent teacher. Now many years later, my son is a freshman engineering student (not at MIT), and when we went to buy his calculus book, there was the latest edition of Thomas’ Calculus. It...

I just learned that Professor Thomas died last year, and as one of so many who learned their calculus from his textbook I'd like to express my thanks for having the benefit of his wonderfully clear and balanced presentation of the subject. May he rest in peace.

Kenneth (Canada/Chile)

Professor Thomas was one of the true
joys of an MIT education. I used his book in high school and managed to finish the selfpaced course in a matter of weeks my freshman year, as the material was clear and well-presented. The real gift from George was his introducing me to Yoga and meditation my first Independent Activities Period, January, 1972. A wonderful person and teacher, one for all to emulate.

He was always "Bajdah" to me. My father married Jean when I was young. My father's parents died before I was born and my mother's died when I was was fairly young, so Muzzy and Bajdah, and then Thais, were the closest to grandparents I ever had. Many of my fondest childhood memories are from Concord and Cape Cod. Bajdah was so kind, gentle, patient and loving. He will be missed.

I never met Dr. Thomas except through his Calculus book, which is how, I suspect, millions of others met him. He must have been a wonderful teacher in person! I am sorry for your loss.

About a year and a half ago, I went with my friend, Jean, (George's daughter) to visit him at Foxdale.
I was a total stranger, but he talked with me as if he had known me for sometime. I was treated to a wonderful lunch and then we went to a private room and took turns reading some scripture. That could have been a 'difficult' situation, but he and Jean made me feel very at ease. It was a pleasure! I did learn some things about the Christian Science religion that I did not know, and...

None of us will ever know the full extent to which dad's love touched the world because he tried hard to remain anonymous in his giving. His generosity of heart was born of, and sustained by, his unwavering love for God.

George always had a fascination with words and puzzles. He always liked to take words like "heart" and find a way to get back to that word changing only one letter at a time. For instance, the word "hairs" could be changed to "heirs" and then "hears" and then "heart". This is a simple example of an activity he spent hours in a joyful and thoughtful way. This activity was a symbol of his life, because every part of his life was a way to get back to the heart. And he did and touched so many...