Thomas Eugene Kurtz

I wish I would have sent this note to Mr Kurtz before he passed away. I would have thanked him for his efforts in making the Basic computer language and the time sharing system. These inventions were instrumental for me in starting a career in the computer field. I was a sophomore at the University of Toledo in the fall of 1968. I had no understanding of what I would do career wise. But by God's grace I took a Basic language programming class that fall using a time sharing system and...

I don't know him personally, but a whole generation of my friends and I, born in the 70s in Pakistan, got into computing, became engineers and lifted ourselves and our families economically, thanks to BASIC. His impact will be felt for generations. May he rest in peace.

I fondly remember Tom and his family when I was just starting my college career at Dartmouth. I would sometimes babysit his kids, Danny, Timmy and Beth, and he would have me visit his home at other times. A touch of family life was wonderful when a college freshman was away from his home for the first time. Tom became the boss who was always there to help when I had problem. Later he became my advisor for my senior thesis. He worked hard with John Kemeny to make computers accessible for...

I had the privilege of serving on the ANSI BASIC committee with Tom. He was not only its inventor but a wonderful, most likable chairman for the committee. My deepest condolences to his family.

Tom, whom I met on a tour of the Kiewit Center, and his wonderful wife Aggie, who beat me at tennis, made indelible contributions to Dartmouth and far beyond. My huge personal condolences to Aggie and the entire extended family.

Tom Kurtz became my faculty advisor when I arrived as a Freshman at Dartmouth in 1966. Although a mathematician and computing innovator, he was absolutely instrumental and his advice essential in helping me lay a foundation for a career in the performing arts! While a graduate student at Yale Drama School in 1972, I helped pay my tuition by teaching a computing course at the School of Architecture as an adjunct Professor. Thank you, Tom, for all you gave to your students and to the world. ...

I am so sorry Aggie. My thoughts are with you.

Mr. Kurtz´s work as the co-inventor of basic had far reaching affects in the world of computer science. Such an amazing mind that made major contributions with computers early on. Sincere sympathies to the Kurtz family, May God be with you all in your time of loss.