Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch obituary

Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 25, 2008.
Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, died Friday. He was 47. Visit Carnegie-Mellon University's remembrance to Dr. Pausch: http://www.cmu.edu/index.shtml. Pausch died at his home in Virginia, university spokeswoman Anne Watzman said. Pausch and his family moved there last fall to be closer to his wife's relatives. Pausch was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer in September 2006. His popular last lecture at Carnegie Mellon in September 2007 garnered international attention and was viewed by millions on the Internet. In it, Pausch celebrated living the life he had always dreamed of instead of concentrating on impending death. "The lecture was for my kids, but if others are finding value in it, that is wonderful," Pausch wrote on his Web site. "But rest assured; I'm hardly unique." The book "The Last Lecture," written with Jeffrey Zaslow, leaped to the top of the nonfiction best-seller lists after its publication in April and remains there this week. Pausch said he dictated the book to Zaslow, a Wall Street Journal writer, by cell phone. The book deal was reported to be worth more than $6 million. At Carnegie Mellon, he was a professor of computer science, human-computer interaction and design, and was recognized as a pioneer of virtual reality research. On campus, he became known for his flamboyance and showmanship as a teacher and mentor. The speech last fall was part of a series Carnegie Mellon called "The Last Lecture," where professors were asked to think about what matters to them most and give a hypothetical final talk. The name of the lecture series was changed to "Journeys" before Pausch spoke, something he joked about in his lecture. "I thought, damn, I finally nailed the venue and they renamed it," he said. He told the packed auditorium he fulfilled almost all his childhood dreams--being in zero gravity, writing an article in the World Book Encyclopedia and working with the Walt Disney Co. The one that eluded him? Playing in the National Football League. "If I don't seem as depressed or morose as I should be, sorry to disappoint you," Pausch said. He then joked about his quirky hobby of winning stuffed animals at amusement parks--another of his childhood dreams--and how his mother introduced him to people to keep him humble: "This is my son, he's a doctor, but not the kind that helps people." Pausch said he was embarrassed and flattered by the popularity of his message. Millions viewed the complete or abridged version of the lecture, titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," online. Pausch lobbied Congress for more federal funding for pancreatic cancer research and appeared on "Oprah" and other TV shows. In what he called "a truly magical experience," he was even invited to appear as an extra in the new "Star Trek" movie. He had one line of dialogue, got to keep his costume and donated his $217.06 paycheck to charity. Pausch blogged regularly about his medical treatment. On Feb. 15, exactly six months after he was told he had three to six months of healthy living left, Pausch posted a photo of himself to show he was "still alive & healthy." "I rode my bike today; the cumulative effects of the chemotherapy are hurting my stamina some, but I bet I can still run a quarter mile faster than most Americans," he wrote. Pausch gave one more lecture after his Carnegie Mellon appearance--in November at the University of Virginia, where he had taught from 1988 to 1997. Pausch often emphasized the need to have fun. "I mean I don't know how to not have fun. I'm dying and I'm having fun. And I'm going to keep having fun every day I have left. Because there's no other way to play it," he said in his Carnegie Mellon lecture. "You just have to decide if you're a Tigger or an Eeyore. I think I'm clear where I stand on the great Tigger/Eeyore debate. Never lose the childlike wonder. It's just too important. It's what drives us." Born in 1960, Pausch received his bachelor's degree in computer science from Brown University and his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon. He co-founded Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center, a master's program for bringing artists and engineers together. The university named a footbridge in his honor. He also created an animation-based teaching program for high school and college students to have fun while learning computer programming. In February, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences in California announced the creation of the Dr. Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund for university students who pursue careers in game design, development and production. He and his wife, Jai, had three children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe. _________ Related Links for Randy: Carnegie Mellon Remembrance page Randy's Last Lecture Carnegie Mellon website Graduation Speech at Carnegie Mellon Randy's testimony to the Labor, Health and Human Service Group Randy on Good Morning America Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PSA with Dr. Randy Pausch ABC News 'Person of the Week' Time interview with Randy Randy's Last Lecture Part 2 Randy's Last Lecture Part 3 Randy's Last Lecture Part 4 Randy's Last Lecture Part 5

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May 12, 2009

Mary Carll posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Jen posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2008

karen k posted to the memorial.

Mary Carll

May 12, 2009

What a truly inspirational Man, he will now be in Heaven watching over his beautiful wife and children. My prayers are with you.

karen k

August 3, 2008

soooo sorry to hear of your passing....may you rest in peace.... I know that you are watching your children for some really groovey place in heaven

Jean Cooper

July 31, 2008

May God bless and hug you and the children in this difficult time. I hope you know that God is there holding you!

Travis Edmonson

July 30, 2008

I think Randy was an inspiration to all that he touched.
May God bless your family, Our prayers and thoughts are with your Family.

The Edmonson's

B.J. Johnson

July 28, 2008

Thank you for the inspiration. May your children share your spirit and the joy of life that you lived.

Lew-ann Parham

July 28, 2008

What a truly wonderful and inspiring legacy that Randy has left for each of us to reflect on. He not only "talked the talk," but more importantly, he "walked the walk."

Sandy Brantly

July 27, 2008

I am so sorry for the loss of a husband and father, and the loss to the world of such an incredible person.

John Anderson

July 27, 2008

Dr. Pausch even sparked interests in my wife !
He was that good.
COndolences to his family.

Ruby Donnelly

July 26, 2008

Randy was an inspiration to my family. My husband has terminal colon cancer and Randy's book has help us find focus. Blessings to his family and their beautiful memories of him bring them some comfort at this time.

Linda Daucette

July 26, 2008

Dear Jai, Thank you for sharing Randy with the world these last few months. What a wonderful memory he has left for you and his small babies and the rest of the world.. My prayers are with you and your children.
Linda

janet bowman

July 26, 2008

You've touched my heart, and it is broken today. Strength to your family along with love and remembrance. RIP, you left us too soon, but left a huge imprint behind. You give me strength. Thank you

Theresa

July 25, 2008

Although I never met him, I have followed his postings faithfully.
I pray that you will sence God's comfort during these difficult times.

John Finkbiner

July 26, 2008

My condolences to all of Randy's family. He will be deeply missed at Carnegie Mellon University by his close colleagues and students. But he will be remembered by many around the world as a role model for how we should all live our lives: that is to live life fully, to love, and to have fun each day God grants us.

Carol

July 25, 2008

I cried when I first heard the news of Randy's passing. Thank you Randy for being such an inspiration. May God bless you, Jai, your precious children, and all of your family. My prayers are with you all.

Jennifer

July 25, 2008

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Randy Pausch. His exuberance for life was an inspiration to many. My thoughts and prayers are now with his wife and small children. Randy, please rest in peace. You will certainly be missed. :(

Jen

September 5, 2008

Jai and family,

Each day thinking of you and what you are going through. May God be with you and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Deb Ward

July 29, 2008

Well played, Professor.

My sincerest sympathies to the family. May you find strength and solace in your faith and the knowledge that so many were touched by Randy's wisdom. The world is truly a better place by his being in it and I'm certain Heaven welcomed him with open arms.

Godspeed, Randy.

Glenda Romer

July 28, 2008

So sorry for your loss. Hope knowing how your family has touched my life and so many others will in time be a comfort.

Brenda Dupré

July 26, 2008

Remarkable, courageous and steadfast are words that only begin to describe someone that has touched the lives of so many. You will never be forgotten....Many blessings to your family.

Robin

July 26, 2008

My deepest condolences to the Pausch family. I saw Diane Sawyer's interview with Mr. Pausch and was so inspired! He is an amazing man. God bless all of you.

joanne spurlock

July 26, 2008

Dear Family,
We are saddened by the news and want you to know that we are praying for your comfort from God. I have given the book to my grandchildren for lifes examples and pray that they will follow it and know that life if a joy and heaven is even better. Our love to you and yours

Heather Stecher

July 26, 2008

(((((((((((((((((((Dr. Pausch))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((Mrs. Pausch and children)))))))))))))))))))))

May you and your family be surrounded by love and light.
May you feel the love that surrounds you.

Thank you for your wise word and loving heart.

With gratitude,
Heather

Xan

July 26, 2008

A very special gentleman and a very special gift. God Speed! Heartfelt condolances to his family and friends.

William Brant

July 25, 2008

I was a student at Carnegie Mellon twice from 1981 - 1989 (E '85, IA '89) and never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Pausch. I did see his interviews on television and am very very proud that he was a part of the Carnegie Mellon family. May he rest in peace and let God be with him.

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Sign Randy Pausch's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2009

Mary Carll posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Jen posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2008

karen k posted to the memorial.