Very sad indeed. I vividly remember when Game of Life appeared in Scientific American in late 1970s, so long ago now., I set it up with ruled paper on the lounge room floor.. I played it so much !!!
Very sad indeed. I saw John Conway lecture when he visited Melbourne Uni in the late 90’s (I think). He was a very charismatic lecturer.
The last theorem in his book “On Numbers and Games” gives an insight into the humour he injected into his work. (I might not have this exactly right – I don’t have a copy in front of me right now)
Theorem: This is the last theorem in the book.
Proof: The proof is obvious
Thanks very much, David. I remember that trip of John’s and had to do some hosting and chauffeuring for him. It was one of the highlights of my fringe mathematician career. I’ve been lucky to meet and to semi-semi-work with some great mathematicians, but Conway was absolutely unique. Just a magical combination of genius and play. I told Burkard that I regarded him (Burkard) as a fifth rate Conway. Burkard’s reply: “I’m happy with the 5”.
Very sad indeed. I vividly remember when Game of Life appeared in Scientific American in late 1970s, so long ago now., I set it up with ruled paper on the lounge room floor.. I played it so much !!!
Oh no.
Marti,
Very sorry to hear this.
I am also missing the rector from my university days who has succumbed to the virus aged 79
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Brooke-Taylor.
He has made many people laugh but unfortunately the covid virus does not appear to discriminate
Steve R
Hi,
I also found this work by JC on Pi with Michael Guy who also recently moved on aged 103 in Eureka 62
Click to access eureka-62.pdf
For fans of Penrose tiling or GE Hardy it is also worth a look
Steve R
That’s such a Conwayish theorem! Thanks, Steve. I hadn’t heard of Michael Guy. I gather that it’s Michael’s father, Richard, who died recently.
Marti,
Sorry your right Michael is son of Richard whose obituary appears here
https://calgaryherald.remembering.ca/obituary/richard-guy-1078841321
Steve R
Very sad indeed. I saw John Conway lecture when he visited Melbourne Uni in the late 90’s (I think). He was a very charismatic lecturer.
The last theorem in his book “On Numbers and Games” gives an insight into the humour he injected into his work. (I might not have this exactly right – I don’t have a copy in front of me right now)
Theorem: This is the last theorem in the book.
Proof: The proof is obvious
Thanks very much, David. I remember that trip of John’s and had to do some hosting and chauffeuring for him. It was one of the highlights of my fringe mathematician career. I’ve been lucky to meet and to semi-semi-work with some great mathematicians, but Conway was absolutely unique. Just a magical combination of genius and play. I told Burkard that I regarded him (Burkard) as a fifth rate Conway. Burkard’s reply: “I’m happy with the 5”.