Randy Pausch: 1960-2008

Randy Pausch, the now famous author of The Last Lecture (and the subject and, in many ways, inspiration of my first blog entry here) died this morning after a long but valiant fight against cancer.

Dr. Pausch first gained prominence after delivering a speech that became known as "The Last Lecture" in September of last year. The speech became a YouTube/internet phenomenon, and before long, Pausch was appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Primetime Live, and elsewhere. The incredible attention and appreciation that were given to his speech led him to write the book, which quickly became a best-seller.

This brief video from The Wall Street Journal tells the story well. (Journal reporter Jeff Zaslow co-wrote The Last Lecture with Pausch):


Randy Pausch is survived by his wife, Jai, and three children: Dylan, Logan, and Chloe -- all, sadly, below the age of 7. Fortunately for them, their father's legacy and life lessons will live on for a long time to come, not only for them, but for the many others that Pausch inspired.

Lastly, I'll leave you with Randy Pausch in his own words. Here, in its entirety, is his remarkable "Last Lecture":