Randy Pausch Dies Today of Pancreatic Cancer
July 25th, 2008 | by Debra Oakland |
Randy Pausch was 47 years young. His courageous passing will be felt by people across the world. What an amazing man, what an amazing family. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, being told he had 3 to 6 months to live. He made every day count.
Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture at Carnegie Mellon University is legendary - worldwide. The video of The Last Lecture has been viewed by over 10 million people, and translated into 7 languages. This year after appearing on Oprah, Diane Sawyer, and many other interviews, a best selling book “The Last Lecture”, testifying before Congress in regards to Pancreatic Cancer, Randy has passed leaving us all feeling so blessed to have witnessed such Courage and Love.
In the news from The University of Virginia was a quote by Gabe Robins, professor of computer science at U.Va., has described Pausch as the perfect mentor - a combination of Yoda, Captain James T.Kirk, and Jim Carrey.
Randy was such an inspiration to me as a young faculty member and he became a good friend over the years,” said Robins. “The media portrayed this man exactly as he was — bright, honest and sincere. I feel lucky to count him among my friends and mentors. It is very rare to find a person that combines greatness, grace, and courage the way Randy does. I’m so glad that, through his lecture videos and recent book, the rest of the world got to know him too. Randy’s legacy will continue to inspire people for a long, long time to come.
Living in Courage sends love and condolences to Randy’s family - Jai, Dylan, Logan and Chloe.
I would like to thank everyone who left comments over the months here at Living in Courage for Randy and his family and those who continue to do so. We all hold a very special place in our hearts for a very courageous man and his wonderful family.
Tags: Carnegie Mellon University, Courage, Courageous, Gabe Robins, Living in Courage, Living in Courage Online, pancreatic cancer, Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture, University of Virginia
8 Responses to “Randy Pausch Dies Today of Pancreatic Cancer”
By Jeanne Viers on Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
As I sit here and cry, I remember a man who gave us all a legacy of love, forgiveness, and going for all that life has to offer. He has left the greatest legacy for his children. They will be able to watch his lecture, hear his voice, read his words and feel his love and will know that he loved them so much that he left them life lessons to learn by. I want to give my condolences to his family, his wife and his beautiful children, I wish you all love and peace in your time of sorrow. Goodbye Randy, may you enjoy this next adventure of eternal life and love and painfree while you watch over your family. They have the best guardian angel of all. God Bless you and your family, you will be missed.
By Lennie on Jul 26, 2008 | Reply
This is sad. I followed Randy’s progress along with you. He’s completed his eye opening courageous journey with amazing giving and dignity.
That being said, I still find his passing sad. God Speed Randy Pausch!
Lennie Appelquist
By Nicole Mckinney on Jul 27, 2008 | Reply
Hi Deb,
That was a magnificent tribute to Randy and his family. I loved sharing our respect and admiration of his courage with you! He will continue to remind us to always use our courage no matter what lays before us, so we can live our best lives just as he did.
Love you always, Nicole
By veronica herrera on Jul 29, 2008 | Reply
To say I am touched and inspired is an understatement. I am honored to have been touched and “tutored” by Randy. What a selfless man.
Godspeed.
Veronica Herrera, 45, Colorado
By veronica herrera on Jul 29, 2008 | Reply
To say I am touched and inspired is an understatement. I am honored to have “gotten it”, and “tutored” by Randy. What a selfless man.
Godspeed. What a legacy!
Blessings to Jai and the children.
Veronica Herrera, 45, Colorado
By tish on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply
I too like many of us who set eyes and ears on this wonderful man went to the internet to find out more about him (Dr. Randy Pausch). I cried a tear for a man whom I never known and will now never meet (in a lecture). I lost my mother to cancer and she too was given 3 months to live yet lived 14 glorious months with us. She too was strong and relentless to give up on life’s simple pleasures and she didn’t let us give up either. I wanted her to cry, yell and say why me!! She said you deal with what God has given you and you just live—you live life with the ones you love, there are no secrets there are no brownie points there are no verdicts, you live the best way you can and you teach your children to be good people. She also said nothing in life is easy everything that matters takes work. I was bitter for a long time up until I had my daughter. Children change your outlook in life. I understand my mother teachings. This man has reacquainted me with what matters.
By Zach Katkin on Aug 1, 2008 | Reply
Randy’s lectures were amazing. He will be missed.
A close relative of mine was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We are organizing a major 24hour blog-o-thon to raise awareness of cancer (particularly pancreatic cancer) and raise money for research. We are trying to enlist the help of any bloggers that would like to participate. If you’d like to help out or find out more please let me know. Our site is: http://www.atilus.com/cancer
By Dorset on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
Keep up the good work.