Kenneth Iverson, creator of APL and J, recently died. I didn't see it
in the main stream press, but caught it on the J forum site. I was
very fortunate to program primarily in APL for 2 years at Xerox in the
early 70's. What a guy! He won the Turing award in the late '70s.
> Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 09:44:37 -0400
> From: Eric Iverson <
[hidden email]>
> Subject: Dr. Kenneth E. Iverson
>
> Ken Iverson passed away Tuesday evening, October 19th at the age of
> 83. Ken was
> at his computer Saturday afternoon working on a new J lab when he had
> a stroke.
> Three days later he died quietly with his wife Jean by his side, along
> with
> other family members. Ken had a wonderful and memorable life. He
> enjoyed it
> fully and he freely shared his joy with so many others.
>
> Many people have contributed to the start, growth, and evolution of J.
> But Ken's
> role was central and inspirational. J exists because of Ken and we
> will always
> remember that.
>
> The J Forum was a particular joy for Ken. He was an avid reader and
> was amazed
> and pleased with the civility.
>
> In his last days Ken expressed confidence that the J seeds he had
> planted had
> taken root and was satisfied that the steady and healthy growth would
> continue.
> Ken has passed a torch and it is now up to us.
>
> Ken's immediate family is having a private memorial service. In lieu
> of flowers,
> please make a memorial donation to the charity of your choosing or to
> the
> Academy of Life Long Learning (www.allto.ca). Ken's life was based on
> the
> importance of education and teaching and in recent years, with Jean's
> serious
> involvement, the Academy was an important part of Ken's wider life
> outside of J.
>
> /Eric Iverson
For folks who didn't know him:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_E._IversonOwen
Locked
