In Memory of the Great Martin Gardner - An American Science Fiction Writer

For many of the world's scientists, the death of Martin Gardner -- dead on May 22 at the ripe old age of 95, was quite a blow. He was a beloved father and a, moreover, father figure to many of the world's emerging scientists.

A lover of games, Martin Gardner was responsible for a monthly piece in Scientific American - the famous journal long loved by both children and mathematics connoisseurs alike. In his column, he made science and math fun, astounding his readers with perplexing puzzles and games that challenged all of our imaginations. But aside from this, perhaps the most amazing thing about Martin's life is the fact that he had absolutely utterly no mathematical formal education whatsoever.

Truly an astounding accomplishment since, mathematical puzzles have long been traditionally associated with those who are actual practitioners of it. But Martin was just the sort of person who loved the curiosities of the universe. Even near his death, he was still doing magic tricks. Aside from his endeavors into the mind bending world of mathematical puzzles, Martin was also quite vocal on what he considered pseudo-science. He maintained his fascination with religion and metaphysics throughout his live.

Martin was a warm soul and quite a fascinating man who will be missed. Many a mathematician and physicist, especially those who at one time subscribed to Scientific American, indeed owe much of the early inspiration of their careers to this man. He is missed but, through his life, one can honestly say that the torch of science shines a lot brighter.