Martin Gardner, mathematics and science writer, dies at 95 in Oklahoma

Source: Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — Prolific mathematics and science writer Martin Gardner, known for popularizing recreational mathematics and debunking paranormal claims, has died.

James Gardner said his father died unexpectedly Saturday at Norman Regional Hospital. He was 95. He had been living at an assisted living facility in Norman.

Martin Gardner wrote features and stories for several children’s magazines in the 1950s. His creation of paper-folding puzzles led to his publication in Scientific American magazine, where he wrote his “Mathematical Games” column for 25 years.

Gardner also wrote a column for Skeptical Inquirer magazine and authored more than 50 books.


Read more: http://blog.taragana.com/science/2010/05/22/martin-gardner-mathematics-and-science-writer-dies-at-95-in-oklahoma-14223/

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A longer and more informative obit:

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-martin-gardner-20100524,0,7046902.story

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

He had a great influence on me. And yes, I did shed tears.

Scientific American was never the same after he retired.

One of his funniest articles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Neo-Laffer-Curve.svg

which were compiled from his articles in Scientific American back in the sixties, but dumped them when I moved house 20 years ago. Coincidently I nearly bought fresh copies recently - must do that now.

RIP.

A very good man.

I was just thumbing through Aha! Insight the other night. I give those puzzles to the kids at get-togethers to encourage them to think "outside of the box".

What an awesome man. His books and Scientific American and Skeptical Inquirer columns have entertained me for untold hours over my entire life.

RIP, Mr. Gardner.

He never took a math course beyond high school. He had a huge influence on me and his math column was always the first thing I read in SA back in the day.

but could never think of anything good to say.

Should have taken the chance while it was there... *sigh*

Gonna miss you, Mr. G.

Yes, Scl. Am. was never the same without him!

I was a faithful reader of his Scientific American column. He did an article (I don't remember exactly when) on the N-degrees of separation phenomenon, where you try to discover how many steps away your are from a certain person. I was working in a Los Angles area computer store at the time and I mentioned the article to a regular customer of mine. He had also read the article. I said to him "I wonder how many steps it would take me to reach Martin Gardner?" My customer smiled and said "I could introduce you to my Uncle Martin." On his next visit to the store he brought in a photo of him, as a child, sitting on Martin Gardner's lap.

I don't remember the guy's name. I wish I did. All I recall is he had some connection with that magic club in Hollywood. He once brought a really old guy into the computer store named Vernon or Verner (I think. I don't remember his last name.) who showed us a bunch of amazing close-up magic tricks. That was a hoot.

Once he printed a puzzle of mine in his column in Scientific American. Being a generous soul, he gave me full credit for that puzzle.

RIP Martin Gardner.