Randy Pausch remembered

Randy Pausch's passion for life inspired millions of people around the world, and his death yesterday at age 47 from pancreatic cancer has touched off a sense of collective grief.

As one commenter on the New York Times' Well blog wrote upon learning of Randy's passing: "It took a man who was dying to show millions how to live."

Many of us learned about Randy through Wall Street Journal reporter Jeffrey Zaslow, who chronicled the computer science professor's "last lecture" at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University in September. Randy's talk became an Internet phenomenon, and it led to a bestselling book that Jeff co-wrote with Randy, who shared his thoughts while cycling around his neighborhood -- so he wouldn't take time away from his wife, Jai, and three young children.

I wish I'd had the chance to meet this remarkable teacher, father, husband, and human being in person. But like so many others who have followed Randy Pausch's story and absorbed his message about dreaming big and living life to its fullest, I am grateful that he shared his wisdom and time with us all.

If you want to read more, check out Jeff's remembrance today and his Encore article from May, and the comments about Randy on Tara Parker-Pope's Well blog. Then go hug your partner, kids, and friends, and cherish the time you spend together.