colossal mind and a wonderful spirit
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, founder of the world wide web, was one of the first to respond to news of his death, saying on Twitter: “We have lost a colossal mind and a wonderful spirit”.
The BBC said “Stephen Hawking was a living symbol of scientific endeavour”. On the BBC Radio 4 programme Today, John Humphreys said “the man who could not utter a syllable was a brilliant communicator”.
Professor Brian Cox said “there are at least three areas of his work that will be remembered as long as there are cosmologists”.
Hawking’s children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.
“He once said: ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’ We will miss him for ever.”
R.I.P Stephen Hawking
