Nov 4, 1933 - Mar 30, 2018
Donald Alfred Ludwig, passed away at Peach Arch on Friday, March 30, 2018. Don was born in New York, NY, on November 14, 1933, the second of three sons.
He was predeceased by his mother Helen (Herber), his father, Daniel Ludwig of New York, NY, and his brother Gerald Ludwig (Therese) of Scotia, New York.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, and his brother Edward (Helen), of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He also is survived by two sons by his first marriage, Larry of Seattle, Washington, and Stephen George (Dana Desiree Foster), one granddaughter, Astrid Lilly Ludwig of Clearwater, BC, and seven nieces and nephews. Don had five stepchildren, their spouses, their children and extended family members all of who filled Don's life with memorable family moments.
Don and Shirley were married in Vancouver on Dec. 17, 1986. They lived in Vancouver for many years while they both worked at UBC. Don was an accomplished cello player with the local White Rock Orchestra and also with the Abbotsford Orchestra. After retirement, Don and Shirley moved to South Surrey and formed close friendships in their local community. Don volunteered his time with the Peach Arch Hospice Society.
Don was a husband, father and grandfather, an accomplished mathematician, scholar, musician and a skilled outdoorsman. He loved reading and spending time with family. Don has many relatives in the eastern US and friends around the world.
Don's academic achievements are remarkable. Don skipped a full 3 years of school as a young man, after high school he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music, as well as a MS and PhD in Mathematics from New York University. He authored many publications from 1960-2005. Don was an instructor at Princeton University, Associate Professor and Professor of Mathematics at NYU, Professor of Mathematics and Zoology at UBC. Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Zoology at UBC. He was honored by a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1970, was a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and fellow of AAS, Foreign member of American Academy of Arts and Science.
These are just a few of his lifetime accomplishments: he was truly gifted and well regarded in his field of studies. Don's love of the wilderness and an outdoor lifestyle played an important role in his life. In the latter years, living in South Surrey, a walk on the beach, followed by a strenuous uphill trek on Oxford Street was part of his daily routine. Don was blessed not only with great intelligence, but with modesty, a wonderful sense of humor, warmth and kindness. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.
The family would like to thank the staff at Peace Arch Hospital for their gentle care and kindness. In lieu of flowers donations to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Celebration of Life - Saturday June 2, 2018 @ 1:00 pm
Victory Memorial Funeral Centre
14831 - 28th Avenue, Surrey, BC V4P 1P3