From Jenny Kirsten

My teenage son and I happened to be at Glencairn beach the day Gary passed away. I realise in hindsight this wasn’t a ‘chance’ happening. Sometimes in life, one experiences events and people that touch you and change you on a soul-level forever. This was one of those times.

We were sitting on the beach very close to where the Marsden family were. We did not know the family at all at that stage. While my son was swimming, I noticed Gil and her dad in the sea - they were boogie-boarding like a pair of happy teenagers. Gil even did handstands in the water, and I remember thinking how beautiful it was to see people having such fun. At one point, Gil’s dad was helping her mum stand in the shallows with her walking aid, and I could see something special about these people. When Gil and her dad had finished their boogie-boarding, Gil’s mum was taking photos of them in the shallow surf, and then Gary joined in taking photos too. It was simply lovely to see a family like this.

Not long after that, Gary experienced his tragic heart attack on the beach. The events were a blur for everyone, but I want to highlight what was so incredibly amazing during that time, and how the right people were there at the right time for Gary, Gil and their family. I hope that in some way this helps everyone to know that Gary received the most incredible care, and that everything that could possibly have been done to save him, was in fact done.

The things that stood out for me:

The family called out for help, and within moments three men appeared from different directions, and started CPR on Gary. One of these was a young off-duty lifeguard (who happened to be sitting nearby), and he knew exactly what to do. The other men did too. They administered CPR unceasingly and valiantly until the medics arrived, and continued to assist the medical team thereafter. I have never seen such commitment from a group of ‘strangers’ and such determination to save a life. These guys were unbelievable. They would not give up.

Two ambulances came, plus another medical team, and an off-duty medic from Cape Medical Rescue arrived. Every individual gave 100%. The off-duty medic was exceptional in taking charge of the situation, and he calmly and professionally coordinated the efforts to try save Gary. They tried everything medically and humanly possible, under that umbrella.

Gil was the most unbelievable pillar of strength throughout everything. She remained calm and courageous, and she prayed. She even stood holding Gary’s drip at one stage. I have never witnessed such faith and courage in such a traumatic situation in my life. She is such a beautiful soul, and we so wanted things to turn out differently for her and the children.

Despite their deep shock at what was unfolding, Gil’s parents huddled together with her, and they prayed together.  The grandmother of the lifeguard who was helping with the CPR, took me aside and put her arms around me and said: ‘Come, let us pray together.’

Other folks on the beach stood back respectfully, but lovingly enquired if there was progress. There was such concern on that beach.

The whole team working on the rescue continued their efforts non-stop for over an hour… It was hot and humid, and the physical demands of performing extended CPR must have been exhausting. Yet there was such commitment to saving this special life.

When the young medic approached Gil with the very difficult task of telling her that they had done all they could, he did so with such gentleness and compassion. Gil could not have had a kinder person helping her. He introduced himself, he called her “ma’am” and even apologised to Gil for being dressed in casual clothes as he was off-duty, bless him. He said they would try for another few minutes - they in fact continued for yet a further 10 minutes. They were phenomenal.

Once the rescue efforts had been concluded, Gil gathered the entire rescue team, and those of us who were supporting her, into a large circle on the beach. Everyone linked arms and Gil bravely proceeded to thank everyone for what they had done for her husband. She looked directly at us all and asked that God’s blessing and peace be with us, and that if anyone was struggling to understand what had happened, that God would help them through it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the whole circle.

This desperately sad day was also one characterised by the most moving display of human goodness. Gil even said that there were so many angels on the beach when they were needed.

Her closing words to me as we hugged and said goodbye, were: “May God’s peace come into you and always be with you.” You gave me God’s peace that day, Gil, and it is still with me. Bless you and your family, and bless the memory of Gary.

Looking for more photos

I have posted some more photos, many from the Internet and some from his Facebook page.  PLEASE, if you have any photos, PLEASE send them to me so I can post them!  We need them for a project.

It's been such a heartbreaking time, both literally and figuratively.  Hoping all of your hearts are mending...  It's a very slow and very hard process IMHO.  So sending all hugs too...

From the Alliance for Affordable Internet team

We were very sad to hear of Gary Marsden’s passing and send our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at UCT. We worked closely with Gary in planning our events during the ICTD conference and his help was invaluable. He was such a warm and kind host and really made us feel welcome and supported in Cape Town. 

It is amazing to see all of the fond memories that people had of him and know that we have lost a great researcher, leader and inspiration in the ICT for development community. 

We will keep his family in our thoughts at this difficult time. 

The Alliance for Affordable Internet team  

From Isabel Venter

I am profoundly saddened that the South African Computer Science community has lost someone so talented as Gary Marsden and that his team at University of Cape Town (UCT) will now be without their talented mentor. Gary’s work was inspirational and I often referred to his work and his innovative approach to Interaction Design when teaching Human Computer Interaction to final year undergraduate students at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

When my daughter, Anja, was considering doing an interdisciplinary masters degree at Leiden in the Netherlands and was worried about the funding for this international degree, I suggested that she should contact Gary to find out if there were any such opportunities at UCT.  He pointed her to Marion Walton under whose able leadership she completed her masters degree in 2012 .  During her masters studies and in 2013 when she started with a PhD (with him as co-supervisor) she was so fortunate to be able to work in his research laboratory and with his guidance, contribute to some of his projects. Anja often spoke of her wonderful interaction with him and his team and she was devastated by the news of his untimely death.

I only met Gary on a few occasions at conferences and workshops – most recently at an ICT4D conference, which he so ably and successfully hosted. He was a warm and inspirational person – and I especially appreciated his inclusivity.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, Gill and his two children Holly and Jake .  His family was very dear to him and he often referred to them in his conversations with his students and colleagues.  His death is a personal loss to many - family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.  

From Matthew Kam

"All of Computer Science is a subset of Human-Computer Interaction." -- Gary Marsden

I was deeply shocked by Gary Marsden's unexpected passing during his prime. It is a huge loss for his family, his students, the University of Cape Town, and the broader ICT4D community. Gary and I crossed paths so many times throughout our professional lives. If I knew that ICTD 2013 would be the last time that many of us would get to see him, I would have put the conference on my travel plans. At this point, I deeply regret not being able to attend ICTD 2013 and meeting him for the last time. 

It seemed like yesterday when I last met Gary, which was during the CHI 2013 conference in Paris. Gary, Melissa Densmore (whom I'm excited to learn is joining the UCT faculty now that they have lost Gary) and I were sitting at a cafe at the conference convention center. Having recently recruited Gary to the advisory board for the ACM SIGCHI special interest group on Human-Computer Interaction for International Development which several of us founded, Melissa and I were picking Gary's brains on how we could take HCI4D to the next level. At the same time, Gary asked if I might be willing to step up and be a subcommittee chair for CHI 2014's papers committee. I never fail to be amazed at the breadth and depth of his perspectives, and his generosity.

I still vividly remember my first meeting with Gary, which was when I was a PhD candidate at Berkeley. We were seated at the same table close to the door, at the first HCI4D workshop at CHI 2007 in San Jose. Gary had blazed a trail with his research in ICT4D, and was the winner of the SIGCHI Social Impact Award at CHI 2007 (which was incidentally CHI's 25th anniversary, hence the significance). I went up to him during a break to introduce myself, and to tell him how thrilled I was that he had received this award. Gary brushed aside the compliment in his usual self-deprecating manner. I bet he could never have imagined that as one of the earliest ICT4D researcher, and his putting ICT4D on the "world map" at CHI through his award, he inspired a generation of younger researchers, including myself, who were passionate about technology for improving lives among the most disadvantaged but couldn't quite see what the future of our field would look like. Gary's successes (and persistence in the face of numerous failures) kept me going when what we were doing was neither mainstream, understood nor recognized at CHI.

I remember another meeting that I had with Gary two years later in 2009. It was the workshop at my alma mater Berkeley that ignited the series of ACM DEV symposiums. (At that time, I had graduated not too long ago from Berkeley and started a tenure-track professor position at Carnegie Mellon.) Gary made an insightful statement at the workshop that I continue to remember today: "All of Computer Science is a subset of Human-Computer Interaction." This was just one of the several examples of how Gary possessed the imagination to see things in a different light, to provide a fresh perspective on the so-called conventional wisdom in and about HCI. When a student subsequently asked me if HCI is a subset of Computer Science, I shared Gary's wisdom with him. 

Gary's wisdom will continue to live in our hearts and minds.

From Michael Talbot

I remember wanting to do an MSc but not really knowing what direction to do it in. Gary's work seemed interesting after our ICT4D lectures in honours so I asked to chat to him. He took me out to Nandos below campus and we chatted. I really wanted to make a difference in the world but felt that just being another computer techie wasn't going to change much. He helped me understand properly that everyone's strength is different and few people can do the type of work that we do. That conversation at our little Nandos table changed the way I see my contribution to the world. His caring attitude really grabbed me and I'm privileged to have had him as my masters supervisor.

Apart from the fun lab meetings, his amazing stories from ventures passed, and the tales he brought back after going overseas each time, the thing I hold most dear was the way he invited us into his home for lab braais. It was so great to be welcomed like that, to play silly games in the pool with Jake and Holly and to enjoy Gil's warm hospitality. Those fond memories will stick with me. 

Gary's love for his family was obvious and the stories he told were filled with wonderful ideas that I hope to do with my family and children one day.

It truly seems too soon to have lost a man like Gary. What a loss it is to us who remain, but also a challenge to us to be warm, inviting, loving and excellent, like Gary was.

Thanks for sharing your stories.

From Ian Saunder

I met Gary for the first time in 2004 during my first year at UCT. Within your first few weeks at university you quickly learn how to pick out the professors from the crowd, but Gary was an anomaly in this sense. He rode a motorcycle to work. He wore jeans. He sometimes blasted U2 from his office in the late afternoon when he thought no one was around. 

These things were more than enough to make me look forward to a semester course in computer architecture that he would be taking in my second year. Studying computer architecture is not typically seen as a life-affirming experience, but the passion and sincerity that went into each of his lectures gave new meaning to the subject for me. I recall him pretending to be an electron, dancing around the floor as he flowed through an imaginary circuit. He also enjoyed randomly placing pieces of irrelevant information on his slides, such as a column for "number of oranges", in what he described as his attempt to "let the madness out slowly". And I liked him all the more for it.

Although Gary was undoubtedly a gifted educator, his true passion (besides his family) was unmistakably evident when he spoke about his research, which inevitably had the end result of helping someone. His commitment to and belief in his work is one that I continue to admire, and I was fortunate enough to experience this first-hand after my supervisor resigned from the department at the end of my first year of my MSc. I instinctively called Gary (in a panic), and he met with me that day. I couldn't believe it when he agreed to be my supervisor.

That conversation signaled the start of an unforgettable year for me. Being part of the ICD4D lab afforded me the opportunity of being surrounded by people who were looking to bring about positive change in the world, and were led by a man who had devoted his life to this endeavor. Gary quickly cottoned on to the idea that positive change could be brought about quicker through the introduction of a proper coffee machine to the lab. He truly was concerned with the well-being of his students, whether it was a need for funding, equipment, or just a conversation that inevitably helped in re-framing our perceptions of what it was we were working towards.

Even though Gary's passion for his research was unmistakable, it was secondary to his love of and commitment to his family. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity of meeting his family and spending time with them during the braais he used to host at his house for the lab during the year. I recall one instance where Gary, hands and arms ladened with all of the food that had just finished cooking, was making his way from the braai to the kitchen. Jake called out to him, wanting to show him how much better he was able to kick his football after having been given impromptu training by Raymond. In my mind I can picture most parents declining their child's request in such a situation, their mind focused solely on delivering the food to the kitchen. But Gary stopped immediately, turned to Jake, and with no sense of urgency or irritation, asked his son to proceed (Raymond had indeed done a good job - the kick was a substantial improvement over Jake's previous attempts.)

Gary was one of the most sincere and genuine people I have ever met, and I am deeply saddened by his passing. Although the void in the world and in our hearts that he leaves behind is one that surely can't be filled, the positive change that he was able to instill in the world continues to live on and multiply through his family and the people he met. And for this, we will forever be in his debt.

Cheers Gary.

From Fritz Meissner

I met Gary for the first time in 2004 during my first year at UCT. Within your first few weeks at university you quickly learn how to pick out the professors from the crowd, but Gary was an anomaly in this sense. He rode a motorcycle to work. He wore jeans. He sometimes blasted U2 from his office in the late afternoon when he thought no one was around. 

These things were more than enough to make me look forward to a semester course in computer architecture that he would be taking in my second year. Studying computer architecture is not typically seen as a life-affirming experience, but the passion and sincerity that went into each of his lectures gave new meaning to the subject for me. I recall him pretending to be an electron, dancing around the floor as he flowed through an imaginary circuit. He also enjoyed randomly placing pieces of irrelevant information on his slides, such as a column for "number of oranges", in what he described as his attempt to "let the madness out slowly". And I liked him all the more for it.

Although Gary was undoubtedly a gifted educator, his true passion (besides his family) was unmistakably evident when he spoke about his research, which inevitably had the end result of helping someone. His commitment to and belief in his work is one that I continue to admire, and I was fortunate enough to experience this first-hand after my supervisor resigned from the department at the end of my first year of my MSc. I instinctively called Gary (in a panic), and he met with me that day. I couldn't believe it when he agreed to be my supervisor.

That conversation signaled the start of an unforgettable year for me. Being part of the ICD4D lab afforded me the opportunity of being surrounded by people who were looking to bring about positive change in the world, and were led by a man who had devoted his life to this endeavor. Gary quickly cottoned on to the idea that positive change could be brought about quicker through the introduction of a proper coffee machine to the lab. He truly was concerned with the well-being of his students, whether it was a need for funding, equipment, or just a conversation that inevitably helped in re-framing our perceptions of what it was we were working towards.

Even though Gary's passion for his research was unmistakable, it was secondary to his love of and commitment to his family. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity of meeting his family and spending time with them during the braais he used to host at his house for the lab during the year. I recall one instance where Gary, hands and arms ladened with all of the food that had just finished cooking, was making his way from the braai to the kitchen. Jake called out to him, wanting to show him how much better he was able to kick his football after having been given impromptu training by Raymond. In my mind I can picture most parents declining their child's request in such a situation, their mind focused solely on delivering the food to the kitchen. But Gary stopped immediately, turned to Jake, and with no sense of urgency or irritation, asked his son to proceed (Raymond had indeed done a good job - the kick was a substantial improvement over Jake's previous attempts.)

Gary was one of the most sincere and genuine people I have ever met, and I am deeply saddened by his passing. Although the void in the world and in our hearts that he leaves behind is one that surely can't be filled, the positive change that he was able to instill in the world continues to live on and multiply through his family and the people he met. And for this, we will forever be in his debt.

Cheers Gary.

Ian Saunder

( (+27) 72 638 2997 (cell)

On Wed, Jan 1, 2014 at 6:53 PM, Fritz Meissner <fritz.meissner@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks all for the opportunity to grieve in community like this. 

In 2010 when I started my M.Sc. in the UCT Computer Science department, I told my supervisor I wanted to sit in the "ICT4D lab". It worked because I was a match by research area, but what I didn't realise at the time was that I was the only student there who was not supervised by Gary Marsden. Still, I was welcomed in weekly meetings, at which I was given the same space to talk and hear his advice for my research as any of his own students. 

He put effort into many things that would create a good atmosphere for all of us, including buying furniture and having us over to his home for a meal to mark the end of a term. In 2011 his tireless efforts at networking and fund raising resulted in the group getting an attractive work space in the computer science building. I was proud to be there. Any time a friend visited the University, I made the lab a part of the tour. In spare moments Gary joined us there, drinking coffee and making conversation which was always worth taking my headphones off to hear, even if I wasn't actually part of it.

One of the biggest benefits of being part of this group has been the endless stream of friends and contacts to whom Gary introduced us, including some very senior people in the field. When I meet them later, they remember me as one of Gary's students, even though I wasn't introduced as such. I think I understand why: it was unusual for someone in his position to pay attention to and promote students whom he didn't supervise, because there are significant incentives for academics to only invest time and energy only where it is most necessary and where return is most likely. It wasn't just me, either. As the group grew, more students joined from other supervisors, some of them not even from the same department. We all experienced his encouragement, infectious enthusiasm, and generosity.

In my (short) research career, January was always a great month because of the quiet in the lab, conducive to good concentration, but also -- more selfishly --  because Gary would split his attention between the few students who were present at the start of the working year. This meant more great conversation, and getting the scoop on his exciting plans for the new year. 

In 2014, January will be different. It holds sadness at amusement and wisdom lost, at plans that could have been, but won't. It would be unhealthy to deny that sadness, but in the midst of it I'm determined to hold on to the example he set, and hopefully one day emulate: to welcome the outsider who doesn't quite fit; to find meaning in blessing others; and to always go the extra mile, even when there is no obvious reward ahead.

Fritz

From Darelle Van Greunen

I met Gary some 15 years ago.  Over the years, he was always an inspiration and sounding board.  When I first met him, I was fascinated by the type of research he did.  How he managed to just take everyday things and turn it into a research project.  I recall his entertaining and fun presentations and keynotes.

When I learnt the news of his passing, I was as shocked as everyone else.  It was hard to believe that I will never hear his sharp chirps and quick jokes ever again.  I am grateful for what I could learn from him and grateful for the time he spent with us.

Gary, the gentleman of Computer Science, will be missed by us all.

From Connor Graham

I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Gary's passing. This is just awful news.

He was someone I had so much respect and admiration for. He was also a fellow Northern Ireland lad and, because of that, was someone I was especially proud of.

Gary was a great person and the world of HCI will not be the same without him. I remember well him giving a keynote at HCI and again at OzCHI. He was someone who was a very gifted researcher and was also very easy to get along with and spend time with.

Needless to say, if there is anything I can do, please let me know and I will do my very best to get it done.

Please pass on my deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I will miss him greatly.

With great sadness,

Connor

Pictures

Greetings all.  If you have photos of Gary that you'd like to post, please just send them to me and I'll post them here.

Here's Gary at Stirling University

From Nic Bidwell

Some of mine (Susan's) from INTERACT 2013

And some older ones of mine too

Gary and Holly, September, 2002

From Ben Shneiderman

Photo by Ben Shneiderman

(I've always loved this light - it's just SO "Gary"!)

Photo by Ben Shneiderman

Photos from Gary's Facebook Page 

(Please let me know if you're the photographer so I can give you credit here)

An extremely rare sight....

With Jake and Holly

Minion Hat made by Nina Young

Photos from ICTD

Photo from Jakkaphan Tamgkuampien's Graduation

And from the rest of the Net:

Photo of Gary and Shikoh Gitau on Graduation Day, 2007

Gary was getting the Distinguished Teacher Award and Shikoh was getting her MSc

Gary got a standing ovation from the whole graduating class for his speech.

Photo:  Gil Marsden

More photos from the Distinguished Teacher Award, 2007

You may also want to check out these videos of Gary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNn2TEBgtfA&feature=youtu.be

Wonderful video about the ICT4D Lab

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp1_eVcjwpc

"Mobile in Africa:  Doing HCI Differently in the Developing World"

Google Tech Talk, May, 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp1_eVcjwpc

Gary Interviewed at MobileActive

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7326576.stm

BBC Interview about Big Board

From Sarah Brittan

A week ago today I lost one of the most influential and inspirational people in my life. Gary Marsden was so much more than just my lecturer, teacher and supervisor; he was my mentor, my role model, my motivator and one of my biggest fans. He's the only reason that I decided to do Masters and I can't quite imagine going on with it without him. This year is going to be very difficult. — feeling heartbroken.

From Raquel Prates

I have just come back from vacation to find these very sad news about

Gary Marsden. I am really shocked and filled with grief. I have known

Gary for over 10 years and I have always liked him very much. Every

interaction I had with him, personally or professionally, has always

been pleasant and rewarding. Personally, he was always nice and easy to

talk to; professionally he has contributed so much to HCI and to the HCI

community. Our community has lost a great member, and we have lost a

dear colleague. My heart goes to all of those who were close to Gary and

who will feel his loss everyday, specially his family.

From Chris Chepken

I'm not writing on this thread late because I had not seen it but because I have been in denial for a while. "That is what Edwin and I are paid to do". These are the words that Gary Marsden said to me around two years ago when I was in the plateau of doing my PhD (These are the days I was hating myself for deciding to do PhD). I had been stuck for over two weeks about making a Computer Science contribution in a purely ICT4D research and Gary, by just saying these words, propelled my work till the end of my PhD. Every time I felt there was a problem, I repeated the words "That is what Edwin and I are paid to do". That is Gary for me. He started and finished my supervision in style. He made me feel at home too. It is not only PhD and academic knowledge that I acquired from Gary. He thought me how to be humble and gentle on people. He thought me how to how very playful kids are a beauty of parenting! (believe it or not). I recall the day he invited us for a braai in his home and the his kids were playful. After several chats (about movies, racing etc etc ) with various people, he reached me and asked "Chris, you have kids right? how old?". My answer was yes. His response changed the way I look at kids today. He explained to me that the beauty of parenting is to have playful kids and being there for them. To Gill and Holly & Jake, your husband and father respectively, loved you. I got that from his many mentions about you and many of his encouraging messages. He kept telling me that he knew how hard it was for me to leave my young family back home! This always indicated to me how much he valued his own. He knew the beauty of being good parents, and he shared it with me and I'm practicing it thousands of miles away. I know Gary, through the angels from the almighty God is practicing the same where he is.

From Bryan Paisley

2014 began for me in a horrible manner with the tragic news of Gary's death. Given I hadn't seen or spoken with Gary for about twenty five years, this may seem an odd reaction but it's a measure of the man that, despite this period of time, I am so profoundly saddened by his death.

I know Gary through the 1st Whitehead Sea Scouts back in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. He was a couple of years ahead of me at school (although in retrospect, only eighteen months older which seems like nothing when you're in your forties) - this made made him a relative elder and someone who, as I got to know him, I really looked up to.

The most profound impact Gary had on me was sharing his love of music and encouraging me by example to explore new things and not necessarily follow the herd.

We shared a love of Bruce Springsteen and spent a great deal of time discussing 'Born to Run' - his favourite track was 'Junglelands' and I recall him describing the artistry in the lyrics in some depth.

He also greatly appreciated Jim Steinman's talent in composing Meat Loaf's album 'Bat out of Hell' and discussed at some length his 'Bad for Good' side project. Back in the days before the internet, getting information on these sort of things was really tough but Gary always seemed to know what was going on.

I recall other distinctive favourites of Gary's from the time were Billy Joel, The Doors, Big Country and Dio (see photo attached of Gary in 1985 in a Dio t-shirt - try as I might, I never got it with them).

I also remember his enthusiasm for playing music, whether it was the Casio keyboard with the revolutionary new sampler (which we managed to use in a number of extremely puerile manners) or trying to play U2's 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' on an old accordion.

I have happy memories undertaking the usual range of scouting activities with Gary - the international jamboree at Portumna in 1985, the annual Easter camp at Castlerock, the camping, trip to the Isle of Man, sailing GP14s at Lough Neagh along with the weekly meetings in the scout hut in Whitehead.

I attach a photo from a troop visit to St Patrick's barracks, Ballymean in (about) 1983 - Gary back row, second from left)

I'd never have seen him much outside Scouts but would always keep an eye out for him on the roads around Whitehead and Ballycarry in his distinctive Morris Minor, 'Simply Red'.

I lost touch with Gary after he left Northern Ireland to go to university in Stirling in 1988 and haven't seen him since.

Being a) Northern Irish and b) at the time, male teenagers, it wouldn't have been in either of our emotional comfort zones for me to express how much his friendship meant to me or how highly I thought of him.

He was (as we are want to say in Northern Ireland) great craic - but in addition to this he was intelligent, supportive, capable. A leader by example rather than by words.

Reading the other posts on this blog and the comments on Twitter, I can see how Gary has continued in this manner down the years and has meant so much to so many people.

I am not surprised in the least by the great things Gary has achieved since I knew him or by the evident degree of profound sadness which his untimely death has caused so many people.

My thoughts are with his family (and his wife and children in particular).

From Margaret Young

I wanted to chime in on what you are saying about Gary being approachable to students even as he was so important in the field. He was very kind to me, even though in those moments he must have had an enormous number of things to do halfway through the conference. His passing is saddening even though I did not know him well, because I was able to catch a glimpse of what a warm and present man he was. 

From Dorothea Kleine

Gary passing away so early is a terrible loss.  Our heart-felt condolences go to his family, and also the UCT community and his wider “family” of colleagues, current and former students and collaborators. 

It was a great pleasure to work with Gary on previous ICTD conferences and to witness his commitment to making them both excellent and inclusive. Just this December he was a terrific host, together with Julian May, when the ICT4D community came together at ICTD2013 on UCT’s campus. Gary radiated friendliness and joy at having brought people together for a great event, while characteristically also cracking jokes about the colourful shirts the chairs had chosen as their uniform.

One of the last times I saw Gary was when we were watching the livestream of the memorial event honouring Nelson Mandela on the big screen in one of the conference lecture halls and discussing future collaborations among a number of colleagues. While we were talking and watching the event, it was impossible to not sense the call to continue the ongoing struggle for social change.   

Like many, I have benefitted intellectually from Gary’s publications and admired the powerful combination of progressive commitment and technical expertise that characterised his work. Most of all, Gary was a leader because of what he stood for and modelled in his behaviour: a sharp intellect combined with a big heart, a clear commitment to mentoring, a great sense of humour, and a passion for co-creating change. Gary no doubt leaves a huge hole in our midst – and also an important legacy.  

From Andrew Maunder

My first conversation with Gary was in 2002. I had booked a 'career guidance' session with him to discuss whether or not I should pursue the ergonomics program at Rhodes University. My question was simple, "What career opportunities are available for someone specialising in ergonomics in South Africa?". His answer was succinct, "Not many in South Africa". He then suggested that I pursue usability and interaction design as it could be seen as the equivalent to ergonomics within the technology space. He believed that there was a growing need for usability/interaction design specialists in South Africa and that it would be a dynamic and lucrative career path; he was right!

I want to say thank you to Gaz for that first pearl of wisdom. I really enjoy the work I do and I'm deeply thankful for his great insight and his willingness to take a real interest in his student's lives and more specifically, my life. 

I'm sure we've all had moments where Gary's words impacted some key decisions in our lives. What makes it all the more wonderful is that God decided to wrap the wisdom in the form of a witty Irishman with a friendly face and golden heart, what a gift.

A few of us in the lab used to joke that Gary's face should be the new face of computer science. Friendly and approachable. I mean, who are you going to choose to speak to for career guidance, the witty Irishman or a grumpy old professor. Add his big heart to his friendly face and you've got a magical formula. I think that is why we were all drawn to him.

I was fortunate enough to spend many years working with Gary at UCT ; so many good memories. 

Here are some of the highlights: Working as Gaz's intern at Microsoft Research, driving in the 'wedge' (Honda 2-door car), flying to San Francisco and chatting about relationships, trying to get a union worker to move a power socket in Florence over lunch, visiting the GooglePlex, watching QI in a transit hotel room, falling asleep whilst stretching for a drink on a BA flight, learning about the Oregon monster shroom, watching Trumpton with Jake and Holly in Cambridge, discovering Jaffa cakes and fizzy water, good coffee, graduation day. 

The list could go on and on. Gil, Holly and Jake, you would often feature in our conversations - he loved you immensely, spoke of you often and he was an incredibly proud husband and father.

Gaz mate, you were a man of great faith, you were an inspirational teacher, caring mentor, distinguished academic and a fantastic friend. My life is better because of you.

Rest in peace with the Father in heaven knowing that your life has meant much and that your absence is greatly felt by so many. 

From Lesley Green

I had the privilege of working with colleagues in CS on two projects, one with Gary and Edwin in 2004, and the other being Ilda Ladeira’s PhD (2012) which I co-supervised under Gary’s leadership. Both projects were a delight and characterised by immense creativity and collegiality, notwithstanding the tall order of learning how to trust another disciplinary mode of constructing an evidentiary, and working out how to respond to different kinds of disciplinary concerns. Gary’s collegiality continues to be a benchmark for me in trans-disciplinary work.

Besides his great strengths in his fields of work, Gary’s ability to understand how science could put people first was a major contribution to working out what form transdisciplinarity could take at UCT, and his loss for UCT and indeed the continent, is incalculable.  I wish my colleagues in CS and the Faculty strength and clarity of heart and mind in the months ahead as you grieve and work out how to regroup and find a road ahead to memorialise this extraordinary colleague, and continue to develop the ethical, grounded, scholarly imaginaries that he brought to CS, and the University as a whole.

From Moses Sitati

This is tragic news.

Starting in 2010 I worked with Gary and other colleagues to set up a University-Industry collaboration between Nokia Research Center and UCT through the ICT4D lab. Over numerous visits Gary was a wonderful host at UCT and at home, volunteer realtor/tour guide around Cape Town, professional colleague, and ultimately, a friend. I was inspired by his students and research, entertained by his stories and experiences, touched by his warmth and family, challenged by his faith and mind.

Thanks for cutting out the window in the office for me. It was definitely much more than that.

Till we meet again.

From Ken Banks

I met Gary a few times and we always seemed to joke around more than anything else. I liked that in him. The fact he was doing some incredibly meaningful work, and helping many people on their journeys, yet could be so approachable was a wonderful attribute.

As with everyone, my thoughts go out to his family.

From Neann Mathai

I was not one of Gary's postgrad students and so can't claim to have worked with him extensively, but like many others was hugely impacted by Gary. 

I have no doubt that you have heard these sentiments numerous times already: Gary was an amazing teacher and human being who touched so many lives, even within limited interaction. Since having taken his Honours interaction design module in 2009, I can no longer walk through a door without judging its design qualities. He amazingly managed to make introductory CS lessons on for and while loops extremely funny, which is a testament to true genius (comic and otherwise!), and we all love his predictive text story! 

He was such a big part of the CS department and I will forever be grateful. 

Gary, thank you for your passion and for leading by example. Thank you  for the few, but extremely meaningful conversations we have had. Your thoughts on faith and work, amongst others, will challenge me forever.  

My condolences to his students, you have indeed lost a giant. To his family: thank you for playing the roles you did, which allowed Gary to be who he was in the Department! My sincere condolences and prayers for you, particularly his wife and children. 

From Kentaro Toyama

Gary's death is so unexpected and truly heart-breaking. Like many others, I saw him earlier this month at ICTD in Cape Town, surrounded by his academic fans, and in a wonderful moment when he graciously hosted us all at UCT. It’s hard to accept that that was the last time I’ll see him. Gary was a terrific research colleague in so many ways, but what I will miss most is the person he was – always humble, cheerful, and genuinely good at heart.

From Charlene Elliott

I was Gary's MSc Student in 2003-2005.  Studying at UCT with him as my supervisor was a very stimulating and fulfilling time for me.  Gary was the most passionate educator I have had the privilege of working with.  Professionally he was excited about HCI and other fields of computer science and a clear leader in this area - you can't help but learn from him.   He was a wonderful mentor and had a gift of drawing out the best in me.   He was also so much fun and his students loved his company.  He knew of my love for chocolate and chocolate drinks and would take me to the best place for hot chocolate so that I would be happy to discuss my project! After I finished my degree at UCT we occasionally kept in contact.  He never failed to reply to an email here or there despite how hectically busy he was.  I used so much of what he taught me in my teaching career.  He was a true inspiration.  Because of my fondness of Gary and of how much I grew professionally from his direction, I would always recommend my IT students to go to UCT and do Comp Sci after they finished school!  Gary was a legend and he will be deeply missed.  

Charlene Elliott (previously Beirowski)

From Sinini Ncube

I am deeply saddened that i only met Gary 10 months ago. I first heard of Gary during a student retreat in Switzerland in 2010 when someone advised me to pursue a PhD with him. I then formally met him in person in February this year and was so amazed at his free spirit, openness, friendliness yet being my superior. I can surely say in you was a great mentor. I admired your work and personality as my supervisor. I have gained confidence through your words and approach to life. I remember when i began my PhD and i was busy reading and searching for a topic, so much pressure and stress piling up, i got so much encouragement it was like he was literally holding my hand directing me in many ways. I also remember always after a presentation, he would come up to me or email to speak a word of encouragement that forward we go and also appraise me on growing. I have been postponing writing this email because it feels like i am accepting that he is really gone. You left too early Gary but I know that the values and skills you left in us will be carried on, your academic brilliance will continue as we apply all that you have taught us. Thank you for being a father, a guide and a superb mentor who has nurtured many.

One of the things that amazed me was how much Gary seemed to have time for everyone and everything. When i read what all of you have written about him, its like he had 48hrs a day. On Mondays i remember he would come to the lab and ask us how the weekend was and what we had been up to, so humble he sometimes even made us coffee as we chatted. It was never about work only but he somehow taught us there was more that contributed to good work. I remember one time Gary was rushing home so he could get there before the kids were asleep, after one of our monthly meetings in Cape Town. Thats how much he valued family moments. He even advised me to enjoy getting married for it was really a great thing to do and I should make the most out of it. The fact that he made us meet his family says clearly how much proud of them he was. I already miss you, I cannot believe you gone.

The last thing he said to me, after spoiling us with doughnuts in Nov just before I left, was "Make sure you send us a pic when you in your white dress, cheers Nini" and off he left the lab. Little did I know.....

Gill, Holly and Jake may God truly comfort you and may he shine his face upon you. You are such wonderful people welcoming us into your home, I am glad I had the chance to meet you all. May the good Lord be with you in this trying time. (The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in the spirit).

RIP Gary.

From Anja Venter

I have written and re-written these words numerous times over the last three days. The act of reflection hurts, and it feels as if this process offers my acknowledgment of a new reality - and I am not ready to acknowledge a world without Gary Marsden. Often you find that people wait until death to reflect on how wonderful their loved ones were, with Gary these sentiments of admiration were present even in his life. We gushed about his brilliance and kindness to anyone who would listen - he was just that kind of person: he triggered instant fandom from his students.  

He inexorably changed my life forever and I am thankful for the series of events that afforded me the once in a lifetime opportunity to share place, space and mind with one of the greatest people I could ever plan on knowing.

I was given the e-mail address of one Gary Marsden in 2010 - seeking a place to pursue mobile research after I had an ethical falling out with the advertising industry. As a visual designer, I felt that my skills could be put to better use than continuously trampling on "the little guy" in pursuit of corporate profit. And I had heard about this Irish guy at UCT who was saving the world through mobile technology. He responded with enthusiasm and a carefully considered advice - as I didn't have the credentials to pursue a masters in computer science, he referred me to his colleague and close friend Marion Walton, who became my personal Yoda at the film and media department over those next two years.  Gary offered me a working space in his lab and was always around to offer input, suggest creative collaborations with his students, or design jobs when funds were wearing thin.

If Gary was Nikola Tesla, Marion was his Mark Twain - the stream of discourse that came pouring out when you put the two of them together in a room was electric and inspiring - it taught me that our best ideas emerge in dialogue with others’ ideas, that we radically underestimate how our cognition is driven by collective (and collected) stories, and that it wasn't worth doing something if you weren't excited and passionate about it to the point of moral urgency.  I felt like I had won the lottery when Gary became my co-supervisor at the start of 2013, and the stars were finally aligning in my quest to change the world, through our research into practical mobile technologies for young resource-constrained creatives. The two of them worked as a hyper-efficient tag team - guiding me through studies that spoored the line between cultural studies, ethnography, visual communications, design, ICT and HCI research; hustling for money to get our work done; ticking all the bureaucratic boxes; yet always, always having fun.

I'm not your classic ICT4D lab type, but Gary always made sure that I felt I belonged there - despite being an art school kid in a computer science world.  He always supported my ideas (even if they could be a bit out there) and entertained my creative whims  - outlining budget for lab plants after I bemoaned the lack of greenery in our workspace;  offering to buy a pin up board after I mentioned the fact that I couldn't visualize my research on the walls; and having long mid-day debates about philosophy, music and design.

Gary and I especially bonded over rock 'n roll and britpop - I was enthralled by his tales of being a roadie for his friends' bands around the UK as a young student.  Although he was a serious mentor and supervisor - he could just as easily fill the position of cool older cousin at times when you needed a friend. His creativity and sense of humour created an environment where one second he was Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the bond villain, stroking a stuffed white cat to indicate trouble; referring to his students as his "minions" a la Despicable Me; the next we were going on lab fieldtrips to celebrate his pride in Mo's newly found fame as a KFC tv star, and buying wheels to attach to all the furniture in the lab, rocking his hawaiian shirt in a mini-revolt against the tyranny of the formal tie and shirt ensemble. The working environment was never stale, he made sure that we were a proper living lab - and we were a vibrant organism because of him.

I want to let Gil, Holly and Jake know how much he spoke about you to his students, constantly. He was so proud of his kids. When I told him about anxiety issues I was having relating to my studies, and nightmares that placed me back in school unprepared for exams, he put stuff in perspective in that typical Gary way by telling me that his anxious nightmares revolved around never having met Gil. That as a "lifelong geek" he never freaked out about studies or preparedness, but about not meeting his soulmate - and that was the worst thing he could ever imagine. 

Holly, I constantly prodded him about you - cause I was such a nightmare to my family at your age.  And he just said how much he enjoyed your sense of humour - that it was like having a satirist in his house 24/7! He said he was so proud of the friends you surrounded yourself with, he didn't worry about you at all.

Jake, I think you are like a little carbon copy of your dad - and it's one of the things I loved most about spending time at your guys' house - just seeing this monumental man present in his kids. He constantly spoke about your blooming intelligence.

I am heartbroken that he won't be around to see us completing the research we have been jumping through hoops to try and get signed off. I have been given opportunities that would have been impossible without his unwavering support. He was my champion - and I am deeply moved when I think of the amount of times him and Marion have bailed me out of difficult situations. whether they were financial, research related, or personal.  I'm saddened that future students have been robbed of his immense spirit. He gave us more of his time and dedication than we ever deserved - and we will miss him every single day.

The ICT4D lab will always be The Gary Marsden Lab to me. Cheers Gary.