Donald Alfred Ludwig

Professor Emeritus, Donald Alfred Ludwig, passed away at Peach Arch Hospital in South Surrey BC 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 Ludwig, and his brother Edward Ludwig (Helen), of Chapel Hill. North Carolina. He also is survived by two sons by his first marriage, Larry Ludwig of Seattle, Washington, and Stephen George Ludwig (Dana Desiree Foster), one granddaughter, Astrid Lilly Ludwig of Clearwater, BC, and seven nieces and nephews. Don had many stepchildren, their spouses, children and grandchildren: Ian Graystone (Melanie Dance), Susan McCord (Bruce Barton), David Graystone (Yvette Konyari), Julie Foster (Pilcher, (Marty Pilcher), Sharon Graystone (Joe Ferraro), Marilyn Graystone, Aaron Graystone (Alicia Crudo), Ashley Graystone (Kevin Chen), Travis McCord (Alisen Nichols), Taylor Pilcher, Mathew Pilcher, Natalia Kormish (Jeff Willard), Drummond Kormish (Tenea Kormish), Sade Mintoft-Graystone, Emery Mintoft-Graystone, Cameron Graystone, Rosalie Kormish, Alicia and Zachary Graystone, Alison Hann (Peter Hann), Katherine Holt (Lee Holt), Mark Hann (Heather Hann,), Colton, Alexis and Isaac Holt.

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 scholar, musician, an accomplished mathematician and professor. He was a skilled outdoorsman, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved reading and spending time with numerous family members. Don has many relatives in the eastern US and friends around the world.

Don's academic achievements are remarkable. Don skipped 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.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Live streaming of the service can be found at: www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/5643