In a poignant blog post titled "Perhaps my last post - we'll see" dated April 10, 2016, David MacKay FRS shares a deeply personal update on his worsening battle with cancer, anticipating his imminent passing. He details significant weight loss, confirmed secondary bone cancer, critically low platelet count suggesting bone marrow compromise, and severe breathlessness, prompting him to tentatively conclude his blog. The post also includes a link to an article by Max Edwards about his own cancer journey. The accompanying comments section reveals an outpouring of heartfelt gratitude and admiration from readers, who uniformly praise MacKay's profound impact as a scientist, educator, and advocate, particularly highlighting his influential books on information theory and sustainable energy, and his significant role in public policy.
Summarizing David MacKay's "Perhaps my last post - we'll see"
David MacKay's Message (April 10, 2016): David MacKay FRS announces his likely final blog post, recognizing the "inevitable difficulty" of writing a definitive conclusion.
Declining Health & Prognosis: He shares his belief that he doesn't have long to live, noting a 15 kg weight loss and a recent CT scan confirming secondary cancer in his bones.
Critical Symptoms: His platelet count is very low, suggesting cancer cells may be affecting his bone marrow, and he continues to experience extreme breathlessness, making simple movements arduous.
Upcoming Medical Procedure: A bone marrow sample is scheduled for Monday to investigate the situation further.
Recommendation: He points readers to a piece by Max Edwards in The Guardian about his own cancer experience, resonating with MacKay's own journey.
Community Response - Tributes and Gratitude (Throughout comments):
Profound Impact on Readers: Numerous comments express deep sadness, love, and gratitude for MacKay's work, acknowledging his influence on their personal and professional lives.
Influential Works: His books, especially "Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air" and his information theory textbook, are frequently cited as transformative and inspiring references that changed perspectives and spurred action.
Legacy in Science and Policy: Readers highlight his contributions to climate change, energy planning, and government policy (as Chief Scientist at DECC), praising his rigor, independence, and commitment to the common good.
Personal Inspiration: Many credit him with fostering independent thinking, encouraging career shifts, and demonstrating how to confront difficult issues with data and integrity.
Enduring Influence: A common theme is that his work and legacy will continue to educate and inspire people globally for many years to come, ensuring his ideas "live long after" him.