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.
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