Tribute to John W. Addison Jr., UC Berkeley Professor and PhD Advisor (1930-2025)
By
herodotus
Reliable enough to start your morning with. Toast it again tomorrow.
Summary
A personal tribute to John W. Addison Jr. (1930-2025), the author's PhD advisor at UC Berkeley, who died at age 95. The article recounts the author's experience arriving at Berkeley in 1966 with no clear direction, being recommended to take Addison's logic course, and being immediately captivated by his teaching. The author describes Addison as the best instructor they ever had, surpassing even the high standards set by their professors at the University of British Columbia. The piece expresses deep gratitude for Addison's guidance and offers condolences to his family.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledJohn Addison (1930–2025) died March 7, 2025, at the age of 95. He was my PhD advisor at UC Berkeley, and I count myself extraordinarily lucky to have worked under his guidance.
When I arrived in Berkeley in 1966, I had no clear idea what I wanted to study. Some fellow Canadian newcomers strongly recommended a logic course taught by a professor named Addison.
I went, was immediately captivated, and to this day I regard him as the best instructor I ever had—and my professors at the University of British Columbia (UBC) had already set a very high bar.
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