For the past 25 years we have shared the rarefied gift of friendship with Jon and Judi Borwein and their wonderful family. In good times and some not so good times. While the Borweins and the Garvans were seldom in the same place geographically (although Jon thought we held a record in visiting more of their residences than most – in Halifax, Waterloo, Vancouver, Halifax, and two homes in Newcastle), I cannot think of a time when Jon didn’t respond to an email in less than 2 or 3 minutes. We were in the same place in ways that mattered.
The word prodigious (defined as remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree) comes close to describing our dear friend, Jon Borwein. Books could and probably will be written about his mathematical and organizational legacy but they will fail to capture all Jon was or describe the profound influence he had on so many. Math was just a single dimension of the many dimensions of Jon. His zest for life, farcical yet merry sense of humor, unbounded capacity to inspire, and uncanny ability to see and reveal truth will be greatly and sorely missed.
Vale Jon Borwein. Thank you for being in our lives. You have made the part of the journey we were able to share so much more exciting and so much more fun. [Cyndi and Frank Garvan, University of Florida, USA]