John Horton Conway FRS

John Horton Conway lived to discover the Mathematics behind problems, always working to isolate a pure, essential kernel of truth. He loved to communicate these simple truths to others, often changing the way they thought. Everything John touched turned to Mathematics, and to very beautiful Mathematics. John was generous with his mathematical riches; he gave them to everyone that showed interest — whether at the coffee house, at the sushi restaurant, or in Mathematics departments. He was a magnet for all mathematicians, and he welcomed all who came to him. John would find a way to start with some simple calculation, a game or puzzle and turn it into whatever he wanted to explain. John often chose problems about games and recreational topics, but the insights he derived changed our understanding of several very serious branches of Mathematics.