Gary S. Wagman, 1954-1995

Gary Wagman, Programmer for the Particle Data Group from 1985 to 1995, died of AIDS on Friday, April 21, 1995. Gary, a respected member of the gay community, was a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from the University of Houston in Computer Science.

Gary made many contributions to the Particle Data Group, and thus to the entire international high-energy physics community. He did much of the intricate design and all of the advanced programming that brought the Review of Particle Physics from its primitive state in 1984 to the beautiful and valuable document it is today, in both its printed and electronic forms. He was recognized a few months before his death with a Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Outstanding Performance Award for these achievements. Gary's work was characterized by his constant striving for perfection, by his deep concern for accuracy, and by his understanding of our scientific mission.

In addition to his work as a programmer, Gary loved to travel. He was intrigued by exotic and magical places, visiting the pyramids in Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India. Europe was another favorite destination where he enjoyed speaking French. Gary traveled to Israel several times, once spending six months on a kibbutz picking grapefruit. An avid hiker and camper, he also explored many parts of the United States.

Gary's meticulous nature led him to excel at woodworking, and he spent several years remodeling his house in San Francisco. A member of the Dahlia Society, he further enhanced his home and garden through his love of flowers. He was also a connoisseur of fine food, eating, and baking, delighting the PDG with many wonderful birthday cakes.

Always interested in spirituality and mysticism, Gary had recently begun studying Sufism. This spiritual practice was so meaningful to him that, in December 1994, he insisted on participating in a Sufi turning exhibition even though he was very ill.

In October 1995, a memorial service was held for Gary at the Pinnacles National Monument in California, one of his favorite spiritual places.

Gary was our friend and colleague for ten years, and all of us who had the privilege of knowing him miss him greatly.

Gary S. Wagman 1954-1995
Particle Data Group
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory