IN MEMORIAM: DAVID GALE (1921-2008)

Abstract

David Gale played a leading role in developing theory of fundamental importance to economic and operations research. He authored papers in game theory and mathematical programming that have had a lasting impact. In addition, he was renowned for his ability to present his results in short papers combining precision and rigor with elegant style. This memorial collects tributes and memories from family, students, colleagues, and friends. The first part of the issue contains remarks presented at the memorial service in David’s honor held in Berkeley on April 27, 2008. The next section has comments from people who were unable to speak at the memorial and includes some extended reviews of David Gale’s scientific work. We are delighted to publish the text of David’s lecture on “Topological Games at Princeton,” which he delivered at the Gale Feast organized by Marilda Sotomayor as part of the 2007 Stony Brook Conference. The concluding section contains a list of David’s publications. We thank Katharine Gale and Sandra Gilbert for their help in preparing the collection. David Gale’s final project was the development of the internet mathematics museum MathSite. Several of the contributions in the volume describe this venture. The David Gale Fund for Interactive Mathematics will maintain and enrich MathSite. Those interested in maintaining the project can contact the David Gale Fund, University Relations, 2080 Addison St., Berkeley, CA 94720-4200.