Date Of Birth: October 15, 1953
Date Of Death: June 28, 2008
Krzysztof P. Wojciechowski, 54, passed away on the afternoon of June the 28th following a long battle with cancer. He fought with great bravery against this illness and surpassed every prediction concerning his diagnosis. He inspired many with his enthusiasm for life, for mathematics, judo, stereo equipment, BMWs and everything else. He is survived by his wife and two children who invite you to celebrate his life with them on Saturday, July 5 starting at 2 pm at 1574 Quail Glen Ct. in Carmel, Indiana. In lieu of flowers we invite people to make a donation to either the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society.
Kenro Furutani says
We met each other about 15
years ago at Roskilde for the first time
when I was visiting Bernhelm there.
Since then, I invited Krzysztof to Japan.
I remember he is very strong
not only in mathematics, also
in “Judo”. He opens always his mind to it. This must be common
in Judo and Math in his life.
He became a member of “Kohdohkan” during the stay in Japan, which is the
original organization of Judo party
starting in Meiji era and nowadays
spreading out in the world.
His stay at my university
was very influential for me and I learned many about
the notion “Determinant of elliptic operators” from him,
which is one of my recent subjects.
It is still unbelievable and
I will miss him.
Kenro Furutani
Eugene Mukhin says
I was fortunate to be a colleague of Krzysztof at Department of Mathematics at IUPUI. Krzys was one of the kind, I could never understand how it was possible to reach such high levels in both math and judo. But, personally, I will remember Krzys for the inexplicable bursts of optimism and positive energy I always felt around him. I shall miss him a lot.
Matthias Lesch says
Kris was my first coauthor – if you don’t count advisors. It was a very special experience in the early days of email: we started collaborating by email without ever having met. The memories of this experience are still fresh.
Kris had mathematical plans and dreams up to the last day. I can’t yet believe that he is not among us any more. I will miss him.
Steve Rosenberg says
Krzystof was unforgettable. He was a larger than life figure, always pushing himself to do better and laughing at the same time. I think all mathematicians love their work, but no mathematician enjoyed his work more than Krzys.
Here is a typical Krzysztof story: many years ago, Sylvie Paycha and I
organized a workshop at Oberwohlfach. Krzys was the last speaker. After his talk, he said “I want to show my appreciation to the organizers,” and did a handstand. I can’t say exactly how this shows appreciation, but I’ll never forget it. At the Denmark conference in Krzys’ honor, after hearing about this other mathematicians did cartwheels, etc. — but Krzys can claim the original handstand.
My wife and I extend our sympathy to Ita, Radek and Agi. We were all lucky to have known Krzys.
Bernhelm BoossBavnbek says
I enjoyed Krzysztof’s and Ita’s friendship since a late October evening in 1978 when I found them with infant Agi (Radek not yet born) in their heavily noise-insulated tiny room in the Warszawa PhD-students’ dormitory, and we talked spectral asymmetry, literature, music and history.
Krzysztof loved mathematics and he loved life, and so he taught all of us who were lucky enough to be around him.
His death could not surprise. However, when it happened now, it became so definite.
There is something unacceptable to loose someone who was so much younger than me – and though so generous. Perhaps parents feel the same way when they loose a child. And to loose someone like KPW, who was full of plans and ideas and was made for joy and life!
He was always proud of his family. The last time must have been extremely hard for them. However, I’m glad that they were together the last weeks, to comfort him, to laugh with him for a last time – and so to comfort us.
Ben Boukai says
My deepest condolences. His thirst for life and his deep love for mathematics has inspired us all. He will remembered.
Paul Kirk says
I will always fondly remember the times Krzysztof and I spent working and playing (often at the same time). His joy and love for life was infectious.
Ivan Avramidi says
Krzysztof will always be missed by me as one of the nicest persons I have met. He was a great mathematician and a good friend. He was always willing to help people in every possible way. It is hard to believe that Krzysztof is not with us any more. I will miss him very much.
David Bleecker says
He was a man of brilliant precision who took life by the horns and rode it to the end! He will be missed, yet he will live on in his works and our memories!
Giampiero Esposito says
Krzysztof was a plenary lecturer at a Conference I organized in Naples in July 2001. Four years later, I met him again in Holbaek Bay on the occasion of the special Workshop dedicated to him. It was thanks to him that Professor Booss-Bavnbek first noticed my work. His example has taught me a lot about the love and struggle for life. I shall miss him deeply.
Liviu Nicolaescu says
I like, many other people, was touched by Kris’ warmth, generosity, wisdom, and amazing zest for life. He was a volcano of energy, with a lot of love in his heart, and a great understanding of our human condition. I am fortunate to have met him and be his friend, and I will forever carry his memory in my soul.
With heavy heart, Liviu
Elaine and TJ Burch says
We are so saddened to learn of the passing of Krzysztof and we shall miss him as our neighbor. He was such a kind, friendly man, clearly devoted to Ita and his children. We admire his positive attitude and zest for life and the way he battled this dreadful disease. We’ll miss his smile and the way he would always address the next obstacle with “We’ll see”. We’ll never forget him.
Vitaly Tarasov says
I have been working with Krzys for five years. I was fascinated
by his energy, his love for mathematics, and his love for life.
He was a wonderful person, and I will miss him all the time.
My deepest sympathy to Krzysztof’s family, his friends and colleagues.
Thomas Pizzuti says
Ita, I am so sorry for your loss and wish I could say something to help ease your pain and grief. I just wanted you to know that I have enjoyed working with both you and Krzys regarding your insurance and investments. I really considered Krzys a friend rather than a client. I often spoke of Krzys with my friends and colleagues as he so impressed me as an intelligent, loving person who appeared to be the best at all he attempted, math, judo and family. I am sure that is why he fought this terrible disease so couragously. I will always remember a little story I will share with you this week about my first conversation with Kris regarding his investments and his accomplishments in European Judo. I will always remember him as my absolute favorite client and friend. I promised Krzys I would continue to assist you with your investments and insurance. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Gods Peace and Love, Tom Pizzuti
Anna Urman with husband and little Magdalena says
I still cannot believe my uncle is no longer with us…
I will always remember him smiling and enjoying life.
But he will stay with us in our hearts and I will tell my little daughter all the happy stories about him.
Ciociu, Radek, Agnieszka – nie jestem w stanie wyrazic jak strasznie mi przykro. Jestesmy z Wami myslami.
Larry and Charleyne Swoverland says
Dear Eta,
To you and your family. Sorry that we cannot attend the Saturday celebration of life for Krzysztof. We will be joining family out of town for the holiday weekend.
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend – always smiling, waving hello or goodbye when we would see him out. We will truly miss him.
May memories of him bring you peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Larry and Charleyne
Swoverland
Ma Xiaonan says
I remember well my visit at
Indianapolis seven years ago.
I visited also his house etc..
I can not yet believe that Krzysztof
is really no longer with us.
Weiping Zhang says
Still remember vividly our encouners at Indianapolis and Copenhagen and I firmly believe you will have many good times in the other world also. And in this world, your book, which to me is a bible like classic, will be with me all along the time …
David L Stocum says
To all who knew Krzysztof,
You will agree with me that it was an honor to know this man. He was a gentleman and a scholar, and a courageous warrior in his medical battle. He died way too young, and he will be greatly missed by colleagues and friends. Krzysztof’s personal legacy to us is that he will always be an example of how we should live life in the face of uncertainty. May he always be remembered!
Andrew Lesniewski says
I can’t believe that Krzysztof is no longer with us… Ita, Radek, and Agnieszka, please accept my deepest sympathy.
Andrew Lesniewski
Alexander Its says
We just got the sad message…
Krzystof was an outstanding mathematician, great colleague,
dearest friend and an exceptionally brave man. He will
be greatly missed but remembered for ever. Our thoughts
and feelings are with Ita, Agnieszka, Radek and with all
our and Krzystof friends.
Elizabeth and Alexander
St. Petersburg
Mary Liechty says
What a joy it has been to see you all enjoying jazz and supporting Karl when he has played at various venues! We will miss seeing Professor Krys at those outings and we know you will miss being with him.
When someone leaves us to this world, we are often surprised by how the memories they have left us with will pop up at unusual times. For me, these memory surprises of those who are gone have been an amazing gift. I wish you many of them and the emotions they evoke as you keep your father and husband in your hearts.
Janusz W Bykowski says
” … jak ciezko z milosci sie podniesc,
a jeszcze ciezej od zlych nowin”
(M. Grechuta)
Znam to. Zyje z tym.
Myslami i sercem jestem z Wami,
Janusz
Justyna Urman says
+Üpieszmy si-Ö kocha-ç ludzi, tak szybko odchodz-à……
He will always stay in our hearts and memories…
Justyna Urman
Simon Scott says
Krzysztof was an amazing person, in whose mighty presence I had the great privilege as a young postdoc to see for the first time mathematics being manipulated with the same easy uninhibited joy that one naturally admires when seeing a musician play. I will never forget the long happy hours Krzysztof and I spent in Copenhagen drinking beer and talking math, and even producing from it a paper. Far more than the mathematics, though, it was his humanity, passion and courage in all that he did which provided for me, and I know for many others, a bench mark it will be hard to ever come near to equalling. A great many people are going to miss Krzysztof a great deal.
Jerry and Pat Kaminker says
We met Krzystof many years ago at the Berkeley ICM. Then he came to IUPUI and we got to know Ita, Agnes and Radek and watched the kids grow up. He never had a mean word to say about anyone except politicians. I always liked to talk to him about books and movies because he invariably had great recommendations and taste. He left way, way too early and we can only imagine the things he would have done and the fun we would have had with him. We’ll really miss him.
Benjamin Alexa and Adelaide Hart says
Hanna Bykowska says
GÇ£And in the end, itGÇÖs not the years in your life that count. ItGÇÖs the life in your years.GÇ¥
(Abraham LincolnGÇÖs quote)
KrzysztofGǪ. Ita, Agnieszka, Radek, it was the great feeling to see you united to the end.
I have always admired your courage to continue.
Hania
Krzysztof Podgorski says
Cz-Östo z tak-à moc-à ci-àgne+ée+¢ nas wszystkich, tam gdzie+¢ do przodu,
++e tracili+¢my oddech i si+é-Ö, by protestowa-ç,
++e woleliby+¢my troch-Ö wolniej, z szacunkiem do przesz+éo+¢ci, z namaszczeniem i refleksj-à.
“Potem, potem’’ – mowi+ée+¢ – “chod+¦cie szybko, nie ma czasu.’’
A++ w ko+äcu urwali+¢my si-Ö Tobie, zostali+¢my z ty+éu…
Pogna+ée+¢ dalej, a my teraz mamy ca+ée wieki,
by rozpamietywa-ç, ++e by-ç mo++e lepiej by+éo dotrzyma-ç Ci kroku.
Z wyrazami g+éebokiego smutku dla Ity, Radka i Agnieszki
Krzysztof, Ania, Abelard, Kastor, Karen Podg+¦rscy
Krystyna Ziemian says
Krzysztof was absolutely unique and
phenomenal renaissance man. His
unsurpassed imagination and sparkling sense of humor kept people around him happy and energized no matter what.
He was a life master.
Krystyna Slawek Goc says
“I am the one, who participates
in every race of mind……
No matter what’s the time
nor what’s the place.
Each time I compete – I win the race
in a run against myself”
These words written by Sota Kurylo express Krzys’s eager of life and our feelings at this sad moment.
Krzysiu, We will always miss you!
Bedzie nam brakowac dzwieku Twego slowa: “KASPRZYK!”
Krystyna i Slawek
Indianapolis, Indiana
Richard Maurer says
Kris was an inspiration and the most courageous man I have ever met. God chooses some to go ahead and prepare the way for the rest of us, and that was God’s plan for Kris. His gain is certainly our loss, but we can all take heart in the fact that he sits at His right hand and that Heaven is a better place now than it was when he got there. May he rest in peace and happiness until we all meet again on the other side.
Dick Maurer
Leonid Rubchinsky says
Every encounter with Krys at IUPUI math department was a source of a positive energy Krys radiated. His intellectual power, optimism and friendliness were enormous and we will miss him very much. He was a colleague one can dream about.
Lech Papiez says
Ciezko o tym myslec, ze Krzysztofa nie ma juz wsrod nas, jeszcze zywych. Krzysztof byl ciaglym wyzwaniem dla samego siebie i inspiracja dla innych. Wspaniale sukcesy budzily w nim nieustannie chec przekraczania nowych barier i osiagania wiecej niz wydawaloby sie mozliwe. I ciagnal za soba innych; przykladem i intensywnoscia wyjatkowej i unikalnej osobowosci.
Z glebokim zalem
Ewa i Leszek Papiez
Dallas
Werner Mueller says
I have known Krzysztof since a long time dating back to the early 1980s when we met for the first time in Warsaw. Ever since I enjoyed talking to Krzys about mathematics, music, powerful cars, sports, and all the other things he liked so much in life. Whenever we met, we had a lot of fun drinking beer, etc. I am deeply saddened about his dreadful illness and his death. I will miss
Krzysztof very much and keep him in my memory for ever.
Bruce Kitchens says
I am very sorry I did not get to know Kryz better. I came to IUPUI shortly before his health problems appeared. The short time I was with him I enjoyed greatly. He was a wonderful person.
Mariusz Urman says
Ito, Agnieszko, Radku,
Lacze sie z Wami w bolu po odejsciu Krzysztofa. Bedzie zyl w naszej pamieci.
Trzymajcie sie !
Mariusz
Dick Jody Wert says
Our love and concerns go out to you at this very sad time. We will remember Krzysztof’s great smile and sense of humor. He was a pleasure to be around. His positive frame of mind is unequaled. We will certainly miss him. Eta, you are a wonderful neighbor and please contact us with anything we can assist you with.
Fondly, Dick & Jody Wert – your neighbors
Bob Seeley says
My memories of Krzysztof go back to a conference in Maine, where we enjoyed his energy and sense of play in a pickup soccer game. It is tragic that he left us so soon, but he did a lot while he was here!
Bob Kleyle says
Krys was one of my favorite colleagues at IUPUI. He was a very exceptional person –a world-class mathematician and athlete. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family.
Bob Kleyle
Maurice de Gosson says
Agnieszka Wojcik says
Wlasnie odkrylam ze nazwisko mojego bylego profesora nie istnieje juz na liscie wydzialu matematyki.
Odnalazlam je na tej stronie i jakze mi przykro, ze nic nie wiedzialam o walce Profesora Krzysztofa Wojciechowskiego z choroba; ze nie pozegnalam sie i ze juz nigdy go nie zobacze wchodzac do wydzialu matematyki.
Taki wielki smutek czuje w srodku, bo odeszla osoba ktora byla bardzo zyczliwa, sluzaca rada i zawsze otwarta na rozmowe, chociazby w biegu na korytarzu.
Mam w myslach i modle sie za sile dla Was, rodziny Profesora Krzysztofa Wojciechowskiego.
vince case says
I’ll miss you my good friend, thank you for your friendship and may God bless you.
Adam Krzyak says
Chodzi+éem z Krzy+¢kiem do jednej klasy w 6 Liceum Ogólnokszta+éc-àcym w Szczecinie. By+é fajnym koleg-à. Potem ju++ Go nie spotka+éem cho-ç s+éysza+éem od znajomych o Jego pobycie w Indianie. Chcia+éem si-Ö z Nim skontaktowa-ç, ale zawsze jako+¢ odk+éada+éem to na pó+¦niej. Dzisiaj si-Ö dowiedzia+éem, ++e Krzysiek nie ++yje od dwóch lat. Teraz ++a+éuj-Ö, ++e z Nim ju++ nigdy nie porozmawiam. Ma racj-Ö Ksi-àdz Twardowski: “Spieszmy si-Ö kocha-ç ludzi, tak szybko odchodz-à”. Cze+¢-ç Jego pamieci.