The Immortal David Kahn

Dr. David Kahn, Cryptology’s greatest Historian, passed away on January 22, 2024. A stroke suffered years earlier was what ultimately led to his death. Upon hearing the news, I soon thought of some lines from a movie, in which the lead character was fighting a losing battle against cancer. Another character posed and answered a question, as follows:

“What is the cure for cancer? The cure for death itself? The answer is immortality. By creating a legacy, by living a life worth remembering, you become immortal.”¹

Anyone who knew David will agree that, in this sense, he is immortal. His books, of course, will continue to inspire generations of cryptologists and historians, but there is much more. David was a very generous man who consistently set an excellent example for how established researchers can help those just beginning their careers. While many of us, including me, can relate examples of David’s generosity, the entire community continues to benefit from it. While still active in the field, David donated his massive cryptologic library to the National Cryptologic Museum, making it accessible to everyone.

You will find longer tributes to David elsewhere. Cryptologia paid its respects while David was still with us (see the reference). The greatest tribute, however, is how his passion continues through those who still walk this planet, fill the pages of Cryptologia, and warm our hearts through their friendship and collegiality.

Notes

1 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432348/