Founder of Gathering 4 Gardner
Gathering 4 Gardner (G4G) was envisioned by Thomas M. Rodgers to bring together magicians, mathematicians, skeptics, philosophers, puzzle enthusiasts, and the general public, all united by a shared enthusiasm for the work of Martin Gardner.
Martin Gardner’s influence was so broad that a large percentage of his fans had only infrequent contact with each other. Tom Rodgers conceived the idea of hosting a weekend gathering in honor of Gardner to bring some of these people together.
In 2012, Tom Rodgers passed away just after the G4G10 conference. His dedication to Gathering 4 Gardner and promoting Martin Gardner’s legacy will be greatly missed.
Tributes to Tom Rodgers – by Kate Jones
This polymath/puzzler sublime
Organized G4G’s lasting through time.
Meetings of wonderful minds,
Rarest from fields of all kinds —
Overachievers’ directive is prime.
Daring, dramatic, eccentric and kind,
Generous genius, with a steel trap mind,
Ever a strong inspiration,
Reaching the best in each nation,
So Thomas, like Martin, left us treasures to find.
– Kate Jones
Letter from the Rodgers Family
Thomas Malin Rodgers, Jr (1943 – 2012)
Dearest Friends and Family,
Tuesday 10 April 2012 at 6:12pm ET, Thomas Malin Rodgers Jr. passed away after a valiant struggle with cancer. He fought like a bear till the very end. We, the family, would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and help during his last days.
Per Tom’s request there will be no funeral service or burial. He is to be cremated with his ashes distributed amongst his family. Please feel free to celebrate Tom’s life in your own way as no formal event will occur.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Tom’s passion, The Gathering 4 Gardner foundation. Please send checks payable to
Gathering 4 Gardner, Incto the address below.
The Gathering 4 Gardner, Inc
Attn: Tom Rodgers Memoriam
2885 Sanford Ave SW #39552
Grandville, MI 49418
Please forward this message along as you see fit. Tom had a diversity of friends and interests. If we missed someone, we apologize.
Thank You,
The Rodgers Family
Photos below provided by Peter Knoppers:
