Richard Guy
Reaching the age of 101 isn’t a common occurrence, but the life of noted mathematician and centenarian Richard Guy is far from ordinary.
Guy, a University of Calgary professor emeritus and in-demand speaker, has a schedule busier than many half his age. Despite officially retiring from the U of C 35 years ago, Guy still works in his campus office daily. He mentors students, collaborates with leading scholars and works on mathematical problems that many deem too difficult.
He has a Good Will Hunting ability to solve problems, referring to the popular movie’s protagonist who could quickly solve complex equations. And in the 30 years since turning 70, he’s continued presenting at conferences, including the high-profile MathFest in Chicago.
Guy’s recent awards and achievements include a 2017 citation of unique merit in the inaugural Top 7 Over 70 awards, the 2017 Immigrants of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Laws from the U of C in the 1990s.
The British-born Guy is also recognized internationally for producing dozens of books and 300 papers, including 50 written since age 70.
An avid mountaineer, Guy is tireless in promoting environmental causes, including the Alberta Wilderness Association’s fundraising tower climb. Guy and wife Louise started participating when Guy was in his 70s. After Louise died in 2010 at age 92, Guy continued the climb — carrying a large framed photo of her up the 802 steps of the Calgary Tower.
In 2017, the climb moved to the Bow Building and Guy again rose to the challenge, ascending all 1,188 stairs while again carrying a photo of Louise.
The couple also volunteered for four decades with the Alpine Club of Canada, which named a mountain hut after them in 2015.
When Guy was nominated for his Top 7 Over 70 award, U of C colleague Renate Scheidler said it best: “His wisdom and intellect, along with his remarkable dedication to service and never-ending enthusiasm for new discoveries, continue to be an inspiration … He is an extraordinary individual.”