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It is my sad duty to share the news that Stafford Beer died August 23 in Toronto, Canada. He had been ill for several months but up to a short time ago had been expected to recover. Stafford was not only one of the great thinkers in cybernetics, but also one of the great doers. His work on effective organizations dates frombefore World War II and he has had great influence both within and outside of the field of cybernetics and systems. From the first time I met Stafford in the mid-eighties, I was impressed with his enthusiasm, warmth and irreverence, as well as his passion for his work. His
passing is a great loss for our field–but he has left behind enduring gifts in the form of his written work, and the results of his Viable
Systems interventions in real world organizations.
Allenna will be sending a note out to the membership when she feels ready. In the meantime, we will update you with any information we receive including memorial service arrangements.
In sadness,
Kevin Kreitman
Vice President, American Society for Cybernetics