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[[Category:Mathematicians|Moser, Leo]]
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\centerline{This obituary appeared in the Canad. Math. Bull. Vol. 15 (1), 1972}
\centerline{Reprinted with the kind permission of the publisher}
\centerline{{\bf LEO MOSER}}
\centerline{1921--1970}
Leo Moser's zest for living makes it almost impossible to believe that his death %\hfil\break
occurred over a year ago on February 9, 1970. Although the names of many people
engaged in research often become well known in the scientific community by the
quality of their work, few have had the warm and close personal contact Leo Moser
established with the many hundreds of people interested in his discipline.
Indeed, this is the sixth journal that has asked me to write a tribute
to a man who has gained the respect of so many mathematicians located in the many
different countries of the world.
Although born in Vienna in April of 1921, the Moser family moved to Canada early
enough for him to obtain his elementary education in Winnipeg.
After graduating from the University
of Manitoba with a B.Sc. degree in mathematics in 1944, he went on to an M.Sc.
at the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina.
After spending a brief period doing teaching and research at the Texas
Technical College, Moser began in 1951 his long association with the
University of Alberta.
Leo Moser had mathematical talents that were unique among the many
mathematicians I have known personally or through their published works.
Foremost among these talents were intuition, insight, simplicity,
ingenuity and clarity. Since Leo Moser and I worked together closely on research
for a period of five years, I can give personal witness to the contribution
his unique abilities made to the solution of difficult mathematical problems.
His knowledge of the many fields of mathematics, and the unsolved
problems of current interest in those fields never ceased to amaze me.
Indeed, my own interest in asmyptotic analysis stemmed from his vivid description
of the type of work being done, and remaining to be done, in this particular
field of analysis.
Above all he demonstrated an amazing insight into the nature of the problem
to be solved, and an amazing ability to analyze the most complex
of mathematical problems, and by intuitive heuristic arguments
outline ways in which they might be attacked. Quite often Moser
was able to estimate accurately what the answer was likely to be.
Although he suffered from a lack of knowledge of many of the tools of analysis,
he compensated by the use of an ingenuity that enabled him to use
elementary analysis with an effect
that is rarely seen in the work of other mathematicians.
In collaboration with others, his insight often added a real power to the
high-powered tools of analysis mentioned above.
During his lifetime, Moser made contributions to more than one hundred
research publications, mainly in the fields of number theory, graph theory,
and algebra. Since the importance of his work will speak for itself, it is
not my intention to give a detailed assessment of the many facets
of mathematics which were of interest to him during his lifetime. It is
sufficient for me to say that the world of mathematics was enriched
because a man called Leo Moser chose to lead an active mathematical
life during the relatively short time he lived.
Without doubt, Leo Moser was one of the best teachers of mathematics
the University of Alberta ever had. Gifted with many of the attributes
of a successful actor, he made mathematics a fresh and living subject
for very large classes of students just beginning their mathematical studies.
Moser's enthusiasm for his subject became obvious to anyone who heard him
lecture, and his belief in the importance of mathematics was evident in every
word he spoke. Although it would be false to claim he made mathematical
converts of the majority of his students, it is
not too much to say that Moser instilled an understanding of, and a
respect for, the beauty and importance of his discipline.
Leo Moser had many interests other than mathematics, notably chess and magic.
He held the Alberta Chess Championship for many years, and spent many
hours playing chess with high school students. Often, he would play
fifty simultaneous games, winning all but one or two, showing a type of mind
possessed by a fortunate few. More important to him than the game itself was
the opportunity that was created to discuss with young people the work of the
University. There are literally hundreds of students who were influenced by him
to continue their education beyond the elementary school level.
Although Moser suffered serious heart damage early in life, and was plagued with
ill health most of his life, few people were aware of the handicap he
carried every day of his life. He was uncomplaining, and never asked for special
consideration nor sympathy because of his affliction.
About three years before he died, Moser was informed that he would not likely
live more than two months because his heart damage had become so extensive.
The only hope was an operation which he faced calmly with determination and
courage. Although the operation was successful in changing the months he had
to live into years, years he used to good advantage, it did not give him the
longer life so many of us hoped he would have.
Moser was a warm person with a well-developed sense of humor. He had an infinite
stock of amusing stories, and a huge storehouse of simple puzzles of both a
mathematical and a nonmathematical nature. To spend time with him was doubly
pleasant in that one always had a sense of learning and, at the same
time, of being quietly entertained.
He loved people, and was prepared to give help wherever and whenever it was
needed. His presence at the Summer Institutes of the Canadian Mathematical
Congress always ensured an important contribution by these institutes to the
mathematical welfare of Canada. He delighted in discussing mathematics and
was prepared to share his ideas with anyone who cared to listen.
Many of his ideas were developed by those who did listen, and this was a source
of joy to him throughout his life.
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In addition to his mother and two brothers, Leo Moser is survived by his wife Eva,
and four children, Barbara, Melanie, Sheri, and David. There is nothing one can say to his
family to help them carry the burden that has fallen on their shoulders. One does not
lose a son like this, a husband like this, a father like this, or a brother like this,
without knowing that the days to come will be different from the days that have passed.
Leo Moser will be missed by his family, he will be missed by many people connected with the
mathematical world or the University of Alberta, and he will be missed by me.
\line{\hskip 2.5 true in M. Wyman, President\hfil}
\line{\hskip2.5 true in The University of Alberta\hfil}
\end
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