Email inventor Ray Tomlinson passes away at 74

New York: Modern email inventor and selector of ‘@’ symbol Ray Tomlinson passed away on Saturday morning following a cardiac arrest. He was 74.

“Ray was a true technology Pioneer, who had brought us an innovative technology like email in the early days of computer world”, said Raytheon spokesman Mike Doble.

”Thank you Ray Tomlinson for inventing email and putting the ‘@’ sign on the map”, read a tweet by Gmail’s official Twitter account.

About Ray Tomlinson:

• He was born on April 23, 1941 in United States of America (USA).
• He was the first Programmer to invent e-mail and enforced it on Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET).
• Tomlinson worked in the Raytheon Company’s office in Cambridge.
• He was the one to change the way of the world communication.

Awards and Recognition:

• 2000: Tomlinson was honoured with George R. Stibitz Computer Pioneer Award from American Computer Museum.
• 2001: He was awarded with Webby Awards, as a lifetime achievement from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Science.
• 2001: He was introduced into the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame.
• 2002: He received Innovation award of Discover Magazine.
• 2004: Along with Dave Crocker, he was honoured with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Internet Awards.
• 2009: Tomlinson was awarded with Prince of Asturias Award for scientific and technical research.
• 2011: He was ranked number four in the list of top 150 innovators.
• 2012: Tomlinson was introduced into Hall of fame by the Internet Society.
• While many general email protocols were later introduced and adopted, Tomlinson's precious contributions were never forgotten.