Stephen Hawking Memorial — Honoring a Life Well Lived
January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018 | Age 76 | Theoretical Physicist and Cosmologist
One of the greatest scientific minds in history, Hawking made groundbreaking discoveries about black holes and the nature of the universe while living with a debilitating motor neuron disease for over 50 years.
Honor Your Own Loved One
Create a permanent digital memorial page — upload photos, videos, and stories that last forever. Add a QR memorial plaque to their headstone so anyone who visits can scan and remember them.
Create a Memorial →Life and Legacy of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking's ability to communicate complex ideas to millions — while unable to move or speak naturally — defined his extraordinary life. His humor, warmth, and determination in the face of physical limitation inspired people around the world. He died on Einstein's birthday and was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death.
Major Achievements and Honors
- Hawking radiation — theoretical prediction of black hole radiation (1974)
- A Brief History of Time (1988) — 237 weeks on the bestseller list, 25 million copies sold
- Penrose–Hawking singularity theorems (with Roger Penrose)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009)
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge (same chair as Newton)
- Dennis Sciama Prize and Albert Einstein Medal
Born: January 8, 1942 | Died: March 14, 2018
Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 and passed away on March 14, 2018 at the age of 76. The cause of death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diagnosed at age 21. Stephen Hawking was a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist whose work left an indelible mark on the world.
Remembering Stephen Hawking
Memorials for Stephen Hawking have taken many forms around the world. Fans gather each year on the anniversary of their passing to share memories, play music, view tributes, and celebrate the life that was lived. Public tributes, charity initiatives, and artistic tributes continue to spread their message far beyond their lifetime.
If Stephen Hawking inspired you, consider creating a similar lasting tribute for someone important in your own life. A digital memorial page preserves photos, videos, and stories permanently — and a QR memorial plaque connects the physical headstone to that living digital archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Stephen Hawking die?
Stephen Hawking died on March 14, 2018 at the age of 76. The cause of death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diagnosed at age 21.
What was Stephen Hawking known for?
One of the greatest scientific minds in history, Hawking made groundbreaking discoveries about black holes and the nature of the universe while living with a debilitating motor neuron disease for over 50 years.
What is Stephen Hawking’s legacy?
Stephen Hawking's ability to communicate complex ideas to millions — while unable to move or speak naturally — defined his extraordinary life. His humor, warmth, and determination in the face of physical limitation inspired people around the world. He died on Einstein's birthday and was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death.
How can I create a memorial page for my loved one?
You can create a free permanent digital memorial at Scan2Remember. Upload unlimited photos, videos, and life stories. For a physical memorial, a QR memorial plaque ($49.90 with free lifetime hosting) attaches to any headstone and lets cemetery visitors scan a QR code to view the full memorial page from their smartphone.
This memorial tribute was created by Scan2Remember to honor the life and legacy of Stephen Hawking. We believe every life deserves to be remembered. If you’d like to create a lasting memorial for someone you love, visit our digital memorial page builder or learn about our QR memorial plaques.