If you have an experience or even a quick thought you would like to share about Don, please email it to don@donludlow.com and we’ll add your thoughts to our Guest Book here. (If you would like us to keep it private, please make a note of that.)
Dear Fran, Darrell and Drew,
Maria has sent me email about this news. I had problem to sleep last night and my memory of all those years working with Don filled my whole day today. Don was the first IBMer who gave me the confidence about myself. I have learned so much from Don, at work and outside work. Don was my mentor and my friend. Don was my team leader for the PLS85 and PLS86 compiler development projects. His SuperZap program was once the most useful tool for every single IBM field service engineer to carry when providing services to customers. I had used his SuperC program all the time when I worked in IBM in Lexington. It was so useful that I couldn’t do my job without it. I tried to use similar “compare” program and none can “compare” with his SuperC. I had so much good memory of Don, his laughters, numerous detailed and heated discussions with him, and some good debates, too. He was a great guy, and my role model as well. I remembered that Don was very proud that he made a “hole-in-one” when he played golf in Raleigh. I have been very lucky to work with Don for all those years and the friendship he gave me. He will be certainly missed, my friend.
Kehsing John Chou (San Jose, CA)
Mrs. Ludlow, Darrell and Drew,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our prayers. I will always remember the 4th of July’s and New year’s, but most of all, the dinners at Joe Bologna’s and all the meals that Mr. Ludlow sent back. He was so full of a love for life and he will be greatly missed.
Diane and Chris Evans (Hawk) (Lexington, KY)
Fran Darrell and Drew,
So many wonderful memories with you guys! I will always keep the story going of Dons overwhelming desire to infuse three serves instead of two into the game of tennis! Don was one in a million and will be greatly missed but never forgoten! My thoughts and prayers are with you guys!
Dan Hawk (Louisville, KY)
Fran Darrell and Drew,
I remember my uncle as a person who wanted to teach and introduce you to new things. He gave me a beginner’s chess book when I was a young boy and explained the game to me. Years later, he also gave me one of his college business law books when I expressed an interest in becoming a lawyer. I still have them.
Whether it was going to the driving range or showing you something related to the computer, my uncle always tried to expose me to new things. Even when some of the computer applications were a bit over my head, I knew he was motivated by his passion and I listened attentively.
My condolences to my aunt and cousins. Uncle Don is in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Garabo (New York City, NY)
Fran, Darrell and Drew,
My condolences to the family. I was a co-worker of Don’s on the ISPF SuperC project with IBM in Cary years ago. He remains one of my most vivid and enjoyable memories of those days.
Matthew Frame (Raleigh, NC)
Our condolonces to the Ludlow family. I only very recently got to meet Don, and I miss him. We had a couple of nice conversations, and I was looking forward to having some more. We look forward to spending more afternoons with the family, as they’ve made us feel so at home.
Mark, Anabel, and Mila Rossbach Rossbach (Raleigh, NC)
I met and got to know Don through his volunteer work with the Kramden Institute in RTP. Don served at many Geek-A-Thon events where 200-250 donated computers are refurbished and given to disadvantaged school students free of charge. Don also served at Kramden’s weekly Wednesday night work sessions to repair and refurbish computers where Don liked to work at his favorite workbench. Kramden Institute is sponsoring a Geek-A-Thon this weekend which will be dedicated to Don in his memory.
Don was a very unique person and he will be missed. My best wishes and condolences to his family.
DeWayne Williams (Raleigh, NC)
We did not know Don personally but we do know his son Drew and after reading about his life and accomplishments, we know why Drew grew into the wonderful man he is today….Our condolences to all the family for such a great loss….
Jim and Patty Garrett (Raleigh, NC) ”
My condolences to the family. I did not know Don, but I use some of his programs several times a day. He has made my life easier. Many thanks.
Pedro Vera (San jose, CA)
If you have an experience or even a quick thought you would like to share about Don, please email it to don@donludlow.com and we’ll add your thoughts to our Guest Book here. (If you would like us to keep it private, please make a note of that.)