Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest science geniuses in history, passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations. Hawking married Jane Wilde on 14 July 1965. The couple had three kids. Hawking’s family was a constant source of strength throughout his life, despite the challenges posed by his illness. After he died, his children gave public statements describing him as “extraordinary,” writing about how he influenced their lives with love, wisdom, and resilience.
Who Are Stephen Hawking’s Children?
Each of Stephen Hawking’s children has, on their own path, spoken openly about their father’s extraordinary life and legacy.
Robert Hawking (born: May 1967)
Stephen’s son, Robert Hawking, works in technology and engineering. When Robert was young, he wanted to be a scientist like his father, but he later became a software engineer. He studied at the University of Oxford and then got a job at Microsoft, where he is still employed. He also lives in Seattle with his wife and children.
Lucy Hawking (born: November 1970)
His daughter, Lucy Hawking, followed her father’s intellectual trail. Lucy is a journalist, author, and science education advocate. She has written books, among them several science fiction novels for children, that make complex scientific concepts easy to understand. Lucy has often spoken of how her father’s work inspired her writing and interest in science.
Timothy Hawking (born: April 1979)
Stephen’s second son, Timothy Hawking, has followed a more private path. He attended Exeter University and got a job at LEGO as a loyalty executive, where he is still now. Timothy, unlike his father, has kept a lower profile.
Remembering Stephen Hawking: A Legacy of Inspiration
After Stephen Hawking’s passing, his children expressed their profound gratitude for having him as a father. Lucy, Robert, and Timothy have long praised their father’s capacity to conquer great hardships, including his struggle with ALS, a disease that slowly incapacitated him. Despite his disability, Hawking continued his work and interacted with the world, reforming the notion of physics, notably about black holes and cosmology. His children said they remembered him not only for his accomplishments in science but also for his determination and resilience.
After his death, Lucy Hawking posted a touching tribute to her father, describing him as an “extraordinary” man who profoundly impacted the world. She recalled his sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and being a loving father. Robert and Timothy also expressed admiration, noting that their father’s legacy would live on to inspire future scientists and thinkers.
How Stephen Hawking Shaped His Children’s Lives
Stephen Hawking’s legacy with his children is more than just scientific. He taught that curiosity and questioning were paramount. His children grew up in a place that celebrated science, education, and intellectual exploration. The joy and love that they shared with him, despite the difficulty of living with someone with a debilitating disease, has always been something Lucy, Robert, and Timothy have spoken about.
Hawking’s children experienced firsthand the power of their father’s mind and spirit. Though his body weakened, his mind remained acute, and his love for science undiminished. This commitment to his work and his family left an indelible impression on Lucy, Robert, and Timothy, shaping the direction of their lives.
In interviews and public statements, Lucy, Robert, and Timothy have continued to demonstrate their admiration for their father’s intellect and character. As they remember his remarkable life, they also honor the man beyond the headlines, a devoted father, a brilliant scientist, and an inspiration to millions.
