When I was in High School and College, I had tremendous respect for the man as a scientist and teacher. I dare say that he is largely responsible for sparking my interest in Physics and, especially, Astronomy. I know that I am not alone in that regard, also. He motivated me not just to learn, but to teach and to inspire others to appreciate the grandeur and majesty that is the Cosmos.
As much as he may have professed otherwise, I find it difficult to believe that a man like him could comprehend as much as he did about the universe and yet not believe in an Intelligent Creator behind it. I would like to believe that, in his own way, he did believe in GOD.
I regret that I never got the chance to meet him in person, it would have been nice to thank him for helping me to embark on a career as a scientist and as a scholar. I hope that I may make nearly as significant a contribution to the popularization of science that he has. I can only hope that, GOD willing, I might get the chance to meet him in the life to come.
Please join me in saying a prayer for him and for the family and friends that he has left behind. Thank You.