Gordon Mah Ung, a pillar of the PC Hardware journalism community, has passed on at the age of 58 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. In an age of YouTubers who might make wild claims in order to get “clicks” Gordon was the real deal and pulled no punches when it came to hardware reviews but also gave critical praise when things were done right. The PCWorld Editor got his start in journalism over 25 years ago as a police reporter after studying at San Francisco State University. It wasn’t long after when in 1997 he moved into tech journalism by becoming a member of an early PCWorld sister publication called Computerworld. This brought him into the fold of PCWorld where his ethical writing, combined with a blend of unique humor and passion, would see him become the lead reviewer for Maximum PC for 16 years.
PCWorld Editorial Director, fellow writer, and longtime friend to Gordon, Jon Phillips said that Gordon’s passion for what he did inspired those around him, and his “Rant of the Week” became a cornerstone at Maximum PC. Jon has provided a link, but those wanting to use it will need to jump through the hoops to enable Adobe Flash as it is an older file, for those unfamiliar or simply needing to understand the depths to which Gordon Mah Ung would go. Jon does warn though, that things can get a bit extreme and NSFW but that was who Gordon was.
“As I listened to his rants from my office, he always had me guessing, “Is he really that angry, or is he playing us?”
Jon Phillips, PCWorld Editorial Director
Per Jon Phillips (via PCWorld):
- “And that was part of Gordon’s genius. His number one commitment was to investigating the story, informing the public, and helping people make the best technology decisions. But layered on top of all of this was a master showman who effortlessly connected with like-minded enthusiasts.”
Executive Editor and The Full Nerd co-host Brad Chacos shared one of his favorite moments with the Full Nerd staff following the end of CES 2017. Most of the staff have left leaving Gordon and crew sitting back with 3-foot tall margaritas and a very special CES After Dark Episode. Brad explains that while Gordon might spice things up a little for videos, everything was still sincere and real and what you saw on camera was not a broadcast personality.
“The Gordon you know is the Gordon you know. He was personable, and funny, and hard-working, and deeply connected, and curmudgeonly, and smart, and fair, and honest, and he was utterly dedicated to being a journalist and presenting the truth as he saw it.”
Brad Chacos – PCWorld Executive Editor
To say that Gordon Mah Ung had an impact on the PC and tech community is an understatement. The following is a segment from Gamers Nexus showing their remembrance of Gordon and how much he meant to Steve Burke.
Gordon’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses. Please donate to them if you can.
Discussion (9 replies)
Join Discussion →Sad to hear of his passing, I have only been following the full nerd for a couple years but he was always interesting to follow (also they did have some grezat guests from time to time).
In the last couple times I seen him on there it was clear he wass not doing well, I was kinda hoping it was due to his treatement and that he would bounce back after because for ww while it seemed he was going better but alas
A lot of people dying way to young, and this is a prime example. RIP.
I have not been following him at all, but from the few guest appearances I've seen, he seemed like a really good guy. It's sad to see anyone go, but it seems to me that the best people who have the most insight to contribute always pass way too early.
This was such extremely sad news; Gordon was a legitimate trailblazer within the technology news and reporting space. As someone with their fair share of graying hair follicles, I've followed him since his days at boot magazine, but Maximum PC is where he really let himself stretch his capabilities. Some of the articles were straight laced and informative, with others being so riotously out of left field that you couldn't help but bust out laughing.
His technical knowledge was well rounded enough to let him speak authoritatively across a breadth of topics, which he did frequently, and to great effect. Having a background in investigative journalism meant that his consumer advocacy columns were well researched, professional and justified. The way that he mixed humor into his content, fearlessly taking jabs at any and all grievances (however minor) was pointed, but still always somehow good natured. He was funny, feisty, fearless and fair.
The type of cancer he was diagnosed with (pancreatic) is a particularly vicious one. When he publicly acknowledged his health struggles last year, it was quite likely that he had already been receiving preliminary, aggressive treatment. That he further pushed through with his work in spite of the ongoing care for as long as he did is incredible.
Gordon was an absolute champion, in every sense of the word. I'll miss him greatly.
Damn 58 isn't old. I'll be lucky if I can even retire by 60. Cancer is a bitch, and pancreatic is usually a death sentence. Sad.
I just found out today my old boss died in December, he was 69. I don't even consider that to be "old", both my parents are older than that. Only had 4 years of retirement in, I sure hope I get more than that otherwise wtf am I killing myself saving for?
I had a friend who used to work for KPMG. The work was brutal and punishing on the body. They used and abused the lower-end workers. Stick around long enough and you make hella bank, but my friend didn't think he could keep up with the insane schedule for years and years. Then he found out that most of high-baller employees died shortly after retirement. He left the job because he said he wants a job where he can retire and actually live and enjoy his retirement. He has plans for his retirement that do NOT involve permanently sleeping in a casket. Now he works for the Federal government's Treasury department. Lovin' that government life. Way less pay, but 40 hours of stable work, no overtime, good benefits and vacation time (the latter of which is very important for him). His quality of life is much better, he has way less stress and anxiety, things are more peaceful, and he's no longer digging an early grave for himself. What good is retirement if you're not around to use it? The best thing KPMG gave him was a boost to his resumé to land that government job.
His parents are now in that phase where they see how old they are, see how much time they probably got left, and they're no longer of a mind to save money. They've been saving their whole lives. Now they are spending that money. After all, you can't take it with you when you pass on.
EDIT: Back on topic, really sad to hear about the passing of Gordon. Maximum PC was an awesome f*cking magazine, if my memory serves correct. He was no doubt an integral part of that mag.
I will agree with you there.
Until PC Magazine stopped going super deep dive on technical stuff I loved reading their articles and subscribing to their magazine. Then it became this thin non technical subscription to adds and kind of fell apart. But in the early to 95/97 time frame they were great.