Famous physicist Stephen Hawking died suddenly aged 76, and his family published his last words after his death in 2018. They also facilitated one last act of kindness from the physicist
World-famous theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018 - leaving behind a huge legacy.
He had spent his life exploring some of science's most important questions.
Today, on January 7, Google is honouring him on what would have been his 80th birthday with a Doodle designed by Matthew Cruickshank.
Professor Hawking was widely considered one of the greatest minds of the 21st century, and was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21.
The scientist was only expected to live for two years, but defied expectations by living for a further five decades.
It will come as no surprised that the groundbreaking physicist's last words were as profound as his entire life.
What were Stephen Hawking's final words?
Stephen Hawking's final words came in the form of a book that was completed by his family after his death, Brief Answers To The Big Questions.
It includes answers to the questions that Hawking received most during his time on Earth.
His final words in the book were: "There is no God. No one directs the universe."
It wasn't the first time Hawking had rejected the idea of a God or higher power.
Appearing on the TV show Genius of Britain, he said: "The question is: Is the way the universe began chosen by God for reasons we can't understand, or was it determined by a law of science? I believe the second.
"If you like, you can call the laws of science 'God', but it wouldn't be a personal God that you could meet, and ask questions."
His last personal message to readers was a more hopeful one. In the book's final chapter he attempts to answer the question: "How do we shape the future?"
His reply was: "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet."
What were Stephen Hawking's last acts of kindness?
One of Hawking's final acts of kindness was paying for a grand Easter meal for hundreds of homeless people in his home city of Cambridge.
On the same day as his funeral, a donation from his family helped fund the charity FoodCycle's Easter lunch at Wesley Methodist Church.
On all the tables a note was left, reading: "Today's lunch is a gift from Stephen. From the Hawking family."
According to the organisers, the author and physicist was given "a little cheer" before nearly 50 people tucked into their meal.
Alex Collis, FoodCycle's regional manager, said: "The family felt they wanted to do something positive to mark the day and support people in the local community who were having a tough time.
"It was something that they felt Stephen would have wanted."
Ms Collis added that the family's generous donation meant that there were "lots of extra Easter treats" and they decorated the hall with "beautiful flowers".
