“The dying man who taught America how to live,” as The Independent of London called the university professor Randy Pausch, died earlier Friday at the age of 47.

Pausch was an American professor of computer science, human-computer interaction and design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but it’s his “Last Lecture” speech that brought him worldwide fame.

In a longstanding cherished tradition at the university, the US academic delivered a last lecture to friends and students. Titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” the talk was recorded and posted on the video sharing website You Tube, where it accumulated over 10 million views worldwide before being turned into a best-selling book.

Before speaking, the inspirational professor received a long standing ovation from the 400 colleagues and students. "Make me earn it," said he afterward and then some of the addressees replied "You did!" Throughout the whole speech, he was cheerful and humorous and shared his wisdom while giving priceless lessons.

After the last lecture, Brown University Professor Andries van Dam held a touching speech, flattering him for his courage and leadership, calling him a role model. Also, people who were pleased about his brilliant work added comments on You Tube. “I will always be grateful for his vivid beliefs. I feel like my standard of living increased because of him,” said an admirer. “At least you went out with a bang with thousands of people supporting you,” stated another.

Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and underwent a medical procedure in September 2006 in a failed attempt to combat the disease.