Ward Christensen

[Blacklord]

Ward Christensen has died. He was the co-creator and SysOp of the first BBS to ever go online, and the creator of the XMODEM file transfer protocol.

Alpha King was kind enough to write up this tribute:

"Today, we say goodbye to a true pioneer and legend in our community, Ward Christensen. As the co-creator of the first public Bulletin Board System (BBS), Ward laid the foundation for what would become a thriving network of communication and collaboration long before the modern internet.
Through CBBS, Ward and Randy Suess gave us a space to connect, share knowledge, and build communities that transcended physical boundaries. For those of us who lived in the BBS scene, it was more than a platform—it was a culture. Whether we were sharing files, chatting in message boards, or exploring the corners of digital freedom, Ward's contributions made it possible.
Ward's vision and ingenuity shaped a movement that influenced so much of what we do today, and his spirit of innovation will continue to inspire future generations of builders and dreamers.
Rest in peace, Ward. Your legacy will live on in the code, the communities, and the memories we all share."