 He served as the director of the Whole Earth Telescope for the first decade of its existence, and achieved internet fame by posting the Story of Mel, a Real Programmer, on Usenet.Nather died on August 13, 2014 in Austin, Texas.He is survived by his wife, Marilane Nather; his children, Kathy Nather Thomas, Kelley Thompson, Wendy Nather, David Nather and Lara Nather; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.