Stephen Hawking was a great scientific that helped in our understanding of the Universe even if most people couldn't understand his work. He was also a very successful author.
His work included Black Holes which may be symbolic as he did not wallow in a personal black hole when he became ill but rather fought it and showed that handicaps do not stop you.
His humor and wit was shown through his cameos on Big Bang Theory. A piece of trivia - he was the only person to appear on Star Trek as themselves.
A great role model for all.
