New Delhi: The man behind the famous image format, known as Graphical Interchange Format (GIF), Stephen Wilhite passed away due to COVID-19. He was 74. It is reported that his family, including his wife Kathaleen, was present at the time of his death. He has been living in Ohio’s Milford.
According to Wilhite’s obituary page, he has always been a very humble, kind, and good man despite getting so many accomplishments.
Remembering his gift to the modern digital world, we have decided to tell you more about Stephen Wilhite.
What is GIF?
It is very common that you have encountered a GIF or Graphical Interchange Format on social media. A GIF can be made up of animated or static images. Animated GIF is very popular among meme-makers. It is also famous for sending reactions, sending messages, and jokes on social media platforms. Animated GIFs are created using several images into a single file.
rip Stephen Wilhite #gif pic.twitter.com/u5oLqu22UB
— ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (@pixelastronaut) March 23, 2022
History of GIF
Stephen started working on GIF files during his service at CompuServe in the 1980s. At that time when internet speed was glacial, Stephen thought of developing an exchange and display mechanism for graphic images. As per his wife Kathaleen, he worked on his idea and ”brought it into work after he perfected it.”
In 2013, Stephen also won a Webby lifetime achievement award for his inventing the GIF.
Following Stephen Wilhite’s death, many people took to social media to pay tribute to him through GIFs.
He took retirement around 2000 and spent most of his time pursuing his hobbies and interests, including travel and campaigning with his wife.
A user also shared a GIF and wrote, ”RIP Stephen Wilhite, creator of the GIF. This was the first GIF created in 1987.”
RIP Stephen Wilhite, creator of the GIF. This was the first GIF ever created in 1987. pic.twitter.com/gqtMBqEOdg
— Blade McG (@Blade__McG) March 23, 2022
