Do software engineers need mathematics?

My dad was a computer guy in the 60's. He designed core memory modules. When I was in high school in the late 70's I expressed an interest in computers (Heathkits in particular) and he told me I wasn't good enough in math to really get into the computer field. The fact was, I didn't like math and never took the advanced classes so I took his word for it.

Then came the PC. In my late 20's I bought an 8088 and found my true calling. I don't hold a grudge against my old man for his short-sightedness; I think he'd be amazed by what we're doing with computers these days and I think he'd be proud that I was able to follow in his footsteps.