Good day! I am a proficient C/C++ programmer and a matematician. Moreover, I am familiar with Linux and Makefile system, so I think that this program would not be a big problem for me. I have already implemented Conway's Game of Live and I know what should I do with it. I have an interesting idea what to do with edges: I think I'll implement the field as «torus», i.e. planar that exited from bottom should emerge from the top. This should be perfect, I think.
And yes, I'll implement it in one day.
Feel free to PM me if you feel unclear in some aspect. I'll soon get offline (it is 2 AM here), but I'll answer as soon as I get up.
Last but not least — good luck to your project!