After various engineering positions over the years at GAC, Convair, Sam began a 29 year career at Texas Instruments. During his time at TI, he authored or co-authored 6 US Patents and several journal papers before retiring in 1989. He was pulled back into the engineering world to work with friends a few times, but preferred retirement.
Sam was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease around 2010. His engineering brain would not let him rest easy and he began to research treatments, even blogging about his findings, treatments, politics, etc., in his last few years. He wrote a program to profile medication effects and had hoped to carry on developing his program in conjunction with a Parkinson’s research organization or Pharmaceutical company, in order to benefit other patients. The combination of the Parkinson’s Disease progression and a fall in which he broke his shoulder, halted that effort. Special thanks to his neurologist, Dr. Peter Lin, for listening to his ideas, partnering with him in his care/treatment and encouraging his research and program development.
Sam was always a singer, with a strong, rich bass voice. Even in his last days, he could be heard singing “Old Man River”. He had a wonderful sense of humor, even while in the hospital. When a nurse came in to test his memory, asking “Do you know what hospital you are in? What city?”, he would answer with a twinkle in his eye, “Why? Are you lost?” He loved to invent, tinker and build things, including elaborate playhouses for his daughters, a significant play structure for his grandchildren and even a houseboat. He’s the one everyone went to for advice on all things electrical or mechanical, cars, woodworking, etc. He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews who had experienced his generosity of spirit and unconditional acceptance.
He is dearly missed for his engineering, curious mind, his practical advice and support, his sense of humor and love.
He is survived by his wife, 2 daughters, son-in-law, 2 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
