Thursday, May 22, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Steve over the last several years. What he brought to our project was not simply knowledge and skill, but also wit, and humor, and a patient sense that all puzzles can be understood and all problems overcome. Steve published a paper on the design of oscilloscopes that is a fundamental reference for the work that I do. Unlike most engineering documents it is not a dry collection of equations and facts. Steve had a writing talent unusual among engineers. He was able to present his ideas clearly and conversationally, in his own voice. With clever analogies and a dry wit he speaks to us from the page, sharing not just his design ideas, but also his enthusiasm for the topic. When I read his notes, I hear his voice. Technology will move ahead, and the project we worked on will become obsolete, but Steve's paper will remain an important reference in this narrow field. One day, many years from now, a younger colleague will wonder why these circuits are designed the way they are. I'll give her a copy of Steve's notes and he will speak to her with wit, and humor, and patience.
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