“Notes from The Gang” (2008) 10/02/08
This file contains notes and e-mails, which several people have sent to me over the last year.
======People we lost this year. Obituaries and/or other info is scattered throughout this document.
Al Champlain (obituary at end of this doc) Terry Berett Rick Jackson Dick Mattson Alain Nicolleau Byron Nilsen Chuck Pence Austin Poons (obituary at end of this doc) Gary Tom Sam Wood Chuck Wright
======September 26, 2008
Pat -
I intended to attend the Super Lunch for years, but never followed through until this year. Bruce Larsen and I made a pact to go this year when we ran into each other back in February, and that was enough of a commitment that I finally followed through.
I want to thank you for the work you put into it, every year. There were good people at CDC and it's right to stay in touch with them. The Super Lunch is a good thing, and you deserve the credit.
Thanks, Steve Hattenberger
(Note: Steve and Bruce made it to the 2008 lunch)
======September 26, 2008 (follow-up to Billy’s previous e-mail of 09/25)
Patrick,
It was great to hear from you. My address is:
Billy Pettit 3747 Oak Brook Court Pleasanton, California 94588
You can give this address to anyone with CDC material. I will return it after scanning, if they wish. If not, I'll donate it in their name to the Museum. My offer stands to pay all postage involved.
Are you familiar with the controlfreaks list? If not, I think you might find it fun; it's about CDC software and they have frequent discussions down to the diagnostic level. Just went through a long discussion of inter-PPU communication and display character generation. Have a look at: http://www.controlfreaks.org/mailman/listinfo/controlfreaks
If you want, I can forward you a couple of recent mailings so you can have a look at the contents.
Billy Pettit
======Sept 25, 2008 I only just discovered your web site through the control freaks e-list (ex-CDC software engineers staying in touch and writing 6000 emulators).
Please add me to your mailing list. I made the 50th reunion and will try to make one of the lunches with more notice.
My name is: Billy Pettit email is: [email protected] Cell hone is: 925-998-9968 Live in Pleasanton, California - near SF
I started at CDC in July 1963, in Engineering Services. Moved frequently, starting in Minneapolis, then Atlanta, Huntsville, Houston, The Hague, London, Ann Arbor, Missisauga and finally Oklahoma City. Left CDC in 1976, went into the disk drive field on the West Coast.
Still stay in touch with a few old timers out here in the Bay area. And correspond with the active alumni group in OKCity.
I saw a question about what to do with old manuals. Please tell everybody that there is large professional archivist group at the Computer History Museum: http://www.computerhistory.org/ They would love to have donations of any old manuals, newsletters, documentation, etc. They are especially desparate for software. Very few people saved any software. For example, not a single 1700 program has been found. Nor have we found a single 1604 program.
As a part of this effort, one extremely dedicated archivist there has been scanning manuals and putting them up on the Internet. Check out: http://www.bitsavers.org/
We would love to scan any old manuals or documents and add to the archive. If you don't want to donate, I will still pay postage both ways, scan them and return them to the original owner. It is really important to save what little of our history is left.
Another question asked about old CDC machines. There are a few left in the world. For example, I know of five 160-A's still in existance. Only one of them, mine, is still operational. I also have a 167 Card Reader - operational, and a 161-A I/O typewriter in terrible shape. I am working on restoring it, currently. I have some software but would love to find more 160 programs. I would welcome any contact with old 160-A/1604 engineers and talk about the early days of ES.
I have been trying to reach James Pederson for several years. Jim was at 501 Park and later at Arden Hills. The last email from him that I can find on the net is from 2001. I'd really love to talk to him about some of his designs. In fact, the museum has an oral history group and would love to hear from anybody on their memories of the early days of computers.
Please read the message about the Museum to the Luncheon if that is possible. We would love to hear from anyone. Please give my email address to anyone who wants to talk about the old CDC computers.
Next year, we'll try to make the Luncheon.
Billy Pettit
======September 23, 2008 Hello,
I am Gerard van der Grinten and currently visiting Bob Engberg in Alaska.
Both Bob and I am former CDC employees. I worked for the Dutch organisation from 1966 till 1994 at HOLHNL. Bob worked at ARHOPS in Field Support (Scope etc).
Please forward our greetings to the members there.
And, if anybody has still software (on tape - CDC related) please collect it and let me or control freeks know.
For all fun you (members) can telnet to pa0gri.demon.nl Connect to MDA and login with ,guest,guest
Regards, Gerard.
======September 23, 2008
Please include me on your mailing list. I'm in Florida, as I always have been, but if I can swing travel to the cities near the next luncheon, I might well do it.
I was with PSD 1980-88 and AWD 88 - 98.
Thanks, Kent (Olsen)
======September 23, 2008
Pat Sorry to say I cannot make it down there. Something came up. Working sucks. John (Gobats) Rangenet Internet Services, Inc 3049 Sunset Road Tower, MN 55790
======September 18, 2008
Found 7 more pictures - They had to be taken in late 1971 or early 1972 before I went to Europe with CDC for a couple of years - I left CDC in 1986. Sending one at a time as I am on a low speed DSL circuit.
Regards, Don Welter
======September 17, 2008
Patrick,
I got your contact information from Dick LeKang. I was a 30 year employee at Control Data from 1968 -1998. Could you add me to your mailing list on Control Data activities?
Thanks, Bob Anderson (Done 09/17/08)
======September 13, 2008
Hi Pat,
Thanks for keeping up with me. As soon as my wife Pat said Pat Johnston called I knew immediately that it was you.
I am still working. I can’t afford to retire unless I give up my toys. I think I am still too young although I have younger friends that have retired. I am still in the computer business. I have been doing marketing, sales and business development for about the last 20 years.
Control Data was an excellent place to start my career. Many times I have wished we could have kept it going. Diagnostic Engineering was a lot of fun.
One of these years I am going to make it to a CDC reunion. I noticed that Cary Connors attended one… maybe last year. You may remember that Cary and I shared one of those big cubes when we worked for Roger Goman.
Well, duty calls. I am heading to San Diego tonight on business if IKE permits. We’re just getting light rain so far here in Plano so I am sure the flight will be leaving on time.
Thanks again. I do look forward to seeing you and the gang sometime soon.
Bruce (Fisher)
======September 11, 2008
Pat,
Good talking to you - and as promised, here's my info.
As for email addresses, the one you have - is a forwarding service, so in theory, it should always be up to date as long as I live (or as long as I'm an ARRL member). We have the ability to have that address forwarded to any address we choose, whoever happens to be our ISP-of-the-day.
And actually, we haven't changed ISP's in quite a while - the address that the ARRL service is currently forwarded to is: (see PRJ)
Glad to hear all is well with you - and I hope it stays that way!
Randy Schneider
PS. You can check out the web site at http://www.bearmountainbull.com
======September 11, 2008
I’m still alive and kicking. Keeping up with the changes in the world now termed IT and keeping the brain active as a cantankerous programmer for Medica Health Plans. I probably won’t be at the Super Lunch. I am leaving that evening to visit my son in Chicago, Illinois and my daughter in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bob (Trier)
======September 11, 2008 (sent out on 9/11/08)
Patrick, This was sent to contacts in Al's e-mail on Tuesday. Information on the memorial service will follow in a separate e-mail. ------
Al (Champlain) passed about 1:45a.m. Tuesday, September 9th. This gives you a good idea about our last 48 hours or so. It has been tough but, we have had lots of family and friends and LOVE by our sides throughout.
This past Sunday I was to be discharged from Methodist, so I tried to get ahold of Albert to pick me up. I had called him about 4 a.m. to ask for my computer to catch up on e-mail, we had a good laughing conversation and he said he would see me at 1:00pm. I'm feeling okay and have had five radiation treatments. I couldn't reach him on his cell phone or on the land line. So I had secondary plans. I called Joyce to come get me. She came to Methodist to pick me up. In the mean time Dan was going to my house to check on Albert (I did not know this at the time though) he would not answer his cell phone or the house phone. Unfortunately, when Dan got there about 2:15 p.m. Al was on the floor, breathing but not responding. 911 was called.
Al had a 16mm (anything over 10mm is LARGE) aneurysm in the brain that was hemmoraging. He was brought to Methodist Hospital to the emergency room to where Joyce and I met him. He was evaluated and needed to go to St. Joseph's hospital for surgery to relieve the pressure around his brain. An external shunt was put in to release the large amounts of blood pooling. An angiogram and Coiling procedure were performed early monday am. He did well but was very, very sick - his heart and his lungs had been damaged due to the extended time that he may have been 'out', 5-6 hours. He was holding his own post surgery for a few hours and the goal was to wake him up monday pm.
Set back - about 2pm when they were getting his feeding tube going he coughed a couple of times and they noticed some fresh blood. Another CT scan - additional blood in around the brain. Another angiogram - additional coiling, then an open skull section to assist in pressure release. During this they noticed the aneurysm was still leaking. They 'clamped' it off this time. Post surgery not good. Low chance of recovery either for brain processes, heart was working at 15% - they could not get the blood pressure up. He became brain dead. We had decisions to make. Due to low bp, body temperature too low, and possible damage due to low blood oxygen levels organ donation was not going to work however possibly bone and tissue donation which can only be done post death.
We took him off life support about 1:25 am, he stopped breathing soon after, but his heart that was only working at 15% and not doing well, decided to be stubborn and did not stop until 1:45 am or a couple minutes later. They did the harvesting sometime today, we just got a call and were told that they were able to use his bones and eyes for donation. His skin was not able to be used because he had too many moles. He will then be cremated.
We are working on a memorial service for later in the week. We will let you know details as they come together.
Sent with lots of love! Dona (Champlain)
======September 9, 2008
Dear Pat, I will miss your CDC gathering, but will be there in spirit.
My wife died in Dec. 2006. I will marry a lady I have known since 1976 from my church in Oct., 2008. Her name is Judy Hoover of Golden Valley. I will leave my Plymouth home and move to Judy's. My new address after Oct. will be: 2020 Orkla Dr., Golden Valley, MN, 55427-3430. My new phone number will be 763-545-0712.
Please pass on my good wishes to all our CDC friends!!!
Ray Jorgensen
======September 9, 2008
Pat, thanks for the mail. I look forward to this every year. This year however I will not make it because I have to take my grandson out to school in Wyoming that week. I have forwarded it on to several others and hopefully some of them can make it. See you next year,
Dean (Ford)
======September 9, 2008
Hi Pat
Another year has gone by and again this year we will not be able to make the Super Lunch. Plan to fly out to Maryland to visit our Son.
Had kind of a tough summer this year. Had my Aortic heart valve replaced and ended up in ICU for 4 weeks. Had a reaction to heparin and ended up with a heart attack on the operating table. Spent a total of 6 weeks in the hospital. It was a bit tough to walk after being in bed to 6 weeks. Have been getting some of strength back. Plan to retire from HP the end of this year. Have put our house on the market and plan to move to Minnesota next year.
Jerry Golden
======September 4, 2008 (sent out 09/07/08)
In the St. Paul Pioneer Press on 09/07/08. Believe Terry died on Wednesday, 09/03/08
Terry E. Berett
Berett, Terry E. Respected Father, Grandfather & Husband Age 62 Of Stillwater. Preceeded in death by father, Ed. Survived by mother, Beth; brother, Lonnie; sister, Lois; wife, Cherie; son, Chris; daughter, Michelle & five grandchildren. Memorial service to be held Monday at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF STILLWATER, 6201 Osgood Ave N., welcome at 6PM, service at 7PM. Memorials preferred to Autism Speaks Foundation. 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater 651- 439-5511
======September 4, 2008
Hi Patrick,
Sending you this email to let you know that I won't be making it to this year's Super Lunch. However, We are planning to make our annual trip back to Minnesota in 2009 in the fall so that I can definitely make the 20th Annual Super Lunch.
Below are my greetings to all of the CDCers who keep in touch via the Annual Super Lunches. You can add them to your 2008 collection of notes.
Bob (Horton)
======Hi to all my fellow former CDCers. I am sorry that I have not made it to the past 3 Super Lunches. My plans for 2009 are to definitely make it to the 20th Annual Super Lunch so that I may touch base with all of you in person.
We are still living in North Carolina and enjoying the mild winters. We are both still active and in good health. We try to walk at least 30 minutes every day. Are completely retired now. No part time jobs during the past 2 years. This year we had to limit our motorhome travels because of the price of gasoline. We did manage 3 weeks on the road in the motorhome driving to Minnesota in late May, from there to Ohio, and then back to NC. It was interesting to leave NC with all the trees leafed out and many spring flowers already done blooming, and arrive in Minneapolis to see Lilacs blooming, and then went up for a couple days to Bemidji where the trees and lilacs were barely leafed out. Don't miss those long winters. We also managed an Easter trip and an August trip by car to my son's home in Republic, MO (near Branson); to spend time with our son, his wife, and our two MO grandsons. While there in August, we spent 2 days touring Eureka Springs, AR, with the grandsons.
Our oldest daughter and her husband and 2 kids had left NC one year ago to live and teach in a small town in the northeast corner of Washington (north of Spokane). They wanted a small town for their kids to grow up in. Well, the town, Republic, WA, turned out to be a dieing town, and the local school had to cut some teachers. So, my daughter and family moved back to NC this past August. So, now we have our two grandchildren back in NC, and the daughter and son-in-law are teaching in the same high school. Currently the largest high school in the county with more than 2000 students in four grades.
Our other daughter is still in India with her husband and their almost adopted 7-year-old Indian boy. They have lived there for 9 years, and have had their boy since he was born. They have finally obtained an Indian Court Decree that gives them permanent guardianship of the boy. They are now working through the Indian bureaucracy to obtain a passport for the boy so that they can all come back to the US and obtain a US adoption.
That is it from here. I will miss seeing you all, and catching up on your news.
Bob (Horton)
======August 28, 2008 Hi Al,
Man, I am very, very sorry to hear about Dona's cancer. I hope everything works out okay. Keep me posted.
And I'll send a flier about the lunch anyway. You're on the list and you can still decide at the last minute. It's the 26th.
Take care - Pat
======Hi Patrick,
I see the luncheon is coming up. Don't believe I'll make it this year. Dona had brain surgery on the 28th of July to remove a tumor and is now in rehab. She will begin radiation treatment on Sept 2 and have 15 treatments, which will run through Sept 22-23. It's one day at a time.
Al (Champlain)
PRJ’s note: Al passed away a few days after sending me this e-mail about his wife, Dona.
======August 27, 2008
Pat, We never did any testing 1-2-3! We always had to test all or none. Now we’ve got the address right so we can communicate.
Regards, John Herre Quality Computer Maintenance
======August 26, 2008
Hi Pat,
I bumped into another CDC fellow from my days at ES Education. His name is Paul Durette. He worked mostly as an administrator including coordinating the CEs' housing and other needs while they were at school. He currently works at Loew's in Rogers. I told him about the super lunch and he's interested. He would be a welcome addition at lunch. Look forward to seeing you and the rest.
Kent (Hoover)
======August 23, 2008
Alain Nicolleau, of Versailles, France, passed away in on August 23rd, 2008, after a courageous year- long battle with cancer. Alain is survived by his wife, Françoise; daughter, Virginie (son-in-law William and grand-daughter Iris), and son Gautier (daughter-in-law Vanessa). Alain worked for Control Data for several years including a period as a Diagnostic Engineer at Arden Hills. Alain was one of the "Good Guys" and will be greatly missed by his friends and family. For additional information, contact Pat Johnston at [email protected]
======August 16, 2008
Hi Pat,
Many thanks for your kind thoughts. I would love to hit the Super Lunch one of these years, we'll have to see what we can manage. From a purely personal point of view, this time we have hit perfect weather at a time when Oz is experiencing some of the coldest weather on record so we are patting ourselves on the back!
It was good to catch up with you and several others this time. I managed to touch base with Roger Miller at his place and he had a bunch of guys around some of whom I hadn't seen in twenty years!
Take care, Tony ======August 12, 2008. Hi Pat,
I was at a party last night and Janet Bellinger (Arden Hills software) asked to be placed on the distribution for the end of September reunion.
Cheers, Tony (Done. PRJ)
======July 29, 2008 Hi Pat,
Good to hear from you. Have been enjoying the latest jokes. We have you down for tentative on Nov 10th. Dinner and breeze sounds good.
We head out Thursday morning early to drive by car to my son's in Republic, MO. Plan a week there with the grandboys. May even take them for an overnight down to Eureka Springs. Mary Ann wants to say she has visited Arkansas.
My daughter and son-in-law in India have just yesterday closed their court proceedings to gain gaurdianship of their 7 year old boy. And they have it and can proceed to work on getting an American adoption. First need to get the boy a passport and visa, which shouldn't be as hard as it was to get an Indian guardianship. They hope to all be back in the USA by November, 2008, and spend at least one year in the states before returning to India. So, we may spend January in Florida this winter.
Tell everyone I say "Hey" back. Also tell them we are still fit and healthy.
Stay cool.
Bob (Horton)
======July 30, 2008
Hi Pat,
Good to catch up with you as ever. My other half is Joanna. You must have the same problem as me in not remembering names. They should have given us all numbers and I wouldn't have a problem! Joanna said what a nice guy you were, which of course you are or you wouldn't be my friend!
Say G'Day to everyone at the reunion for me. I'll endeavour to drop you an "official" line for the record closer to the event. Take care, Tony ======July 22, 2008
Hi Pat,
Can you put a note on your web site about Sam Wood? I haven’t seen the obituary notice in the Mpls paper yet, but I think it will go in early this week. Sam was a good buddy of mine, and since he had a lot of friends in the Twin Cities, Heather Myers asked me to set up a memorial service for him this coming Sunday. Since I am familiar with the Stillwater area the best, I scheduled a gathering from 3:00 to 5:00PM at St. Mary’s Church hall (corner of 5th and Pine Streets) on Sunday, July 27th. I don’t know whether to expect 10 people, or 100, but the hall is large enough for everyone. Stillwater has Lumberjack Days this weekend, so tell anyone who plans to attend to:
Follow highway 36 towards Stillwater. Turn left at 4th Street (last stop light before going down the hill towards the river). Look for the sign that “Historic Courthouse Next Left”. Follow 4th Street to Pine Street. Left one block to St. Mary’s Church.
There is a parade from 1:00 to 3:00, but if they follow the above route, they won’t have to worry about blocked roads.
Thanks (Dale Siemers)
======July 20, 2008 Hi Pat, Sorry, I don’t have any contact info for either Dale Siemers or Roger Lund. I’ve pretty much lost track of the old gang except through your efforts. Thanks for doing all this. It is a very valuable service.
We are still full time RVers, but we are reducing our travel a lot with the current gas prices. We are currently spending the summer on the Oregon and Washington coast. The temps range from 60 to the low 70’s in most places. Pretty nice!
Hope you are well. Dick Cary
======July 20, 2008 Hi Dick, Sam Wood passed away a couple of weeks ago (his obit from Loveland Co. follows) and we (Jerry Peterson and others) have been trying to locate Dale Siemers. I found him in the on-line white pages, but because he is unlisted, it will cost to get details. I thought you may have something on Dale, but more likely you may have something on Roger Lund (same white pages result with Roger), and Roger and Dale were pretty close. If you can help fill in the blanks so I can talk to, or email Roger, I would greatly appreciate it.
I asked Jerry to contact Pat Johnston, but evidently Pat doesn't have that data either. Thanks, Norm ------Publish date: 6/29/2008
Samuel WOOD , 69 of Fairfax, Minn., left this world after a courageous battle with brain cancer, on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Sam was born in St. Paul, Minn., and raised on the family farm in Rosemount, Minn. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for six years, focusing on the electronics field. He was a pilot in the South Pacific pre-Vietnam, flying without bullets as a conscientious objector. After military service, he attended the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in physics. During this time he met and married Shirley Sherman.
He worked as a computer software engineer with Control Data in Minneapolis for 38 years while raising a family. He lost his wife to MS in 1993. In 1999, he came to live at Carter Lake, west of Loveland, opened the Northern Rose music store in Fort Collins and ran his own technical consulting company called Hero Technology. Some of Sam’s many hobbies were playing guitar, world travel, restoring old trucks, working on his Minnesota hobby farm, and being around his numerous friends in Colorado and around the world.
Sam is survived by sons Christopher, Nicholas; daughter Jennifer; grandchildren Emily, Tabitha and Autumn; brothers Joe and Peter; sisters Susan and Nancy; and close friend, Heather Myers.
Private cremation has been conducted, memorial service to follow at a later date.06/29/08
Pat I see that the last friday in Sept falls on the 26th. I don't bill till the 1st so I probably will make it to the lunch. Dreams about CDC. Hmm I never have any. Oh sometimes I have thought about CMSE!
John (Gobats)
======06/26/08
Pat,
I was sorry to hear about Gary (Tom). He had worked on my hot 68 Chev many times before I got married. I was also surprised to see that the announcement came from Jim Sundet. Jim and I went to High School together in Breckenridge, MN.
Harley Stauffer
======
06/18/08
Pat,
Gary Tom passed away on May 26, 2008. Here is the link to his obituary: http://obits.al.com/huntsville/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=110914947 Regards,
Jim Sundet
======06/18/08
Pat,
I’m not sure how many of or colleagues might remember Rick, but I worked with him at EMSD and after that at Siemens. You may remember Howard Hochule (CE Support for older HW such as 844 disks, 808 disks, etc.). Howard and Rick worked together at Arden Hills before the split between CDC/Ceridian/Siemens. In case anyone remembers Rick, here is his Obit.
Dave Yunker TAJ Technologies, Inc.
Rick Charles Jackson Jackson, Rick Charles age 55, of Maple Grove. Passed away June 16, 2008 after a long, hard- fought battle with brain cancer. Survived by his wife, Julia; son, Mark; daughter, Kristin; step-son, Peter; parents, Ruthann & Jerry Jackson; brother, Mike; sisters, Cathy, Janet, Judie, and Joanne; and other relatives, friends, and colleagues at Siemens. Loving husband, father, son, and friend. Employee of Siemens for 20 years. Avid boater, bird watcher, and lover of the outdoors. Funeral service Thursday 10:30 AM at Cross Winds United Methodist Church, 15051 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove. Visitation Wednesday, 5-8 PM AT THE CHURCH and 1/2 hour prior to service on Thursday. Memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic for brain cancer research, Dept. of Development, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 Published in the Star Tribune from 6/17/2008 - 6/18/2008.
======06/02/08
Hello Pat , , , Was traveling and just got your voice mail. Yep - I am the CDC guy. Be good to hear from you about who's where etc. I have moved around quite a bit with other companies since CDC time and have been in Memphis for about 14 years now - and retired.
Hope all is well at your end.
Don Welter
======04/23/08
Thanks much :-))
I am forwarding your message to Al Kossow, who runs www.bitsavers.org and is the Computer History Museum Software Currator
Please let me know how things work out -
Ed Thelen
(No Response) ======04/23/08
Hi Ed,
I worked for Control Data for 28 years and someone (CC) recently gave me four binders with info on the Cy70, Cy170 and the NOS Operating System.
Would you be interested in having those books? If so, please let me know and I will get them to you.
Thanks - Pat Johnston
======04/21/08
Hi Pat,
Byron Nilsen passed away recently. I don't recall if you knew him but several former CDCers worked with him, including Ed Borner and David Paul in the FE world (Ed, David, Byron and I worked together at CDC's Palo Alto Data Center). Anyway, I will appreciate if you will pass the info below to the former CDCer distribution.
I'm still working but it would be good if you changed your records to my civilian email address herein. You never know when the old fart might hang em up.
thanks and best regards,
Tom (Wallters)
Byron Nilsen passed away on April 4 - on his 69th birthday. Byron grew up in Duluth, Mn and joined the air force after graduating from high school. Byron learned and worked in electronics in the air force and after his discharge, was hired and trained by CDC as a field service engineer (FE) - he worked as an FE at the CDC Data Center in Palo Alto, Ca. After several years working as an FE, Byron returned to Mpls where he worked in CDC Tech Pubs as a technical writer. Byron moved back to Silicon Valley Ca in the early 70's, where he has lived since and where he worked for a number of companies, in a variety of hardware related engineering roles.
Byron contracted cancer 11 years ago and suffered continuing medical problems as a consequence of radiation treatment. A few weeks ago his cancer symptoms returned and he was examined and told the cancer had returned and he had only weeks to live - shortly thereafter, he passed away peacefully.
Byron always enjoyed reading the Fudruckers lunch report and the CDC historical stuff that Pat sent around. Byron was married and had one child but had been divorced for many years. Byron has 2 sisters and a brother and other relatives scattered arround the USA. Those who knew Byron will miss him. Tom Wallters is an old friend of Byron's, and also lives in the Silicon Valley area.
======MEMORIAL RECEPTION FOR DICK MATTSON - Wednesday, April 16, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. St Paul College Club 990 Summit Ave St Paul, MN (First house East of Governor's Mansion)
------
The following is what Dorothy wrote me: We will allow some time for guests to say a few words, if they wish to do so.
Mary Alice, please ask those who plan to attend to send you an E-Mail by April 7th, so that we can get a rough estimate for food.
Thanks very much, Dorothy
======04/21/08
Thanks, Fritz. I remember Byron very well. When Stan Aschenbrenner took over from John Nipp we were very short of hardware writers and it was decided to see if any Customer Engineering techs were interested as it was a promotion for them. Jerry Lindmeyer and Byron Nilson came over to Tech Pubs as Engineering Writers. It worked out well, but when we wanted to hire more, Personnel decided that because they didn't have degrees they would have to be hired as non-exempts -- so that was the end of that. I think Byron moved out to Sunnyvale when Don Williams did and later transferred into engineering because Sunnyvale ended up needing only software writers. Jerry Lindemeyer stayed in Tech Pubs until he retired some years after I was let go. I used to run into him once in a while but have lost touch since we moved back to Minnesota. The granddaughters went to Milwaukee this weekend for the confirmation of a cousin. I'm taking care of the two dogs. I suggested Rich and Kari take the dogs to Milwaukee and let us take care of the girls, but they didn't bite on that. – DW Swedberg
======04/21/08
Hi Pat.
Have you heard anything about Chuck Wright passing away from liver cancer?
I work at church with a guy that is a Mason and he said Chuck was also a Mason and had past away last week. There will be an obit in this coming Sunday Tribune.
Take care.
Dick Lekang
Obituary is at end of this document.
======Received 03/22/08 Patrick:
The group below is made up of people I worked with in Germany for Control Data. Some of them were musing about fork lift driver mistakes so that is why they mention the log below. They worked in many places of the world and saw a lot of interesting things. What do you think?
Ray (Diekrager)
From: Mike Smith [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 5:57 PM To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Story Time?
Is it time to set up a stories of CDC things past blog or something? I was sharing Larry's story with Don Pederson (some of you may remember him) and he told me a story about fork lift drivers in China (I will not spoil the story just yet). He pointed out that these stories should be kept for historical purposes. Although I cannot imagine why anyone but ourselves would be interested, it is possible such a log could mildly amuse somebody besides ourselves. Any takers and/or ideas on methodology?
======Received 03/16/08
HI Clemmer,
Good to hear from you. And you are right that I am on a first-name basis with every last soul who ever spent one minute with CDC. And yet, I drew a blank with Douglas Nielsen and LeRoy Stolberg/Stoltenberg. That might mean my memory is failing. Now, where was I????
I have included a list of the possibles I found while doing a search for the two people you mentioned. It will probably have no value whatsoever, but it may keep up the appearance that I know what I'm doing. Now - where was I?
And very sorry to hear about Al Poons. It appears the time we have left is shrinking. A former CDC colleague in France has informed me that he has pancreatic cancer. Enjoy life while we can.
That's it for now. Sorry I couldn't be more help. You take care and I'll see you in September.
Cheers - Pat
======St. Paul, Minnesota March 14, 2008
Dear Patrick,
Inasmuch as I know that you are on a first-name basis with every last soul who has ever spent one minute with CDC as a CE, checkout engineer, or diagnostic programmer, not to mention many others, I can think of no one else to whom I can pose a couple of questions.
1. I took Intro in 1966 with a checkout engineer by the name of Douglas Nielsen. At that time he lived on Selby Avenue and about Dale Street. He used to greet me whenever we met. Do you know if he is still around, and, if so, where he is and what he is doing?
2. I believe that it was Jim Oja who introduced me to a guy who was a checkout engineer. This guy drove a Ford pickup with a synthetic bed liner. I remember that his first name was LeRoy, but I can't remember whether his last name was Stolberg or Stoltenberg. Do you know, and then, same as the other, do you know if he is still around, and, if so, where he is and what he is doing? I am exploring the possibility that he might be from out in the country where I am from.
Al Poons says that he has incurable lung cancer, but he has hung on in pretty good shape for nine months now. He told his doctor that he could have had a baby in this time.
Very best wishes, Clemmer (Wait)
======03/01/08
Hi Pat I have a couple additions to the list for myself (Don Briggs) The address you have on the list is correct, so you can mark it as a good address. My wife’s name is Barbara and we are both retired.
Thanks, Don Briggs
======Following note sent out 02/27/08 There is a new list from the old Autocon group. Don't know if anyone is interested, but it does have a short history of CDC as part of the file...... (Info from Dave Maier)
If anyone would like a copy, let me know and I'll send it out.
= = = = = Autocon list from Maier – Feb 2008
Pat, this is the latest list from the old Autocon group. Don't know if anyone is interested, but it does have a short history of CDC as part of the file...... Dave (Maier)
= = = = = ----- Original Message ----- Just one change for this revision
Since I recently sent a note out to the alternate addresses to check for errors, I won't do that this time. For those of you without a second address listed, you really should have an alternate and check it often. A gmail account (http://gmail.com) would be a free and decent way to go.
Email a note to me if you have any more updates!
Tim G. (Friend of Dave Maier)
======Info received 1/30/08
Just a note to let people know that today is me last working day at General Dynamics. Tomorrow is exit interveiw and Friday we head south for about 6 weeks. Will be back around the middle of March and figure out what comes next. Hope to see some of you on the golf course.
Dean (Ford)
======Info from 1/17/08 (PRJ met Roger Coulthart on 1/17/08)
Pat;
Didn’t have much time the last time I sat down to correspond. It was nice to see you and hope to bump into you again. As I said, I retired from BT in April of 2005. The group I retired from was purchased by Eyrshire manufacturing the following June. I have had little or no contact with CDC folks with the exception of Dean Ford; run into him every once in a while. He retired this month and we are planning to play golf in the spring.
The pictures from the September lunch look like fun. I worked with Roger Lund in Pittsburgh but haven’t seen him since he retired many years ago. Still exchange Christmas cards to Dick Lekang but no contact other than that. Fred Foresburg lives in the area and I run into him every once in a while.
Please send a copy of the people list. I have tried to reach some of the folks from out east but I haven’t worked very hard at it.
My address:
Roger and Sharon Coulthart 8160 Tyler St NE Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Phone: 763-786-7458
Best wishes; Roger (Coulthart)
======Received Jan 2008
Hi Pat:
Yes, you have the right man.
What a surprise to hear from you. I've perused your meeting pictures and must confess that I am hard-pressed to recognize old friends; however, I did recognize you! Your smiling face was a big give-away.
I haven't been back to MN since my CDC days. I guess I have too many nasty memories of the cold winters there to try and venture back; however, if I'm ever in the neighborhood I'll be sure to look you up. My son Brian is attending graduate school at UW Madison, so I may make it out there yet. I'll try to make a trip coincide with your September meeting. No promises though.
I'm fully retired now as of 12/31/06 and in reasonably good health. I keep physically active and enjoy traveling and some intellectual pursuits.
It's good to hear from you Pat. Convey my regards to our mutual friends, and a special hello to Roger.
Take care,
Vic (Torres) ------Info from REM on 1/16/08 (e-mail addresses and home address and phone number)
------Hi Vic,
I'm assuming you are the Vic Torres that we used to work with at Control Data. And it says that on your website.
Roger Miller sent me the info that he thought he had located you, so I thought I would give it a try. Let me know if we have the right man.
And we hold a CDC Super Lunch each year in September. It used to be focused on diagnostic people, but now we've opened it to the whole CDC world. If you're interested, you can visit our website at: www.CDCSuperLunch.com We have pictures of people, notes from many of them, and lots of links to CDC info and lots of pictures of CDC equipment. Give it a try.
Let me know what's happening with you and I'll keep you up to date on future events.
Take care - Pat Johnston
======Received Jan 2008
Please remove my name from this email list, thank you.
Pat Donlin
======Received Jan 2008
Hi Pat, The Sun paper has Chuck Pence's death in it. Memorial gathering Jan 7th 6-8 PM at Cremation Soc. , 7110 France Ave. S, Edina Ray (Jorgensen) = = = Charles "Chuck" Pence
Pence, Charles "Chuck" Age 81, Lakeville, died January 3, 2008. Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Adeline and brother, Bob. Survived by wife, Helen of 56 years; 7 children, Teresa Thoreson (Steve), Barbara Johnson (Ray), Thomas (Ellen), William (June), John, Mary Stevens (Bert), Paul (Kathy); 9 grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Napier; sister-in law, Angela Pence; and many other relatives and friends. Born and raised on the West End in St. Paul, Chuck graduated from Monroe High School then served in the US Navy during WWII. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Minnesota in 1950. Chuck began a 38 year career in the emerging digital computer field, beginning with ERA, then Remington Rand Univac, Sperry Rand and lastly with Control Data. He loved his work as part of the pioneering design teams that developed military computers and early commercial computers. Helen and Chuck raised their family in Bloomington and south Mpls. Upon retirement in 1988, they moved to Lakeville. Chuck and Helen were active volunteers in their parish community and The League of Catholic Women. They treasured the times they could get away to the cabin up north with the children. Chuck had a dry sense of humor, and corny puns were commonplace. He set a beautiful example of a devoted husband, father and grandpa who always tried to do the right thing. Mass Of Christian Burial Tues, Jan. 8, 11 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville. Visitation 1 hr prior to Mass. Interment 1:45 pm at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorial Gathering Mon., Jan. 7, 6-8 pm at Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave South, Edina. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
======Received Jan 2008
Please change my email address to:
Thanks. I like to be kept up-to-date altho I don't remember Dick Mattson.
I still see many of my ex co-workers through a 500 club.
Cindy Eastman
======Received Jan 2008
Richard Warren Mattson
Mattson, Richard Warren Control Data Corporation, Coast Guard Reserves, Army Corp. of Engineers, age 71, passed away Sunday, December 30, 2007 at his home in Shoreview from complications of colon cancer. He graduated from Mahtomedi High School in 1954 and received a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1962. He worked in design and project management at Control Data for 27 years; then as a lock and dam operator with the Army Corp. of Engineers for 15 years. He served in the Coast Guard for 34 years, two years on active duty and the remained in the Reserves, retiring as a Commander. Reflecting his interests, he was a member of the Reserve Officers Assn., the Lighthouse Society, and the Wood Duck Society. Survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Dr. Edwin Mattson of La Mirada, CA; sister, Jean Golden of Afton, WY; niece, Tracy (Keith) and family of Big Piney, WY; nephew, Charlie Golden (Cindy) and family of Mt. Rosa, NV; brothers-in-law, Donald Swanson (Ruth) of Nekoosa, WI, Steve Swanson (Barbara) of Diamond Bar, CA and Daniel Swanson (Carol) of Streamwood, IL. Memorials preferred to the Mayo Clinic for cancer research. A memorial reception will be scheduled for a later date. Published in the Star Tribune on 1/2/2008.
======Received Jan 2008
Pat, Hopefully [email protected] is still your email address.
I changed my email address last spring so I assume that any email addresses to my old address bounced. I trust that everything is going well with you and your family and there was a great get together at Fuddruckers last Sept. I almost went but my schedule didn't allow it.
My wife and I are living in Chaska and I am working in Chanhassen. Life is really quite good for us and I seem to be able to still learn pretty good for an older fella. I was in support but now am doing software testing and really enjoy it. Hopefullly the company I am working for is able to stay in business and that is a bit iffy at the moment. Kind of interesting that my grandchildren are close to the age of the interns I am working with.
You know Pat, I gave an 8Gig jump drive to my wife for a Christmas present. I just held it in my hand thought about how things have changed so much and so rapidly in the computer technology area. Going back just a few years an 8K memory stick would a phenomenal accomplishment. Amazing just simply amazing.
When you get a chance bring me up to speed with any news from you and/or any ex-CDC'rs that you might have.
Denny (Nesseth)
[email protected] Home: 952 448 3462 Mobile: 218 301 6304
======Received Nov 2007
Hi pat,
Been meaning to say hello since i received the lunch date. we sold the wine cellar in 1978 partner ben meeks lives in fl and we live in cumberland wi. wife and i are in good health and are active in golf ,etc. play in cdc golf tourney spring and fall so see many of the old guys. keep in touch
Bob (Schmuck)
======Received Nov 2007
Pat,
I don't know if you know Dave Witzke or remember him, but he is retired and is living Wisconsin now. I sent him your email address and web site for the supper lunch. He got so excited he dropped his lap top! I'm guessing you will be an email from him when he gets his pc fixed!
Regards,
Jerry Peterson
======Nov 28, 2007
Hello Patrick, Kent Hoover gave me your name and email address. I used to work in EMPROS with a number of former Autocon employees and I was an Autocon employee myself from 1962 – 1968. How would I obtain the list of former Autocon employees?
Thanks in advance,
Arthur H. Aarhus Senior Validation Specialist Global Business Office for Pre-clinical, Clinical, and Regulatory
Boston Scientific Corporation Clinical Sciences - Arden Hills Campus Mailstop: 9-315 South Town Square 4100 Hamline Avenue N Saint Paul, MN 55112-5798 phone: 651-581-4687
======Received Nov 2007 Hi Pat
My personal e-mail has been sold "N" times as AT&T become comcast then become AT&T again then Roadrunner got the country around Dallas. Today my e-mail is "[email protected]" and I will let you know who buys us next. Harriet is still at Sun but I am just consulting some. My health is good but I am going on 70 years old. Plane travel today really pisses an old man off! I have over 300,000 miles on NWA and American but that means I must fly. I just like to move around in my Town car now.
I still have my big trailer and a new ford truck "BUBBA" - a 750 turbo diesel crewcab to tow it. I plan to run up the miles on it now.
Keep in touch
Don (Crouse)
======Received Oct 2007 Hi Pat,
Maybe you could ask the folks to identify themselves?
I am still working. I enjoy the work and so find it hard to let go - but it just takes up way too much of my time. If there were a layoff, I'd be first in line to volunteer. We have all new management and I sense the level of management BS is on the increase - for sure, if the BS gets too deep, that will be the good excuse to hang em up.
We just returned from a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on the Rhein and Danube rivers - with 3 extra days on each end (just got back yesterday). We had a great time with a great bunch of folks. I could definitely stand more of that kind of life.
Tom (Wallters) = = = Hi again,
I went out and looked at the pictures on the web site, and I tried to identify a few on page 1 of the 2007 pix that you might remember. So, here goes.
From left to right and top to bottom, starting with picture number 1 as the left-most top picture on page 1:
Picture #2 Roger Lund Picture #4 Dick Mihm Picture #8 Duke Bernier Picture #12 Harv DeVries Picture #13 Me (Pat) Picture #14 Kent Hoover Picture #20 Dolores (secretary) Picture #22 Ed Urness Picture #23 Dennis Wiese
How's that? Any help at all? If this works I might try and do a few more for you.
Take care - Pat
======Received Oct 2007 Hi Pat:
Please add my name to the spreadsheet as follows:
Gary Jones Field Engineering Services 1963-1986
======Received Oct 2007 Hello Pat, Thanks for following up on my phone message. You can get my email address from this message. So when did you attend North High? How long were you with CDC, and what jobs did you have? My career at CDC started in 1962, ended in 1985 and I had 19 different jobs. I'm looking forward to learning more about this annual get-together, so please send whatever info you have?
Thanks again,
Chuck Chapman
======Received Nov 2007
Pat
I would like to get on your data base. We get back to MN several times a year. We now live in San Jose after retiring from Sun. I have all the old CDC ads from the back covers of Scientific American. If any one is interested I can scan them and send them.
Vernon Bollesen #5511
======Received Nov 2007 Pat,
Sorry I missed the annual get together. I had planned to attend right up to the last week and had a 1/2 day vacation planned. Things got very busy at work (remember work) and not only did I miss the meeting but ended up working on Saturday as well. I hate that when you make a commitment on a pert chart you can't meet. I went through the pictures and it looks like I missed talking with several new people I have not seen in a very long time and some old familiar faces that I am only getting to see once a year at this event. I have entered the 2008 event on my calendar and hope to see you then.
Ken (Zaffran)
======Received Nov 2007
Hi Pat
Jerry Hambrick here, just trying to connect....
======Received Oct 2007 Dear Pat,
THANK YOU for your continuation of our memory-filled website, files and annual gatherings! I enjoyed looking at the pictures.....and remembering. Especially yesterday.....the 12th....a day to celebrate the 50th. Could you please email me the Excel format of the CDC database? Gratias!
Are we still almost-neighbors? Obviously, I'm still on 36th Avenue, living alone, and w/the 11th grandchild on the way. My brood of four are doing well.....an AF Lt.Col/Squadron Commander/Bronze Star recipient from Iraq; an AF/JAG Major chosen to receive the Amer. Bar Assoc. Young Leadership Award, a County Atty., and the Risk Mgr. for Best Buy. Am in my 15th year as elected commissioner of Three Rivers Park District, and am very proud of securing the former Salvation Army Camp as a regional park - named Silverwood. Development scheduled for next year. All of our other facilities are on the western crescent side of the metro area....this morning was spectacular for the Autumn Woods Classic at Elm Creek.
Next year am hoping the calendar allows to meet/greet former CDC friends.
How can it be almost 20 years ago that we parted???? Enjoy your fall trip. I'll be in Grenada the first weeks of November.
Rosemary Franzese
======Received Oct 2007
Pat, a big thanks to you and the committee (?) for your work in putting the lunch together. I enjoyed the pictures and reviewed them with Don Farrell to see if we could put names with the pictures. I'm afraid that we didn't do very well. As a suggestion, if we could get the one-up pics with a little larger name tag that would help. There were a few in this bunch that the tag helped identify. Course it is hard trying to relate to all the "old farts" :)
REALLY ENJOYED THE LUNCH, SEEING OLD FRIENDS AND GETTING A CHANCE TO TALK SMART.
Thanks again, Jerry (Chapman).
======Received Oct 2007 (Regarding the 50th)
Hi Pat, Yeah....find some time...... It was fun.....lots of faces that I hadn't seen in a while....Sam was a presenter....Jodsaas, Ousley, Price and a bunch from earlier times....Dave Bundy was there ( I sat with him). Steve Cook, Clark Noto, Gayle Norberg, Dave Folsom, Russ (can't remember his last name...he was a manager for Bob Olson in Power/Packaging), Maris Bergmanis, Harley Stauffer (he would never miss an opportunity to network), Bob Brush, Norm Dufresene ( he has not changed a bit). I am sure that there are more that I just can't think of right now.
I can send you the program if you want so we can include it on the web site..????? I didn't take it with me today but I can bring it in sometime this week and send you pdf's.
Hope you had a super weekend! Talk to ya soon! Nancy (Reesor)
======Received Oct 2007
Hi Pat,
Just a note to give you a new address. (now in the database) Sorry I couldn't make the lunch. We were in the process of moving.
Russ Kazda
======Received Oct 2007 Pat: Sounds like a good idea. Keep it simple (stupid) unless there is a real interest. I don't know how many people from the old CDC group ended up at Autocon (except me). I know some of the Autocon people are keeping in contact with each other. I sent you the list just in case there was some wider interest, so we'll just see what happens. Don't feel obligated to push it too much. Thanks for the response and for all the work you've done. Great web site..... Have a good trip and enjoy the holidays. We just got back from an Alaska cruise and are taking a month tour of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in Jan. Have you heard lately anything about Bob Taylor or August Maikke??? Keep in touch, Dave (Maier)
======Received Oct 2007 Good Morning Pat Thanks for sending the updates to the Super Lunch. Sorry I could not make it this year. Was a busy year, just about every weekend was ate up with things. I did not even put my boat on the water this year!! Sheesh. Why does one live on a lake and not use it. Still working. John Gobats
Rangenet Internet Services, Inc 3049 Sunset Road Tower, MN 55790 [email protected] http://www.rangenet.com
======Received Oct 2007
After leaving CDC I wrote an autobiography. It has not been published because it may be of interest only to a small number of people. You may be interested in my comments on Control Data during my long career.
Best wishes and Cheers! Fritz (Vohlbach)
======Received Oct 2007
Hi Pat, I am very sorry for missing the lunch! Lately I have been spending far too much time on the Internet. This time I did not have it also in my PDA and frankly I missed it! I went to bed at only 4 a.m. If I had it in my PDA I still would have kept to good old programmer hours but it was a double error problem! Are going to the 50-year anniversary? I hope to see you there! – George (Matkovits)
======Received Oct 2007
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the update on this year's lunch. I logged into the web site and checked out the photos but all you had there was a bunch of old codgers from some old folks home. Where are all the guys we used to work with? When you have a moment I would appreciate a copy of the Excel database.
Did Sam Slais contact you recently? He was trying to name a bunch of guys from the '70's who worked on the 700 series. When I talked with him it was rather depressing because it seemed to be that every other name that came up one of us knew the guy had died. Did you know that Wayne Specker is seriously ill? I'm unsure what the problem is but he was too ill to speak on the phone when Sam called.
Have a good break wherever you're going. When are you going to visit us?
Cheers, Tony ======Received Oct 2007
Hi Dave (Maier),
I was just looking over the Autocon e-mail list, and, for now, I've decided not to add all the names to the database. Last year about this time I received a list of names of Engineering Services and Tech Support people, and I added them and contacted them this year. Only a few of those people attended, so I'm not sure if it was worth the time.
With the Autocon people, I'm afraid I'll be producing a CDC phone book, but that none or few would actually attend the lunch. Plus, the only name I recognized was Roger Payne.
So what I thought I might do is this. I'll send out an e-mail noting that I have this large list of names and e-mails from the old Autocon group, and then I'll sit back and see what happens. If there is a lot of interest in getting copies of the names from me, then perhaps it will be worthwhile to consider adding them after all. But if the response is minimal, then I think I will just sit on the names and e- mails until a later date. How's all that sound to you?
That's it for now. Take care.
Pat - - - - - Pat: Sounds like a good idea. Keep it simple (stupid) unless there is a real interest. I don't know how many people from the old CDC group ended up at Autocon (except me). I know some of the Autocon people are keeping in contact with each other. I sent you the list just in case there was some wider interest, so we'll just see what happens. Don't feel obligated to push it too much. Thanks for the response and for all the work you've done. Great web site..... Have a good trip and enjoy the holidays. We just got back from an Alaska cruise and are taking a month tour of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in Jan. Have you heard lately anything about Bob Taylor or August Maikke??? Keep in touch, Dave (Maier)
======Wright, Charles Ronald Wright, Charles Ronald Age 62, of Plymouth. On April 11, 2008 Chuck died in friendship with Christ. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Kathleen and his children, Michelle (Gregory) Noah, Julie (Al) Furman, and Charlie. Chuck will also be fondly remembered by extended family, dear friends and the Northeast Lodge #345. Special thanks to the healthcare professionals at Methodist Hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care of Chuck and his family. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Friday, April 25, at 11:00 am, at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 5125 W Broadway Ave, Crystal, MN 55429. Visitation one hour before service. Gifts in Memory may be made to the Masonic Cancer Center www.mnmasoniccharities.org. Washburn- McReavy Glen Haven Chapel 763-533-8643
======