maddox@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com (03/28/91)
As a linear designer I've read many articles written by and about Robert Widlar. Most of my insight about the man has been from a technical perspective. I'm very interested in hearing any stories that anyone might know and wishes to share about the lighter (sometimes eccentric) side of Robert Widlar. These stories can either be posted on the news network or sent to me through email. Widlar was a fascinating individual and I don't imagine he will ever be for- gotten. Also, does anyone know what became of James Giles (linear engineer) formerly of Fairchild then AMD ? Mark Maddox The Allen-Bradley Company Highland Heights, Ohio (216)646-3559
brooksp@hpcc01.HP.COM (Peter Brooks) (03/29/91)
I hadn't heard he had died, and I also hadn't realized he was only 54. He looked to be about 50 when I met him 17 years ago. I knew Bob slightly when I was working for National during 1974-76. He was already a legend, and was semi-retired. He spent most of his time in Puerto Vallarta (sp?), where he had a place. On an occasional basis, he would come up to National and work on some projects. I believe he was working on the "Moose" 5A regulator (I wasn't on that project, so I'm not sure), and he was working on the low voltage op-amp. A lot of that effort at that time was with Mineo (forgot his last name). The tales of him drinking were legend at the time. One story I heard was that he gave a talk somewhere and had the water in his pitcher replaced with clear liquor. This could be legend, but I wouldn't put it past him. Another old tale was back in the early days of National, they were in a periodic cash crunch, and Pierre Lamond dropped the gardening service. Widlar (supposedly) acquired a goat and tethered it on the lawn. I believe that Pierre got his revenge, because shortly later Bob's office was turned into a barnyard, with bales of hay and the goat. One drinking story I will relate as true, because I was there. Carl Nelson challanged Bob with one of those silly drinking bets. It was something like "you can't drink 60 ounces of beer in one hour if you drink it from a shotglass." Bob took the bet, drank the 60 shots, then said "Well, let's get down to some serious drinking." Bob was one of the original wild characters in the early days of Silicon Valley. I remember him rolling in to work around 9:30-10:00 wearing a hawaian(? loud anyway) shirt and sunglasses. I believe that the shades came off when the hangover subsided.... Pete Brooks