Eric Reutelhuber
In 1969 I was 5 years old and lived at 6448 Norway Road, just a few blocks from Jack and Virginia. One evening my parents were hosting a bridge party for several of their friends as they routinely did in those days. I remember my mother telling me that Jack and Virginia Gilbert were coming and that Jack was a scientist at TI that could just about fix anything. Me being the industrious child I was proceeded to gather up every broken electrical toy I had and brought them to him. I remember him smiling and patting my head and giving me “advice” on how to fix each one. Being slightly dejected that he didn’t fix each one for me, I proceeded to try and follow his advice and attempt the repairs myself. He planted a seed that evening that has remained with me all of my adult life and I use his advice daily. Up until even his final days he always wanted to know what I was working on and gave spot on advice every time. In his mind he was fixing the projects with me.
Although Jack never was a father, this is but one example of how Jack gave fatherly advice to other “children” of his and taught us that not everything in life would be fixed for us, but with direction and concentration we could fix things ourselves. I dare say he WAS a father to many of us, and set examples of how work and how to live life…how to be a father, a husband, a brother, a most of all a friend.
The world is missing a genius today and a fine example of a man and a life well lived. We will miss you Jack…you family, your friends, and all of your “children”.