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David Turnquist Obituary

David Victor Turnquist Died on February 24, 2010 in Morgan Hill, of lung cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 11, 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona and grew up on his father's horse ranch near Cave Creek. He attended California Institute of Technology and MIT in Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in Plasma Physics. He had a long and distinguished career in the fields of High Voltage Technology, Power Electronics Systems, Medical Laser Systems of many types, high-power microwave sources, and many other products, first as an engineer then as a manager. He started with E.G.G. Co. in Massachusetts in 1960. In 1981 he founded his own company: IMPULSE ENGINEERING, in Connecticut, which he ran until 1994. After three years with Litton EDD in Pennsylvania, he moved to California and joined ACCSYS TECHNOLOGY in Pleasanton, CA, then moved on to PERKINELMER POTOELECTRONICS in Azusa & Sunnyvale, CA, where he remained until 2001. After a short period as a Consultant, he joined AMO of Milpitas and remained with them until 2009. Recently he joined JPSA Corp. of Manchester, New Hampshire, where he was working until the onset of his illness. He was awarded the Germeshausen Award in 1996 at the Power Modulator Symposium for his contributions to the field of Pulse Power. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and son Richard Turnquist. Funeral service on Saturday, 2/27/10 at 2:00 pm at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 17740 Peak Avenue in Morgan Hill. Johnson Funeral Home, Morgan Hill, CA serving the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Feb. 26, 2010.

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John Moore

February 27, 2010

David and I carpooled between Winchester and Salem during the 60's and 70's. David worked for EG&G, where he invented and produced electronics. I learned a lot form David.
During our commutes David shared memories of growing up in Arizona. One that has stayed with me is his description of riding in pickups that had gun racks in the rear window.
Sometimes we talked about his meticulous rehabbing of their Stone Avenue home, where few ceilings, walls or floors were measured true, a challenge to work with!
We shared, too, the fun and challenges of the growing up years of our sons, Richard and Aaron, who were born on the same day in 1968.
I will miss David and always remember his principled perspective, sharp intellect, wit and friendship.

February 26, 2010

Dear Cynthia & Richard -- Our hearts go out to you in your time of loss. I was Dave's roommate at Caltech, and though we lost touch for many years, when we met again last spring it was like picking up a momentarily interrupted conversation. I'll miss the future discussions we might have had. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim & Pat Petty (OK)

February 26, 2010

Dear Cynthia and Richard,
We wish we could be there with you to celebrate David's life and share the sadness that he's gone; You and David are in our thoughts and we are there with you in spirit.
Love,
John and Shirley,
Jennifer, Cecily and Aaron

Michael Gray

February 26, 2010

I had the pleasure to work with and for David from 2001 through 2009. He made the hard work easier with his knowledge and the boring work enjoyable with his sense of humor. On many occations I sought his advise which he gave without effort.I always loved his stories relating to the sciences or art of which he was well versed.He was a great boss, good friend and someone who I always looked up to. I will truely miss our conversations and laughter. I feel very lucky to have known such a great man.He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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