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BORN
1921
DIED
2014
Emery Rogers Obituary
March 31, 1921 - March 28, 2014
Resident of Palo Alto
Emery H. Rogers, 92, passed away peacefully and with grace on March 28th. An early pioneer of Silicon Valley, he embodied the true spirit of the Valley with his vast intellectual curiosity, philanthropic nature, kindness and intelligence. He was fascinated with everyone he met, establishing a connection and rapport that was legendary. But Emery's battery was primarily charged by his deep love and support for his family.
In 1949, Emery joined Varian Associates, one of the Valley's first tech companies. His early work at Varian included participating in combining the physics and chemistry worlds and commercializing the technology. Emery completed his doctorate in physics at Stanford in 1951. He joined Hewlett-Packard in 1967, managing the international Analytical Instrument Group. In 1979, William Hewlett and David Packard asked him to institute a charitable foundation for the company, which he managed until 1986.
Emery is survived by his wife, Nancy, his three children, Emery Rogers of Gilroy, Meredith Callahan of Boulder, CO and Anne Wager of Seattle, WA; five step-children: Gay Freeborn of Brownfield, ME, Tricia Christopher of Oakland, Nancy Freeborn of San Francisco, Charles Freeborn of Portland, OR and Philip Freeborn of Berlin, Germany; four grandchildren: Catherine Callahan Nichols, Emery Wager, Abigail Wager and Lily Rogers; two great grandchildren: Camille Sylvie and Elsie Marie Nichols; and four step-grandsons: Brian and Dylan Christopher and Philip and Alexander Kurz.
Contributions to The National Kidney Foundation or The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health are suggested.
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Memories and Condolences
for Emery Rogers
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Moses Family
December 24, 2014
Our family was privileged to know Emery as a neighbor and our lives are richer and better for that association. What a great man! We'll keep him in our prayers and memories. Condolences to Nan and the family.
Bonnie Stedt
August 2, 2014
I have always had the upmost respect and love for Emery. Although 40 plus years passed and I never saw him, I thought of him frequently. I do not know why I got up this morning and googled him, but I did. My thoughts go out to all of you, Nancy and Emery--He was such a gentle and wonderful man, and my life was richer because of him.
Kim Crockett
May 7, 2014
I have known Emery since the early 70's. As a family friend throughout my youth, we associated socially during family gatherings and occasional vacations. I was later asked by Emery to assist him in researching the death of his father, which allowed me the privilege to know Emery on a personal basis. He, like his father impacted this world unlike most of us ever will. Emery's technical achievements were pivotal, but what we all remember is the impact he had on everyone he met. In the late 70's he gave my father a small travel Bible, the one I carry now with me. I am thankful to have known him and counted him as a friend.
Sue Bunton
April 23, 2014
Words can never convey my gratitude and respect for Emery Rogers. He took a big risk when he asked Bill Hewlett to approve hiring a 29-year-old woman as a manager on his team, the first to hold that level in the company. Then he gave me support and encouragement in a turnaround effort for the acquisition that became Analytical. He joyfully agreed to be my daughter's godfather. His life has been one of my greatest inspirations.
Ken Tingley
April 21, 2014
I remember well when Emery joined HP and so quickly became a vital part of the fabric of the company...the HP Way came naturally to him, and he made a major contribution.
April 21, 2014
A man with a great heart, boundless energy and a sincere concern for those of us who worked in his organization at HP. I can only imagine what a good husband and father he must have been.
Bob Olson
April 17, 2014
Dear Nan,
Emery's battery may have faded away but the light he gave me is still going strong. Thanks for sharing him with us all, Tina Krause
April 14, 2014
Our family ties have meant so much to us through the years.
Sending fondest love to all the family.
Annsi
Chuck Tyler
April 13, 2014
A good and fair man to work with. I will miss him.
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