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Thomas Innes Obituary
Scottsdale - Thomas Judson Innes, 74, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2019, after a long illness.
Tom was born and raised in Canton, PA, and graduated from Canton High School and the Case Institute of Technology with a BS in Engineering in 1966. Tom moved west with his wife Karen and son Robert in 1968 to become employee number 38 of Intel Corporation, where he would spend the next 30 years - in California, Israel and Arizona - as a participant in the remarkable technical and manufacturing innovations that propelled the microprocessor industry. His tenure at Intel began as a "computer chip" designer, later saw him establish a successful microprocessor design center in Haifa, Israel, a cherished highlight of his career, and ended as General Manager of Intel's Embedded Microprocessor business and its Arizona site committee. Tom believed deeply in sharing the thrills and benefits of science and technology as widely as possible, a commitment he pursued as a Lifetime Trustee and former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Arizona Science Center, helping effect its transition from storefront pilot in downtown Phoenix to today's leadership position in STEM exhibits and education. He was also a founding member of the Arizona Science Lab where he developed curriculum and taught hands-on science and engineering workshops to hundreds of elementary and middle school children. In his off hours, he loved crossword puzzles and the beautiful sports cars of his youth. An engineer at heart, he never saw a problem that couldn't be solved, or at least better understood, by plotting it on graph paper.
Tom was predeceased by his father Judson; his mother, the former Eulalia Hurley; his older brother Jerry (Barbara); and his wife of 51 years, the former Karen Hoag, whom he cared for with love and fortitude during her long last illness even as he battled his own mounting health problems.
He is survived by his second wife, the former Abigail Arbaiza; his brothers, Jon (Judy) of Bethlehem, PA, Steve of Canton, PA, and Ben (Kathy) of Lock Haven, PA; his son Robert (Jennifer) and his grandchildren William, Alexandra, Calvert and Clark of San Francisco, CA. We miss him terribly.
A memorial in his honor will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 6:00pm at the Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, https://www.azscience.org.
Memorial donations can be made in Tom's name to the Arizona Science Center or the Arizona Science Lab, https://www.azsciencelab.org/az-science-lab-1.html.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Innes
Sponsored by Messinger Mortuaries-Pinnacle Peak Mortuary Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.
Ron Towle
May 28, 2019
I worked for Tom for a number of years in Chandler Arizona. Tom was the most outstanding manager I reported to in my 35 years at Intel and I worked for some great individuals. There were many qualities that Tom possessed, but his character and ability to connect and relate personally with his staff (and everyone) is what I feel set him apart. Working for Intel would not have been the same without Tom.
My heartfelt condolences to Tom's family.
Tom Innes The Road Behind
Alan Moore
May 22, 2019
I worked directly for Tom for the last 7 years before his (well earned) retirement. He was my best manager at Intel by far and a friend.
Tom really knew everyone who was anybody at Intel - opened so many doors...
1n 1994 I accompanied Tom back to Haifa to set up some joint project work with the Israel Design Center. It was a real red carpet homecoming! Rafi Nave and his old timers were like family with Tom - so many old 'war' stories. It was clear IDC and his time in Israel was very special to Tom too.
Just before their post retirement 'world tour' we held a party & roast for Tom & Karen and Intel folks flew in to attend.
They experienced a multimedia event: "Tom Innes - The Road Behind" (with apologies to Bill Gates) a retrospective of his Intel career - complete with companion CD-ROM. A more than well deserved tribute.
What a guy!
Tom Innes - The Road Behind (Inside)
Alan Moore
May 22, 2019
Tom Innes - The Road Behind (Back)
Alan Moore
May 22, 2019
Tom Innes - The Road Behind
Alan Moore
May 22, 2019
May 18, 2019
My deepest sympathies go to Tom's family. I worked in Tom's organization at Intel in the 80's. He was one of the managers who brought me to Arizona from Intel in Pennsylvania. He was always willing to listen, encourage and teach. I admired Tom, and am saddened by his passing.
Nicholas Del Vecchio, Chandler AZ
Irfan Aziz
May 7, 2019
I worked for Tom's organization in Chandler and later Folsom. Tom was a great leader, extremely caring and a patient listener with lots of empathy. I was always impressed with his excellent memory especially remembering employee names and greeting them with his broad, affectionate smile. My sincere condolences to his family.
David Shield
May 6, 2019
I worked in Tom's organization in Chandler for several years, and I just cannot say enough about the man. He was kind, positive, and would make time to talk with me. I had hoped that I would see him again. My condolences to his family.
Kirby Hallenbeck
May 6, 2019
Tom interviewed me at Case in 1980. He was kind, welcoming, and attentive, and got me started on a long career at Intel. Thank you Tom.
Tom Innes (top left) as the GM of Intel Israel Design center, which opened on 1-Jul-1974
Arik Shemer
May 6, 2019
Fred Neal
May 6, 2019
I first worked in Tom's organization in Santa Clara, then supported his group in Chandler. Tom was always a stand up guy, who was willing to offer guidance and help. He is one of the reasons that Intel became great!
Pat Needham
May 5, 2019
Sad news indeed. Tom was one of the noblest men I have ever worked with. The world's a better place because of him. Sincere condolences to his loved ones.
May 5, 2019
Tom was one of the finest men i worked with at Intel. i had many chances to be with him 1/1 and he was kind, smart, caring and an amazing man. He was one of my role models during my years there starting in 86. my sympathy to his family.
Tom McCloud
May 5, 2019
Tom was one of the greatest role models I ever encountered in my thirty years at Intel. You seldom meet people in the important roles that he held that demonstrated unquestionable integrity and genuine caring for the people he worked with...at all times. Quintessential professional. I will miss him.
Paul Lang
May 5, 2019
Our condolences to tom's Family
Joe Ziepniewski and Pauline pinkos
Scarborough, maine
Tom with his grandchildren
Jennifer Ziepniewski
May 3, 2019
Dave Dodds
May 3, 2019
Condolences to Tom's family and friends. Tom interviewed me in 1980 during my senior year at Case which led to a 20 year career at Intel. Thanks Tom.
Becky Endres
May 3, 2019
Tom was one of the greatest people I have ever had the good fortune to know. He always treated people as equals and with great respect. The world is a sadder place without him, but Heaven is dancing in the streets!
Angie Quaranta
May 2, 2019
I remember being in a 1:1 with Tom in AZ and suddenly noticed his badge and employee number "38". He was so kind and engaging, a true leader and there I sat across from a living legend. What a remarkable man and a remarkable legacy.
Hans Geyer
May 2, 2019
Tom was a great engineer and manager - but, more importantly, he was a great person: he was honest and supportive. He was always one of my heroes and role models at Intel. Thank you Tom.
May 1, 2019
My heartfelt prayers are with the family at this difficult time of your loss. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the broken-hearted and comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61: 1,2.
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