Thomas Hartman

Just last week, Karen and I were chatting about Tom, unaware that he had passed away. We were remembering all the many things he taught us both. Stuff like, 'be real careful choosing what you measure'; 'don't collect data unless you're going to use it'; all of Deming's philosophy; showing us by example how to run crisp meetings; and his data-driven approach to all fab-process-related decision-making. I recall Tom telling me once that he brought the gist of the idea of Copy Exactly! from TI...

Tom hired me right out of college in 1977. I have to say he was the most influential person during my 30 yr career at Intel. His sense of humor, his insight and his humanity were exemplary. His impression on me was so lasting that I still have to remind myself that "ain't" is not proper English! I will very much miss Tom but am thankful for the things he taught me during the many years we worked together.

I met Tom in 1976 when he interviewed me for the Intel Fab 4 Training Supervisor position. At the time we both worked in Intels original facility, Fab 1. Tom offered me the position in Oregon/Fab 4 and I have always been thankful for Tom's confidence and support. The move from Mt. View to Oregon was one of the most pivotal and positive events of my life. I will be forever grateful to Tom for this decision. He was a visionary, both technically and as a manager...bringing the compressed...

I began working with Tom in 1982. He was always an inspiration to me and my colleagues. Moreover, Tom and I shared a love of flying and we shared many experiences with each other. Please accept my most sincere condolences on Tom's passing.

Tom was a mentor of mine at Intel in Albuquerque. He had a unique skill set of knowledge, leadership and compasion. Tom was a confidant for me and help me learn how to deal with leadership. I carry those skills today. He will be greatly missed.