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Thomas G. Stockham Jr.

Thomas Stockham Obituary

Thomas G. Stockham, Jr. 12/22/33 ~ 1/06/04 Thomas G. Stockham, Jr. loving husband, devoted father, inspirational teacher, caring mentor, and influential inventor passed away from complications related to Alzheimer's disease early on January 6th. A memorial celebration will be held 12 o'clock noon, Sunday, January 18 at The University of Utah's Libby Gardner Hall. A courtesy shuttle from west parking lot of Rice Eccles Stadium to Libby Gardner Hall from 11:30 a.m. on. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Thomas G. Stockham, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment, in care of the Health Sciences Development, University of Utah, 175 N. Medical Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84123. Tom was a man of highest integrity and deepest love. He spent his life in the pursuit of knowledge that would enhance the world, and lived his life in joyful exploration that extended to everyone around him. Tom was an extraordinary father whose greatest achievement may have been the family he created and headed. He spent many days basking in the love of his family at Lake Powell in Southern Utah where solitude created uninterrupted time for deepening his joy for life, which was clearly visible in the laughter of his children. His kindness was unconditional and pervasive. His life as a father and teacher was spent helping others to understand their world better, and he did this by placing whomever he was talking to in the kindest light. His intentions and actions were for the betterment of his fellow man in all aspects of his life, his work, his teaching, his fathering and every individual conversation. Often those with whom he interacted commented he could explain the most complicated concepts with ease and clarity, displaying not only an enormous and uncanny intellect but also a keen ability to relate to his listeners and communicate to their level of under- standing. He reminded us that anything is possible and inspired us to realize that our only limits are the ones we create for ourselves – our only obstacles are the boundaries of our imagination. His awards and professional accomplishments are numerous. A few among them are: After receiving his Sc.D. degree at MIT he was appointed Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering in 1959. In 1968 he left MIT and joined the faculty at the University of Utah to help create their Computer Science Department. In 1974 he served on the panel of experts assembled to examine the 18 minute gap in the Watergate Tapes. In 1975 he founded Soundstream, Inc., the first commercial digital recording company. Under his direction, in 1976, the company pioneered the development of the equipment and methods for, and the practical application of, digital commercial sound recording and editing. He received a 1988 Emmy, the first ever technical Grammy Award in 1994, and a 1999 Scientific /Engineering Academy Award (Oscar) for his contributions to the creation of digital sound. He is internationally recognized as the father of digital recording. He is survived by his devoted wife Martha Goodman Stockham, his four children and their spouses, Tom and Kristin Stockham, Carol Stockham Forester and her husband Paul, John and Christine Stockham, and David and Courtney Stockham, and his eight grandchildren, Sam, PJ and David Forester, Sadie, Thomas and Ian Stockham, and Skylar and Elise Stockham.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 7 to Jan. 16, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Stockham

Sponsored by anonymous.

27 Entries

steve larson

June 3, 2006

steven carl larson 19999 to2001

Stacy Rosenblatt

January 15, 2004

I have such happy memories of Tom and Uncle Malcolm (Low)working together and Tom introducing my father, Barney, and I to digital sound. Tom, what a great guy you are forever.

Love, Stacy Rosenblatt

Ray Kimber

January 14, 2004

I remember with absolute clarity my first introduction to Tom, I went with Clark P. to a secluded (nearly secret) location near the U of U to deliver some test equipment. The company was only refered to as Company X, later called Soundstream. While there Tom gave me some headphones and pressed a button on a Honeywell Data recorder and out flowed the most pristine recording of a trumpet I ever experienced. I was well and truly hooked! Many thanks and much recognition to Tom for what I am now doing and how well I am doing it. God Speed and I suspect that the heavenly choirs and now sounding a bit (pun intended) more heavenly.

Bill Done

January 13, 2004

Dear Martha and family,

As a graduate student in the EE Department at the University of Utah from 1974 to 1978, I was privileged to know Tom. In his digital signal processing classes, I saw the thoroughness and clarity with which he could present complicated material. Tom was one of the best teachers I have encountered and he had a significant impact on my life. I will remember him the rest of my life.

Mick Collins

January 12, 2004

I like to think Tom and Bob are busy inventing wonderful new things in loftier realms.

You were a remarkable man, Tom. Thanks for all you taught me.

shauna knowlton

January 11, 2004

Dear Martha and family,

We will love Tom Stockham forever and always. His beautiful smile and marvelous disposition are unforgettable. Casey still feels pride in remembering that Tom told him he could come to Lake Powell with him anytime. Please know of our sorrow at your loss. Love, Hooper, Shauna and Casey Knowlton

sandra ellsworth

January 11, 2004

dear, dear martha --

je t'embrasse.

sandy

Jim Trego

January 10, 2004

I was honored to know Tom and have him as a guest in my home during the SoundStream AES introduction. He was so excited and enthusiastic about whatever it was he was working on. I was saddened to learn through Clark P. of his illness during his declining years and know he will be greatly missed by all who were privledged to know him.

Jim T.

Rebecca Watson

January 10, 2004

Paul and Carol,

Your Dad was the greatest on your wedding at Lake Powell. I feel honered to have been part of that wonderful occation, and to meet your family. My deepest condolences to you all.

Rebecca Watson

Roger Russell

January 9, 2004

I remember after a tough day, Tom walked into my office at Soundstream and looked into my eyes and said, "good, they still twinkle." Tom told me that he always thought that it was important to have a bit of twinkle in your eyes. I don't know anyone who had more of a twinkle than he did. He was a great man and leaves a wonderful legacy. I am honored to have known him.

L. Dennis Shapiro

January 9, 2004

Dear Martha,

Knowing Tom was one of my fondest memories at MIT. As you may know, we were buddies from freshman year on--and both taught for Ernie Guillemin in grad school. My ears still ring from the decibels in his audio system.

I remember the times Susan and I visited with you when we came to Alta for skiing--and the time I came to Tom's tribute dinner and heard about his affliction.

His sparkling eyes are still sparkling in another world--and he is re-engineering a whole new system. Gabriel's horn will never sound the same.

Susan and I want you to know that Tom and you are on our minds and in our hearts.

Dennis

Jill Borut

January 9, 2004

My love and thoughts are with all of you.

Jan & Ken Lott

January 9, 2004

To Martha and Family, Our thoughts are with you at this time. We know you will miss your father and husband. May God be with you during this time of need.

Henry Fuchs

January 8, 2004

Dear Martha and family,

Thank you for having shared Tom with so many of us during all these years. Even though it's been 30 years since I was formally one of his students, his spirit, his dedication, his good nature continues to inspire. Hearing of his passing brought on not only tears but a flood of fond memories: Tom leaving Merrill Engineering Building at night with not one, but two bulging briefcases; advanced students in a beginning class, coming just to enjoy Tom lecture; Tom debugging a piece of _software_ by pulling off the front panel of the computer and attaching oscilloscope probes to the innards.

We were all blessed to have known him and be touched by his magic. He will continue to live in our hearts and minds.

Mark Halvorsen

January 8, 2004

Tom,

You are my greatest teacher. I was astounded when you took such a personal interest in a very un-remarkable undergraduate and allowed me the privilege of being mentored by you. You opened up a whole new world for me and taught me in ways that no other teacher ever had. Thank you for sharing your love of life and your enthusiasm for knowledge. I cannot express the example and the role model that you have been to me even though we have not spoken in almost 20 years. I wish you and especially your family God’s speed.

Again, thank you!!!

Susan Adams

January 8, 2004

I will be unable to attend the memorial because I will be on vacation in Hawaii. Otherwise, I would have been there for sure. But my sincere love and prayers are with all your family. What memories I have of your dear husband and father. I will never forget when you moved up the street. I had never heard of MIT and thought Tom must be the smartest man alive. Our neighborhood was better for his influence. There was a big loss when you moved away. We had such fun with your family. I send my love and a hug and a kiss to all of your family. God bless, Sue Adams

Ezma and Mark Hanschka

January 8, 2004

Dear Martha and Family,

Our heartfelt love we send you today upon hearing of Tom's passing. It was so special to have had that wonderful last dinner with you two and Katie and Clark a couple of years ago. We absolutely treasure the photo Charlie took of Mark, Clark and Tom, the three boys who played together in their youth. Another delightful memory for us was our meeting in the Salt Lake Airport to travel together to Tom and Mark's 40th Montclair Academy Reunion in 1991. And indeed, it was lovely to be at Tom's retirement party in Salt Lake in April, 1995, to hear of his wonderful achievements and be witness to his love of family and so many friends. We'll always remember his spirit, good humor and engaging smile. Such a joy to know you both! Mark, as always, will continue to marvel at his scientific and mathematical abilities and contributions. All our love!

Ann Roberts

January 8, 2004

Dear Martha and family,

I feel such a profound sadness at the death of your dear husband and father. May you feel comforted and loved at this tender time. Love, Ann Roberts

Elaine Rohde Anderson

January 8, 2004

Martha, Tom, Carol, John, and David,

My love to each of you. This world will miss a kind, gentle genius. I will always treasure what he taught me about the geology of southern Utah, and how he patiently tried to help me understand his mathamatical calculations of the stars and comets. I watch the stars tonight sparkling high above the moonlit ocean, and think of him. How fortunate I feel to have known Such a Man, and Martha's Precious Tom. With love, Elaine Rohde-Anderson, Ruth and Karl Rohde Jr.

Shawnette Gregory

January 7, 2004

Dear Martha and family,

I was saddened to hear about your loss. I know the past few years must have been difficult, but I know that Tom will continue to shine in heaven. He was a wonderful and kind man at all times. I worked at Soundstream in 1980-81, and enjoyed being part of the magic that he had created. His cheerful smile and happy disposition were contageous, and something I will always remember him for. My best wishes and prayers are with your family at this time.

Sincerely, Shawnette Gregory

Pam Keller

January 7, 2004

Martha, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Chris Leonard

January 7, 2004

My heart and prayers goes out to all of you. Dave, John, Carol, Tom, Martha and everyone else who was fortunate enough to know Tom.

Larry Leonard

January 7, 2004

How sad to hear of the passing of such an undeniably brilliant, but also loving and caring husband, father, neighbor and friend. In our family Tom will also be known as "Data." Chris, Kate, Claire and I join you in your grief and we will be thinking of you.

Larry

I wish I knew more of what has been happening with your family recently.

Muriel Roberts

January 7, 2004

I feel privileged to have know Tom Stockham for many years. His friendship has enriched my life. My sincere condolences to Martha, Tom, Carol and David, and all his family.

Andy Marks

January 7, 2004

This is a sad day. Tom was as whole, great and kind as his obituary says. He knew his stuff and was always willing and able to help bring others well, not up to his speed, but at least quicken their pace. I worked with him for a few years in the early 90s. I was honored to go to lunch with him and listen to him talk over his shrimp salad (dessert was always a Snickers bar or two). Just before Tom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease he helped develop technology that may in the end bring that disease to its knees. Tom was an amazing guy and left the world a better place for his efforts.

Jules Bloomenthal

January 7, 2004

Bless you Tom. It was an honor to have known you; you were a great man.

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