Robert Hecht-Nielsen July 18, 1947 - May 26, 2019 Del Mar Robert Hecht-Nielsen, 71, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep at home on May 26, 2019. Robert lived a remarkable life built on principles of individual responsibility, hard work, morality, and faith. He convinced everyone he metno matter their station in lifethat they had the potential to create an extremely successful future. Robert found joy in academics. He received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Arizona State University and over the next 40 years he applied his analytical skills to advance the fields of neuroscience, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and physics. In 1986, he co-founded the first "unicorn" neural networking startup, HNC Software, based on his breakthrough work in predictive algorithms. HNC went public in 1995 and was eventually purchased by Fair Isaac. Robert was an INNS Gabor Award Winner, an IEEE Neural Networks Pioneer Award Winner, INNS Fellow, and IEEE Fellow among many other awards and recognitions. And in 1987, he co- founded the International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN), which will celebrate its 32nd anniversary in 2019. Robert will be remembered by peers, students, and business associates for his professional accomplishments and his optimistic encouragement and mentoring. Family and friends who loved Robert will remember him for his amazing generosity, hearty laugh, love of cats, surfing, flying, James Bond movies and spending time with Judi, his son and grandchildren. Robert is survived by Judi, his wife of 41 years, his son Marcus (Carolina), and 4 grandchildren: Melissa (Pablo), Johann, Mia, and Carla. There will be a celebration of Robert's life at 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in San Diego on August 1, 2019 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's name can be made to the Young Eagles program (dedicated to giving young people their first free ride in an airplane) at EAA-Young Eagles, P.O Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903.

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

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Jun. 15 to Jun. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hecht-Nielsen

8 Entries

Bernard (Ben) Assaf

September 19, 2023

I will never forget my encounters with Dr. Hecht-Nielson when I was a young software engineer at HNC Software Inc. in 1997 through 1999. At my interview he made a lasting impression on me. When my interviewers found out I was in graduate school at LSU's computer science department, they put me in a room with him given he was on the UCSD engineering faculty. He was an intimidating giant in the room intellectually at first, but soon I saw him to be very down to earth and friendly. He asked me what I was researching at LSU, then declared it (optical character recognition) a waste of time as that field had already been solved (as evidenced by USPS mail sorting machines)! He asked me what magazines I was reading, and in reply to my answer, he told me I shouldn't read any magazine except The Economist! After I started at HNC, he delivered to me and the rest of my rookie class his I-2 Principle - find a way to make yourself Indispensable and Irreplaceable. The guidance has served me well throughout my career and I will always be grateful. Even though I just today learned of his passing, I offer my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace knowing he had a positive and unforgettable impact on those around him.

Chip Parfet

April 26, 2020

Dear family, I have been searching for my friend Robert for more than 20 years. I knew him as a study mate in 1965-66 at The University of Colorado Denver Center (tuition was $222 per semester). Please call me as I have some very special stories. 3303.257.9475

Curtis Williams

August 1, 2019

I was a student of Robert's and was only his student by delaying my undergraduate degree. I saw this as my only chance to be taught a subject that fascinated me but I'd never be able to reach through normal grad school admittance. I was not the greatest student by academic standards but Robert put as much effort and zeal into his interactions with me as if I were his best post doctoral researcher. Emboldening me to learn and even apply the amazingly complex topic he (in my eyes) had mastered. My classmates and I had/have reams of notes from 1993 we called Hecht-isms. Precious words of advice, encouragement and guidance on topics of neuroscience, life and career. I appreciate every second I was able to spend with him and regret deeply not following through on many of the dreams he inspired in me during that time. But he wouldn't be disappointed at all. He'd gently remind me that this is the greatest time to be alive. We're in the dawn of an Information Age and those who have the courage to accept the dizzying amount of change coming will be giants in this time. As machine replaces man know that technology only creates opportunity to be more creative and free of from the mundane.

Follow the opportunity and the compensation will follow. Duplicate yourself then get out of the way and opportunity will Grow exponentially. these (among the many) simple Hecht-isms have never failed me.

He admonished us students to read 100 of the best fiction novels ever written and I never have. I can see his inviting smile and hear his big laugh as he gently exhorts this challenge. I think I will take up this 30 year old challenge in his honor.

As our professor and to many of us our first and best introducer to neural computing he was as important to us as any authoritarian in our sphere of
Influence and to his family thank you for sharing him with us.

Geraldine (Gerry) Nunn

June 29, 2019

I received a call today and was told of Robert's (Bob's) passing. My sincere sympathies to Judi, Marcus and family. I worked with Bob along with Donald J. Spencer at TRW in Rancho Carmel and Sorrento Valley. It was an honor and pleasure to work with Bob. His sense of humor, intelligence, and great compassion were always within his character. He used to share with me when he went into the schools, rolled up his sleeves and sat with younger children and would explain, so they understood, what Artificial Intelligence was all about. I learned so much working with you. You gave so much to our world just by being the great person and man that you were. Now God has other plans for you. Thank you for being such a great boss. Gerry Nunn

Carmen Wade

June 20, 2019

Very sad to learn about Robert. I was fortunate to work at HNC for many years. He was a smart, thoughtful man. Enjoy your new wings Robert!

June 19, 2019

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

Audrey & Michael LaFrance

June 16, 2019

Robert was truly an amazing guy! My husband and I were the cleaning crew for the HNC office when it first opened. We both had full time jobs & this added duty was to help us purchase our first home. Since we cleaned at night or early am, Robert was always there and would share wonderful stories with us and encouraged our efforts. He even went for an airplane ride in our 1946 Luscombe (2 tall men!). We are sadden hearing of his passing but know how kind and big hearted he was, taking the time to express his love of life and knowledge to so many. We have never forgotten him and send prayers to his family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing your life with us and stamping a positive attitude on so many. Fly with the Angels!

Lizz

June 15, 2019

My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family during this difficult time. I hope the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring much comfort. Just knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results