Frank James Low

Frank James Low Died peacefully on June 11, 2009. He was 75. Frank was born on November 23, 1933 in Mobile, AL. His childhood was spent in rural Alabama and later in Washington, DC and Houston, TX. He graduated from Yale University in 1955 and received a PhD in Physics from Rice University in 1959. Frank then began his life long pursuit of physics research and instrumentation at Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX. In 1962 he began working for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV. In 1965 he permanently settled in Tucson, AZ joining the faculty of the Lunar and Planetary Lab at the University of Arizona and later the faculty at Steward Observatory. Frank retired from the University in 1996 as Regents Research Professor Emeritus. During his career Frank developed instrumentation that revolutionized the field of Infrared Astronomy. He conducted pioneering work in airborne and spaceborne astronomy and developed key innovations that made the Spitzer Space Telescope possible. Frank received numerous awards during his career and was a member of the National Academy of Sciences. In 1967 Frank founded Infrared Laboratories in order to supply researchers worldwide with state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation. Frank remained involved with the company until his retirement in 2007. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Flora Low, as well as his sister, Elizabeth Low and brother, Albert Low. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Edith; his three children, Valerie Rossiter (Don) of Tucson, Beverly Fjeldstad (Oystein) of Oslo, Norway and Eric Low (Lisa) of Rogers, AR; his six grandchildren, Mariela Rossiter, Heidi and Christopher Fjeldstad and Emily, Nathan and Catherine Low; his sister, Sallie Beckner (Bruce) and his sister-in-law, Patricia Hatteberg (John). Frank was a loving and devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed. His intellect, energy and genuine concern for the welfare of others were a constant blessing. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. @ Magee (742-7901). In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Casa de los Ninos, 1101 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 or the Community Food Bank, P.O.Box 26727, Tucson, AZ 85726.