Dr. Kenneth J. Breeding

BREEDING Dr. Kenneth J. Breeding, 64, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2006 at The Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Oh. An ever inquisitive and inventive man, Ken will be remembered for his passion for teaching, lively and intellectual conversation, humble compassion, his fine-tuned art of storytelling and his love of jazz music. Ken is preceded in death by his beloved son Gregory Kenneth, his parents James and Zelma Breeding and brother-in-law Richard S. Beem. He is survived by his best friend and bride, Juliann; his daughter, Dori and adored grandson, Dylan; his sister, Debra (Robert) B. Johnson of Decatur, Ill.; aunt, Lois Rowley of Assumption, Ill.; brother-in-law, Perry A. (Karen) Beem of Doylestown, Pa.; sister-in-law, Nancy L. Beem of Findlay, Ill.; cousin, Rex (Jody) Rowley of Sherman, Ill.; cousin, Donna (Earl) Sleasman of Altoona, Pa. He was a devoted uncle, friend, mentor and father figure to a host of special nieces and nephews, Christopher (Amy), Amanda, Susan (Joshua), Scott (Jackie), Michael (Decka), Sarah, Stacia (Jeff), Alison (David) and whose children, Mitchell, Emily, Hunter, Sophia (and new brother, Bruce), Noah, Abigail and Allyson, he grew fond of as well. He had numerous close and meaningful friendships and will be especially missed by good friends, Dr. Robert and Alice Fenton, Columbus, Oh., Joan and John Arnfield, Shropshire, England and lifelong friend, Jack Tynan, Shelbyville, Ill. Among his many accomplishments and honors were memberships within Sigma Tau, an advisory position with Phi Kappa Phi and member of the Alpha Chi Rho social fraternity. He received his education in Electrical Engineering culminating with a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. While there, Dr. Breeding helped design the Illiac II computer. He then became the first faculty member hired at The Ohio State University to bring computer engineering to the Electrical Engineering Department. He authored two textbooks, the first, Digital Design Fundamentals, was expanded into two editions and translated into several languages. Ken was instrumental in directing the revision of the college curriculum through the College Committee on Academic Affairs. He also received recognition by the College of Engineering, receiving the Ralph Boyer Award. He organized and developed several new lecture and laboratory courses, including a technical writing course specific for engineering students. He led research that significantly contributed in the areas of computer architecture, artificial intelligence and pattern recognition. Ken received the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers Centennial Medal for outstanding service at the local level, having served as Secretary and Chairman. Dr. Breeding wrote many works on computer-oriented issues that were published in IEEE professional journals with several other technical reports also being published for non-IEEE journals. He was a much sought after industrial consultant and assisted on two medical projects. Professor Breeding taught at OSU for 38 years, becoming professor Emeritus in 2003, enjoying voluntary teaching in his retirement. He enjoyed the family rivalry between OSU and U of I football, remaining an Illini at heart. Throughout his life Ken enjoyed the adventure of scouting, earning the Eagle Scout award. He was a scoutmaster for many generations, and was very proud to see his grandson, Dylan follow in his footsteps in Cub Scouting. He treasured his family, especially his relationship with his grandson, who was the apple of his eye. He was a devoted husband of 43 years, who boasted that combined with the seven years of dating, this year would mark their 50-year anniversary. He was an avid cyclist, enjoying several long bicycle tours. He had an affinity for the outdoors and he especially enjoyed canoeing in the sunshine. He was a constant reader, puzzle solver and jazz enthusiast, who found his greatest joy amongst the company of laughter, music, good food and wine, good friends and family. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. His family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at the WEIR-AREND FUNERAL HOME, 4221 N. High St., (3 blocks south of Henderson Rd.), Columbus, Oh., 614-268-3593, where a celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2006. Burial Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Dr. Kenneth J. Breeding Memorial Fund for Computer Engineering Students care of the ECE at OSU, 2015 Neil Ave., Columbus, Oh. 43210, or the charity of your choice.