Albert S. Hoagland

1926 - 2022

Albert S. Hoagland passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2022 at the age of 96 in Portland, Oregon. Survived by his three children, Kiki Dembrow and her husband Michael, Nicole Hoagland, and Richard Hoagland and his wife Kayana as well as 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Married for 60 years, his spouse, Janine M. Hoagland predeceased him in 2010.Born September 13,1926, in Berkeley, California,Al never forgot his roots. Although he traveled extensively and lived in many different locations, he maintained throughout his life a strong identification with California, especially Berkley, where he grew up and studied, earning his B.S., M. S. and PhD from UC Berkeley. His overriding passion was his commitment to the field of data storage and his belief in computer technology. In 1956, shortly after completing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, he was hired by IBM to work in their research lab in San Jose, CA, on the development of the newly emerging technology of magnetic digital storage, which was to have profound consequences for data storage. He was very proud of the work accomplished there. In 1963, he wrote Digital Magnetic Recording, a widely respected book. He remained passionate about his work in computer storage technology throughout his life. When he retired from IBM, he founded the Institute for Information Storage and Technology (IIST) in 1984 and began a second career with the Engineering Department of Santa Clara University, retiring in 2005. Throughout his careers he contributed to professional publications and was in leadership at the IEEE, AFIP and Charles Babbage Institute. In later years he focussed on preserving and promoting the legacy of those early years in digital storage by founding the Magnetic Disk Heritage Center in 2001 and working with the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. Finally, he was also passionate about flying, getting his pilot license in the early 1970s. He loved to travel and whenever possible combined work, travel and flying. He maintained regular contact with his 2 brothers throughout his adult life, both of whom predeceased him by a few years and a few months. He had a strong sense of family loyalty and responsibility. A small family memorial is planned in Portland, Oregon. Remembrances to the Computer History Museum, Mountain View, CA or your favorite charity.