Lowell Turriff

Lowell L. Turriff

Resided in Saratoga, California 43 years

February 2, 1936 - February 21, 2011

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Florence and Elzier Turriff, Lowell attended St. Norbert High School in De Pere and went on receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University where he was recently honored as a distinguished alumnus.

Lowell was a devoted and loving husband to Janet (Jan), father to Diane Turriff (Bruce Telkamp), Pamela Marcinek (Thomas), and Catherine Musallam (Steven) and grandfather to Adam, Jarek, Audrey, Mark, Juliana and Maddox. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Thompson (John) of Green Bay, nieces and nephews. Lowell was preceded in death by his brother, Ted.

LT forged a 45 year career in the Semiconductor Industry. He held positions with Raytheon Company, Fairchild Semiconductor, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. and was a co-founder of Cypress Semiconductor prior to his retirement in 1993. Even in retirement Lowell continued his commitment to the industry he helped pioneer with the founding of Aptos Semiconductor. He provided guidance and direction to his many friends and colleagues in the industry and he joined T-RAM as their interim CEO and member of their Board of Directors.

A man for all seasons, Lowell's love for the water began when, as a young boy, his family purchased a cottage in Door County on Green Bay where the family spent many summers. After settling in California, his childhood memories called him to Aptos where summer rentals on the beach were an annual event. In 1987 he fulfilled a dream of owning beachfront property where he and his family would build many wonderful memories. Whether he was digging in the sand or lighting a bonfire for his grandchildren, relaxing on the deck, mixing martinis or making minor repairs, Lowell loved his beach home and the joy it brought to his family.

His love for the beach was equaled by his love for golf and travel. Lowell held memberships at Pasatiempo and Seascape golf courses and was always up for a foursome with friends, colleagues, or sons-in-law.

When it came to travel for business or pleasure, Lowell always found a way to make it an adventure. Lowell visited five of the six continents and in retirement continued to enjoy travelling with Jan. Their travels introduced them to new friends on their Jazzdagen Cruises. Upon their return home Lowell was full of new jokes, stories and memories.

A fan of ice hockey and football, Lowell was a season ticket holder to the San Jose Sharks and San Francisco 49ers while remaining loyal to the Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field being the place where he learned to love the game and became a fan.

In addition to his contributions to Marquette University, Lowell was a member of the Board and an active fund raiser for the San Jose Museum of Art and the Heritage Hill Foundation of Wisconsin.

Jan, Lowell's partner in life for 48 years was always there to support him with the demands of his life's passions and endeavors. Together they faced life's challenges and celebrated the births, lives and marriages of their three daughters as well as the births and lives of their six grandchildren. Jan managed the home and family life that created a rich and wonderful life.

Contained here is a brief glimpse into the life of a man who is deeply loved and missed; he touched so many lives in many ways. We miss you Lowell.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caring people at Pathways for their assistance.

A private family memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, those interested may consider making a donation to Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124, hospicevalley.org.