Henry Thomas Mudd

Henry Thomas Mudd February 6, 1942 - July 13, 2007 A long-time resident of Woodside CA, Tom was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Stanford in 1964. Like his father and grandfather, he became an engineer, earning a master's degree and Ph.D. from Stanford before taking up a post at the Stanford Research Institute. He planted a backyard vineyard, and, enchanted by the alchemy of winemaking, eventually founded Cinnabar Winery of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Tom was both scientist and inventor, not merely by trade but also by temperament. Innovative and resourceful, he built his own telescopes, machined parts for the classic cars he restored and designed novel equipment for his winery. He became a pioneering bat expert and tireless advocate for science education, often leading science projects in local schools. His passion for the natural world extended from stars to fly fishing, from string theory to environmental conservation. And as a member of the Woodside school board for two terms, he coupled this love of science with his commitment to friends and community. Known for his warmth, curiosity and irreverent sense of humor, he was dear to many friends and colleagues. Above all, he loved his family. Tom courageously struggled against pulmonary fibrosis and complications from a lung transplant. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Mudd and Victoria Coberly and by his twin brother John Mudd. He will be deeply missed by his wife Deborah Stipek Mudd; his children Karina and Jack Mudd; his step-daughter Meredith Sears and his former wife Melissa Frank. He will also be remembered with great fondness by a large family, including three siblings, nieces and nephews and many friends, collaborators and colleagues. A Celebration of Tom's Life is planned for Saturday July 21st. Donations to honor Tom and his love of science and education can be made to the "Tom Mudd Science Education Fund, East Palo Alto Academy" and mailed to P.O. Box 20524 Stanford, CA 94309.