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M. Oshman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for M. Oshman
Sponsored by Shane Kelly.
Greg Powell
August 1, 2021
a man ahead of his time
May 8, 2014
Whoops forot to sign my message.
from Yesterday. Sorry.
Claire Ackermann
May 7, 2014
No I never met Ken personaly however what he and others taught their employees is irreplaceable. The atmosphere in the company you created was one if respect for the individual, and to keep our clients informed and happy., You did that thru good management you will be missed in the work force. Godspeed.
Elizabeth Motwani
May 5, 2014
ROLM was indeed a wonderful place to work. So much was given back to the employees, especially in the beginning. I thank you from myself and my husband.
Dennis McKaskey
May 5, 2014
He has been gone now 1,000 days. I cannot estimate the number of times I have reflected on the positive impact he has made on so many people. Thank you once again Ken. Thank you as well to Ken's wonderful family.
May 4, 2014
Our deepest sympathy. Kenneth was a great person and will be missed.
Jane and John Jakubik
Doris Fung
May 3, 2014
ROLM was the "Best Place" to work and Ken was the most down to earth CEO I have ever met and worked for. My husband and I loved being Rolmans and enjoyed going to work everyday. Our hearts go out to the family for their lost and our prayers are with them.
Otto Fung
May 3, 2014
Rolm!!! Like its similar sounding city name "ROME", was truly a place where "All roads leads to ROLM."
The best company I've ever worked for up to this point in my career and I know that there will not be another company like ROLM.
Mr Oshman and the other founders provided a great place for youngers like me, straight out of college, to learn, grow and participate in a piece of Silicon Valley history.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and happy memories!
Craig Sturm
August 27, 2012
Though I am one year late in writing this, I wanted to comment as so many "Rolmans" have. Thank you Ken Oshman for making my work years in the 80's so incredibly enjoyable. Those were the days and thank you for being the signature authority who made coming to work a sheer pleasure.
Bruce McHenry
September 19, 2011
Godspeed to you founder of ROLM and co-creator of Packet Technologies, StrataCom, Cisco... Your love will never ever be lost.
Vivian Distler
September 18, 2011
Although I had only met Ken once or twice, I know what a pivotal role he and Barbara have played in our community, particularly in terms of their lead gift for the new JCC. My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Wanda Ashby
September 8, 2011
ROLM Mil-Spec Computers was a unique company unlike any I had ever worked at. I started in '79 as a PC Inspector in Quality Control on Old Ironsides and I was a NAME, not a number. It became my family and in a large part still is. Ken greeted me that very first day, although I did not know who he was at the time, but saw him many times after. Always searching to make it a better place to work and he had that rare quality when he asked questions he really listened to the answers. There have been many copycats but there will never be another ROLM or another company with so many wonderful memories and workers with so much PRIDE.
We will miss his smile and magic. Our prayers and deepest condolences to Barbara and his family; you were his everything. Heaven will be a better place for having him. Rest in Peace Mr O.
ROLM MSC Division, Santa Clara/San Jose
Susan Marchant
August 22, 2011
When Ken stood on the lunch table at ROLM to say goodbye to the standing room only crowd, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Our ROLM days with Ken were over, as he moved on to new adventures, and the spirit of ROLM went with him. The place was never the same. His company changed so many lives. I wonder if his family knows just how many of his employees loved him. How many CEOs today can say that. What a legacy he left behind. My heart goes out to his lovely family.
Melissa Russell
August 21, 2011
I met Ken and Barbara through Nordstrom. Over the years I felt it was a privilege to find and select beautiful tailored clothing for Ken. He was always gracious and genuinely grateful for my help.
Ken was the kind of person you truly wanted to go the extra mile for. I will miss his warm smile, his kind words, and will miss the opportunity to help such a pillar of the community. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Raul Orozco
August 20, 2011
Having the good fortune of knowing him for over seventeen years.
A wonderful CEO and an amazing human being
May god send his family comfort at this time of sorrow.
D Smith
August 19, 2011
I never personally met Ken while working at Rolm but I do know that it was the very best place to work. There was such an air of family among the employees that could only have been developed through the years by warm family company leaders. I was there from 1981 until 1992. I absolutely loved going to work and being around the Rolmans! Ken and his associates created a wonderful place to work. My deepest condolences to the family of a great man.
August 14, 2011
Kenny was an outstanding person and friend of everybody who knew him but especially to those of us who started the first grade with him at Robert E.Lee Elementery School in Rosenberg, Texas in September, 1946--he was always
gentle, always kind, always mannered and always thoughtful, especially of other people's feelings----Kenny was one of the very few true gentlemen I ever met in my life---
Rhett Butler
Houston, Texas
Connie Lopez Schneider
August 13, 2011
The Oshman family lived across the street from us in Sunnyvale in the 1970's. I babysat Peter and David. Dr. Oshman was a wonderful man who always had a moment to chat with his children's babysitter. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Oshman, Peter, David and their families. God bless.
August 12, 2011
Ken was a unique and talented leader who was able to manage a large corporation as if it was a small start up. Ken was the driving force behind of one of the most successful organizations in the history of Silicon Valley. The company culture and atmosphere that he created developed an organization that was fiercely loyal to him and dedicated to wining regardless of the odds against it. It may sound trite but he was truly a one of a kind. Ken will be greatly missed by all of us who were privileged enough to know him.
Jim Regel
Marty Leibowitz
August 12, 2011
My company was an early ROLM distributor in 1975. Ken was a role model to me on how to interact with people and how to run a business. I remember him as a calm and kind soul with an incredibly sharp mind. My sympathies are with Barbara and family. I share your loss...
Bruce McHenry
August 11, 2011
From the bottom of my left ventricle, I thank thee for 71 intense years of incredible service. If only you could have stayed for the Singularity... I dream that you have retired to Israel to relax and oversee a great Tikkum Olam.
Apolonio Escalera
August 11, 2011
Ken always had a way of making you want to work harder with the joy he had has walked the halls of Echelon. He will be missed, very sorry for your loss.
Tammy Sisemore
August 11, 2011
Ken was a great man and someone who always had a smile on his face. Everytime I would pass him in the hall the smile was there and a greeting of how I was doing. Even in the last few years when he was not around as much, you could always count on him to still ask how you were doing! Being with Echelon now for 11 years, those 11 years were an added bonus with Ken involved. You will be missed Ken.
Elizabeth Motwani
August 11, 2011
It was always a pleasure seeing Ken coming and going from building 1 where his office was. He made everyone feel important not just the management team. My condolences to his wife and family.
Maya Sabot Paveza
August 11, 2011
I was fortunate to grow up with the Oshman Family until we left Palo Alto in 1983. The kindness, love, generosity and humanity of Ken, and Barbara, was something that has truly shaped my life in so many ways. Barbara, Peter and David will carry on the mission of helping community and others, I have no doubt. Ken's legacy is so huge he will live on forever through his innovations and his acts of a true example of humanity. Love to you all! Maya
Panos Lambrou
August 11, 2011
I met Ken for the first time at a ASHRAE meeting during the early years of Echelon and he immediately impressed me.
Sandro Succi
August 11, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Kenneth. I never had honour to know him personally, but I ear a lot about himself and I'm working since 1994 with his creature, He will always live in my hearts.
Franz Wiedemann
August 11, 2011
remembering him as a warm-hearted business man.
Jim Von De Bur
August 10, 2011
I couldn't share this particular anecdote while Ken was still one of the big bosses at Echelon, but here goes.
I was managing a software group for Ken in 2004, and was managing my first really big project. It was behind schedule, and I was increasingly on the spot at the monthly project review meetings. Ken was there as CEO, along with the rest of the executive staff. After several meetings like this, I had gotten pretty weary of the pointed questions, impatience with finishing the product, and increasing tension and shouting matches. The tension was high in one meeting, when Ken asked a pointed question. As I struggled to answer, looking at Ken, he - and I could not believe this at first - winked at me. No one else in the meeting saw this, but I felt the tide turn. I never dreaded those meetings in the same way again, but I never let up in getting that release finished.
I would have done anything for Ken Oshman. He was truly a gentleman, a scholar, and I like to think, an astute judge of character.
Shane Kelly
August 10, 2011
Ken will remain in my thoughts for ages to come. He was an inspiring leader and visionary and I enjoyed watching him in action.
I remember listening to a Stanford Technology Ventures Program podcast shortly after starting work at Echelon - the guest lecturer was talking about amazing leaders and mentioned Ken by name as someone with great integrity. For some reason that stuck with me and its wonderful to know that Ken's impact was so broad and touched so many.
It's rare for people to genuinely leave the world a better place - Ken did.
Mike Stubblefield
August 10, 2011
I am sitting here,at the corner of 7th street and av.L, where Ken grew up. I know of his fantastic accomplishments in the academic world and the business world, but I remember Ken as part of the 6th/7th street gang of kids. We traded electic train parts, played pickup baseball and every other game kids could think of before television.
The last time I saw Ken was at the last class reunion and we reminisced of these things. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Gary Seidel
August 10, 2011
My favorite Ken Oshman line, while at ROLM, is one I still use. It was at the announcement of the IBM "invasion", and Ken was asked what he was going to do now that he was out of a job. He said "I am not sure, but I can guarantee you I won't be sitting around in a T-shirt, drinking beer and watching TV." A great guy!
August 10, 2011
Barbara and Family, My heart filled with sadness when I heard of Ken's passing. It was always so good to see him at our class reunions. He treated everyone in our class as if they were family and visited with everyone. When I thought of Kenny, it was with so much admiration for the person he was. Success never changed him. We will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy DeShazo
August 9, 2011
Barbara and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Kenny. He was such a special, kind, gentleman. I have many nice memories of all of the Daily/Oshman/Levey families while growing up in Richmond. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all, LaDina Epstein
Anders Axelsson
August 9, 2011
A legend has passed away but his legacy lives on...
Ken was an amazing man and I am honored to have known him.
Toshiro Tomita
August 9, 2011
We LONMARK JAPAN are very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr.Kenneth Oshman.
We have continued very long history and relationship with Ken from 1992 more than 20 years.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Echelon and LMI members for this huge loss.
Having been continued with Ken promoting LON based open system was really happy for all of us..
Feeling to architecture that LONWORKS is wonderful and working together are the boasts for LONMARK JAPAN and us. Dr.Ken and Bee are the people whom we cannot forget through all eternity as a great persons of merit to the open system to all over the world.
The message of mourning is sent praying for the great Dr.Kenneth Oshman.
In deepest sympathy,
LONMARK JAPAN
LMJ Chairman
Melodie Pohorsky
August 9, 2011
I am another of the lucky ones who had the experience of "a great place to work" at ROLM. Ken Oshman truly made everyone know that their contribution was important and you just knew that he appreciated your hard work. I will keep the Oshman family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
Fern Smith
August 9, 2011
Dear Barbara: I was so sorry to hear this news. He was a very special man.
Susan Morgan
August 9, 2011
I send my deep sympathy to the Oshman family. Ken was a wonderful friend to my father, Don Smith. I have very fond memories of the two of them making wine together in our garage in Los Altos in the early 1970s. Ken also visited my dad in the hospital just days before he died in 2004. Ken was a great friend to my dad and many others I am sure.
Bob Warden
August 9, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
R Aguilar
August 9, 2011
Condolences to the Family of Ken Oshman, i believe he is one of the best founder of Rolm, one of the best companies I worked for for 12 1/2 years.
Bob Dolin
August 9, 2011
I joined Rolm in July of 1977 and met Ken shortly thereafter, and then in 1989 I followed him to Echelon, so I have a lot of memories of his wit, intellect, and friendship. One collection of memories keeps coming back to me though, so I thought I'd share it here. Whenever there was a setback at Rolm or Echelon, Ken would address the employees about it. He would often even make a joke about it and tell us all that this setback was temporary, that we would come back stronger and better, and great things were yet to come. In my own sadness at his passing I imagine him saying that now to all of us who miss him. He had a great way about him to lift your spirits and fill you with optimism for the future. For me, that is one of his greatest legacies among his many greate legacies.
Wim Meijer
August 9, 2011
I will remember Ken as a honest, integer and remarkable person with an intense devotion to Echelon, his company. I wish his wife Barbara, children and grand children all the strength to overcome this great loss.
Peter Brookes
August 9, 2011
I will never forget Ken's advice to me one day (when I presented reliabilty reports weekly to the Board at ROLM): he put his hands on my shoulders and said, "If you have to make a business decision, put yourself in my position and ask "what would the President decide in this situation?" I've used this philosphy in my own business ever since. Truly a great guy and so sorry to hear he is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy to all his family, he is sorely missed.
Meera Kapur
August 9, 2011
Ken was a leader with a vision and passion. He was truly a charismatic and outstanding individual. I have very fond memories of my experiences at ROLM Corporation... organizing a stockholders meeting for Ken being an unforgettable one. Ken was special and will be missed.
Andy Maurer
August 9, 2011
I first met Ken while in the Sales Support team in the ROLM Mil-Spec Division and it continued in the CBX Division. So many memories of meeting Ken in Bldg. 1, or in the cafeteria, or on my walk with my gym bag to the Rec Center. When Ken spoke to us at his thank you at quarter-end or when he needed our help, we listened with admiration, respect, and clarity to a caring person who valued all of us as his big family. ROLM can't end, it just repeats over and over in each one Ken touched...close your eyes and remember that smile..and always a kind word... My heartfelt sympathy and thanks to the Oshman family for loaning Ken to all of us...God bless you!!
joe
August 9, 2011
I had the pleasure of working for ROLM in NYC, i spent 12 of the best years of my working life, Ken put a company together that we enjoyed showing up for work every day, as boss today i learned by, his example to make work fun what a great man ,
my deep respect to the Oshman Family
thank you Ken
Karen Miller Styres
August 9, 2011
I worked at ROLM for almost 7 years and they were some of the best years of my professional career. Ken and a handful of his colleagues created and nurtured an environment that was truly unique. His kindness and business accumen combined together in a way that made each day at ROLM special. He had a great style of striking up conversations with anyone and really getting them to talk to him about what was working and what wasn't working. He really listened - and he cared about making things better for individuals and for the company. We all knew that Ken was right there with us - he had our backs. And he was able to join in on the fun, not afraid to look silly. I will always smile when I remember the Halloween with the execs, including Ken, dressed as Snow White and the 7 Dwarves. I count myself as fortunate to have worked at ROLM.
The world is a bit sadder without Ken in it. Thoughts and prayers to his family - please know that we share in your loss and rejoice in his life.
August 9, 2011
He was a really "class" individual.
Robert & Sissie Madeira
Cypress, Texas
David Marshall
August 9, 2011
A gentle man with great vision and passion, who lead by example and inspiration. ROLM was truly a Great Place to Work. Many corporations and organizations today seem to have lost their humanity. Ken believed in it and lived it.
My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Peter Wolken
August 9, 2011
Ken was one of the best. A great contributor to the technology industries and to the community. He will be missed by many. Condolences to Barbara and the family.
August 9, 2011
Ken was a very special friend who was always so friendly, kind, and helpful, as well as brilliant. He will be missed in this world very much. Barbara was always such a fun, and lovely lady as well. The world has lost a very special person, and we send our deepest sympathy.
Jane ( Males) and John Jakubik, Missouri City, TX
Claire Ackermann
August 9, 2011
Claire Ackermann from 1980 thru 2006. Best years ever fun fun lol times, a place to make a customer req our goals.they came first Respect for the individual always- worked until your job was done and cust. happy. Now moving forward to continue that legacy in our different jobs a tribute to the O IN ROLM ALWAYS,RESPECTING THE INDIVIDUAL FOR THE CUSTOMER ALWAYS.Thank you.
August 9, 2011
He was my sweet neighbor , math tutor, and childhood friend. Will never forget the nite our parents ( Mamie and Babe) drove us to the City Auditorium in Houston for a performance of'' Pagliacci'' and'' Cavalleria'' by the Metropolitan Opera. We were 13 and 12 and I still have the program dated May 12, 1952. Kenny and I were both moved by this beautiful music. I am shocked and very saddened to hear this news and send all my heartfelt prayers to you Barbara, and all of your family. This precious man will be missed by many.
Sandra Polichino Colley
Robert Rottschalk
August 9, 2011
Ken was the kind of guy who would met someone who he never met in line for lunch at ROLM, and strike up a friendly conversation like you were old friends. Luckily, I had this opportunity several times and have always been grateful. Many former ROLM employees are forever indebted to Ken and the other founders for starting the company that will stand out forever for so many people as the greatest place we ever worked. My sympathy to his family and all those from ROLM who will miss him.
Dave Jacobs
August 9, 2011
One meets only a handful of truly great people in life, and Ken is most certainly one of the greats: Incredibly smart and successful, yet warm and caring. He will be missed
Ed & Carol Sutterfield
August 9, 2011
Ken led ROLM with inspirationa and integrity. As a small start-up we competed and won against large corporate institutions. It was a pleasure to have been a part of a great organization and to have worked with Ken. My sincere condolences to his family. You should know how much we also loved, admired and enjoyed working under his leadership.
Ed Sterbenc
August 9, 2011
We have lost a special man. Ken had a warmth and love for people unmatched in my experience. He always inquired about family and never forgot what he heard in response. He was a dear and true friend to my family we will all miss him.
Stan Tenold
August 9, 2011
A marvelous man who inspired people. He will be missed. I have many fond memories of his distinguished character, generosity, and kindness. Our prayers and thoughts are with Barbara and all the family.
David Perdue
August 9, 2011
In 1973 our firm began working with ROLM on the design of the CBX and in 1974 signed as the first distributor of the CBX. We believed in ROLM because we believed in Ken Oshman. He was a fine man and encouragement to all that knew him.
Tom Rader
August 9, 2011
Like many people here, I too would like to express my gratitude for the privilege of working for Ken at ROLM. He was a true visionary and incredibly inspiring leader. Everyone should be so lucky to have a "ROLM" in their business career.
Michelle Fung
August 9, 2011
It is hard to believe that Ken will no longer be with us. He has touched so many people’s lives so deeply. I will always remember Ken. His kindness, wisdom and enthusiasm will live in my heart forever.
Severa (Sevi) Howeth
August 8, 2011
I was sadness to hear the news. Ken was such a great and inspiring man. He always treated people with respect. I first met Ken when I was contracting at ROLM back in 1982. I did not have a name badge on so he asked me how I liked working at ROLM and what department I was contracting at. He welcomed me to ROLM. I had no idea who he was until a week later when I read the ROLM Newsletter, he was the Big Boss. I became a permanent employee and worked at ROLM for 17 1/2 years. Such a great guy and great loss for the Silicon Valley. My prayers and best wishes for the family. God Bless them and give them strength.
Edie Barry
August 8, 2011
Ken served on the Stanford Alumni Association Board of Directors and was an inspiration to staff and other Board members. He was so generous with his time and wisdom. He was beloved by many at Stanford and Silicon Valley.
August 8, 2011
I worked at ROLM for almost 24 years, with Ken at the head of the company for many of those years. I will always remember him at our company events, often with a cigar in his mouth, and always a true gentleman and pleasant leader for all of us who loved working for such a dynamic company. He certainly made ROLM a "Great Place to Work", and I am sure he had the same influence on many other people, including those closest to him as his family. Such a fantastic man made great companies like ROLM and Echelon even better!
Russ Lucas
August 8, 2011
I worked at ROLM for almost 24 years, with Ken at the head of the company for many of those years. I will always remember him at our company events, often with a cigar in his mouth, and always a true gentleman and enjoyable leader for all of us who loved working for such a dynamic company. He certainly made ROLM a "Great Place to Work", and I am sure he had the same influence on many other people, including those closest to him in his family. Such a fantastic man made great companies like ROLM and Echelon even better!
Richard Lysaght
August 8, 2011
I had just joined ROLM Corporation in 1981, in National Accounts and was working in what was our first ROLM office in New York City. In walked Ken Oshman, President and CEO of the company. He introduced himself and called me by my first name. I kept thinking how does he know who I am? After all, I had just joined the company. He was a genuine person. He made you feel special and that your efforts were important to him and the company. I was so impressed and motivated to do my best. I understood right away why ROLM was a “Great Place to Work”. He was an outstanding leader and he will be missed by all those he touched.
My condolences and best wishes to the family
Greg Powell
August 8, 2011
I too was an Echelonian back in the day..
We had regular all employee meetings where Ken always recognized the new (employees), old (anniversaries), and all of our birthdays.
Ken was and always will be an inspiration to myself and many others. A leader who knew how to get a team to see his vision and commit to it.
Yes, I drank the koolaid and am proud to say Ken Oshman has the recipe.
The seeds he planted will blossom.
Godspeed Ken,
Anthony Teo
August 8, 2011
I had the privilege of working for Ken Oshman at ROLM. He was very humble, a great leader, truly inspiring and a visionary. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and relatives My memory of Ken will not fade away as I go to the Oshman Family Center at the JCC frequently. Thank you, Ken.
Debbie McGinnis-Nelson
August 8, 2011
Ken was an icon. He gave us high hopes for our future when working at ROLM. Now as many of us find ourselves over 60 we look to our lives and fondly remember Ken and put him into a class that few every enter. He will be missed by all. God bless his family and friends. We have lost an incredible man.
With Mr. BK Byun, CEO of Kolon
JG Wee
August 8, 2011
I just can not but being sad imagining that I won't be able to see him during the next sales meeting.
As a memory to him, I'm attaching a photo taken with BK Byun, CEO of Kolon, in 2006.
Walt Muta
August 8, 2011
I recalled when working at ROLM, when I heard Ken was going to speak, it was with great expectation. Ken's never let me down. His spoke with such conviction and was so inspiring, when he was done, I was truly proud to be a ROLM employee. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go to Ken's family and friends.
Tilak Dhir
August 8, 2011
I am very sorry to learn abot the passing of Mr. Oshman. I did not know him personnaly but knew enogh about him to feel sad.
Best to his family. regards.
Tilakl Dhir
Bud Farmer
August 8, 2011
A class act who will surely be missed.
Mark Rodman
August 8, 2011
As you go through life there are always just a few people that will really stand out in your memory. Ken is one of those for me. Such a polite and kind person, and one of the smartest I have ever met. I am certain he will be missed greatly by family and friends...
John Bell
August 8, 2011
My first day at Echelon, Ken walked by my door. Not recognizing my nameplate, he stopped, came back, and introduded himself. He spoke to me not as a CEO to an underling, but as a gentleman offering a genuine welcome to a new hire. It's the kind of small gesture that means so much, but which so few are able to manage. I developed an instant respect for Ken, which only grew over time.
Michael Morris
August 8, 2011
Ken was truly a great American--a brilliant engineer & businessman,
a kind and thoughtful mentor and teacher, a generous humanitarian and a wonderful person. I owe so much to him. His was surely a life well-led. My deepest condolences to Barbara and entire Oshman family.
Irene Johnson
August 8, 2011
Ken Oshman was a beautiful, kind and capable CEO. I worked at ROLM for a number of years, and found him to be very personable and approachable from the highest ranks of the company to all of the other levels of people who were fortunate to have work with him. I will miss your wonderful smile. My deepest condolences to family and loved ones
Beverly Oliver
August 8, 2011
Our hearts are heavy because of our loss but our memories
will live on forever. Ken, you were such an asset to the professional world and your friends. We will miss you greatly.
Carol Reed
August 8, 2011
I have great professional and personal respect for Ken Oshman. My admiration for him grew every year of the 15 years that I worked at Echelon. He was always approachable, considerate and interested in what we were doing. Ken always tried to do the right thing for his customers and the people who worked for him. He was a person of his word, regardless of how difficult it might have been to make good on it. Both my husband, Dean, and I will always remember Ken.
George & Esther Rubin
August 8, 2011
We always admired and respected Ken for his sincerity, his honesty, his friendship, loyalty, dedication, and the ethical values by which he lived his life. May his memory be for a blessing.
Tom Fatjo, Jr.
August 8, 2011
Ken was truly a great person and one of my closest friends. He was good, kind, intelligent, courageous and humble. He will be loved by many forever!
Harry Saal
August 8, 2011
Ken's gentle wisdom was well complimented by the strength of his commitment to community and family. Sadly his personal character isn't the standard model in Silicon Valley. May his memory serve as testament that great success in technology does not need to be coupled with a cruel dog-eat-dog competitive style and behavior.
His contributions to the world through technology are truly remarkable; no less what he accomplished within his community, such as the wonderful Oshman JCC in Palo Alto.
We dearly miss Ken and will keep him alive and shining in our memories forever.
rachel tamases
August 8, 2011
Ken was a fabulous man and changed my life......I worked at ROLM for 19 years....and got a chance to work with him. I am so very sorry to hear the news.
Michael Adler
August 8, 2011
I am very sorry for the loss to the Oshman family and the entire community of Ken Oshman. He is a great leader and visionary who will be missed by us all. May his memory be for a blessing
Dennis McKaskey
August 8, 2011
Working for Ken was the best part of my entire career. I was fortunate to have started at ROLM in 1979 and was part of a small team he sent to Colorado Springs to start a new manufacturing facility. We did our best to develop the fantastic working environment he brought to life in Santa Clara. He was, and is, a man of singular qualities which all who knew him wish to emulate. Our prayers and kind wishes are extended to Barbara and all the family.
Mike Clair
August 8, 2011
Ken was a great man in every sense of the word. He was a pioneer, a leader, a mentor, a role model, a family man, a legend, and a friend. We will all miss him.
Sukhpal Singh
August 8, 2011
Ken will be sorely missed in our hearts as he was a real Gentleman CEO. I often use to mention about Ken to my wife (who never met him) and everytime she was amazed at his personality and how he cared so much about everybody at work. Our prayers go to the family.
August 8, 2011
Uncle Ken (my great-uncle) was such a sweet guy. He always made the effort to keep up with my activities and education and was so much fun to be around.
When I stayed with him in Palo Alto one summer
Martin Boettner
August 8, 2011
Ken, it was my pleasure to meet you even it was not often enough! I am sure your spirit and wisdom will stay!
Lisa Murphy
August 8, 2011
Ken and I never knew each other, but he had a profound effect on my life and the life of my family when he introduced my aunt (Karen Beer) to Walter Loewenstern, who became my wonderful uncle. Thank you Ken, for sending out wonderful ripples in my direction during your life. Love and Comfort and Peace to you family. Lisa Murphy
Norman Loewenstern
August 8, 2011
We are so sorry to learn of Ken's death. Our prayers are with Barbara and the family.
Sheila and Norman Loewenstern
Mike Reedy
August 8, 2011
I was incredibly fortunate to be part of the ROLM Kansas City team from 1982 through 1988. Twenty-five years later I'm still amazed that our ROLM family continues to live on despite the corporate facelifts that ultimately changed the name. ROLM has had more of an impact on my life than any other company I have worked for - before or after. Ken - thank you for your quiet style, vision and leadership, and teaching us all what a Great Place to Work really means!
Jane Wanderer
August 8, 2011
Ken Oshman was a very special man I feel so privileged to have met and worked for. A true paragon.... Thank you, Ken!
Laura Macias
August 8, 2011
As a ROLM employee, I learned what an exemplary leader is through Ken Oshman's style, always supportive, strong, ethical and visionary. His sprit of innovation and kind management can live on in Silicon Valley through our work today. My sympathies to his family and many friends.
August 8, 2011
Ken was a kind friend. He was a humble giant and a role model to me. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends.
Jeff & De Rose
Jose Delgadillo
August 8, 2011
My telecommunications roots began with ROLM in 1979, due in part because of Mr. Oshman, the few times I had the privilige of meeting him I had nothing but admiration and respect.
His legacy will go on... José Delgadillo
Joseph Burgarella
August 8, 2011
Joseph Burgarella and his team have had the chance meeting KEN OSHMAN in1988 through ECHELON. Ken OSHMAN was a gentleman in all fields.
Our prayers and condolences to his family and relatives, Joseph Burgarella - CIAC international technologies (France)
Jeanne Hsu
August 8, 2011
Ken Oshman was one of the truly great leaders. I remember how he would take the time to know employees by name. I loved working at ROLM while it was a growing telecommunications company. Phonemail (voicemail now) was a new concept in the early days; we had such excellent technology that it was difficult to tell whether the voice was recorded or live. His vision, the collegial environment, great work environment, and concept of a sabbatical convinced people to stay when others were changing jobs every 1 to 2 years. His influence lives on throughout Silicon Valley and the world. He was a kind, generous, personable man. RIP Ken.
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