In Memory

Willis David Stinson - Class Of 1954

Willis David Stinson

Willis David Stinson Jr, 81, died May 25, 2018 in Redwood City, California. Will was born on July 23, 1936 in Los Angeles to Willis Stinson and Elva Hallstrom. He grew up in San Marino, graduated from South Pasadena High in 1954 and attended Stanford University, earning degrees in Electrical Engineering (BS 1958, MS 1959). At Stanford, he rowed for the varsity crew as bowman. In his junior year, he met the love of his life, Judith Young (AB 1959) and they were married in Oakland in 1958.

In the 1960s and '70s, Will worked on test instrumentation systems for Beckman Instruments, EH Research, Fairchild Semiconductor, and Biomation Corporation, and was awarded numerous US patents. In 1977, he helped start Altos Computer Systems in San Jose, California where he served as its first hardware engineer. He was a longtime member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. In 1982, Will joined Judy in running a catalog business in Chicago; they later returned to California, residing in Sonoma for 18 years. As a teen, Will was fascinated by cars, once taking apart and rebuilding a 1936 Chevy before he even had a driver's license. He enjoyed designing and building things, and solving puzzles. He was a gifted photographer and student of nature. He especially loved spending time in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and led the family on many hiking and camping trips.

Will is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Anne Greski and her husband Leonard of Roswell, Georgia; his son, Willis Stinson III and his wife Ashley of Union, Maine; his daughter, Amy Leavenworth and her husband David of San Carlos, California; as well as six grandchildren, four nieces, and two nephews.

Sonoma Index-Tribune, June 8, 2018