Jack Salz – a memorial article [Society News]

On July 31, 2012, Jack Salz, one of the iconic figures of the golden age of communication theory and of voiceband, optical and wireless communication, passed away in New Jersey at the age of 82. Jack was renowned and remains beloved among members of the communications engineering community for his colorful and dynamic character, his mentoring and encouragement of many of the most respected names in the communications field, his critical and brilliant contributions to some of the most important technical breakthroughs of recent decades, and his love of life in all its fullness and pleasures. His enthusiasm for classical music took him often to symphony concerts in New York and summer festivals such as the Marlboro Festival in southern Vermont. He was loyal and generous to his friends and protégés, who experienced him as an exceptionally large and important influence on their lives. It is painful to many of us that Jack did not receive the major recognitions and awards that should have come his way for the great value of his contributions, imbedded in the communications infrastructure we enjoy today.