IN MEMORIAM: RICHARD EPHRAIM SAEKS

He was born in Chicago on November 30, 1941 to Morris George and Elsie Saeks. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother Jerrold Saeks. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Saeks; a niece, Abby Markowitz and a nephew, Lorne Saeks, all of Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Saeks was educated in the Chicago Public Schools and went on to obtain his BS in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University, MS in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University and Ph.D. from Cornell University.

Dick was a legend in the world of circuit theory and network theory, I first met him as a graduate student at Cornell in the mid-1960’s where he completed his PhD in a record time of 2 years. His work encompassed graph theory, generalized networks, sensitivity theory, neural networks even Plasma Physics. He was also well versed with the practical side of EE and in his youth I believe he was a Ham radio enthusiast.

He had completed  his undergraduate work at Northwester, gotten a Masters at Colorado State and from Cornell went on to Professorships at Notre Dame, Arizona and Texas Tech. He finished his academic career at Illinois Institute of Technology first as a Professor and later as Dean.

He decided to leave Academia in 1992 and took the position of Vice President of Engineering at Accurate Automation Corporation in Chattanooga, TN concentrating on the development of neural network technology for military applications. Mr. Robert Pap, the founder and President of Accurate Automation Corporation has come all the way here tonight from Chattanooga as we honor the memory of Dick Saeks.

Dick was a tireless worker for the IEEE. He held the grade of Fellow. He held numerous positions within CAS. He was active on the national level. He also attained the grade of Fellow of the AIAA for his work in Plasma Physics. He organized many conferences. He wrote numerous books and many journal articles. His most recent work dealt with the use of neural networks to control remotely piloted boats of the type being used to combat piracy off of Somalia.

When we decided to bring the CAS back to life on Long Island back in 2004 Dick volunteered to come all the way from Chattanooga and be one of our first speakers. Despite being in poor health he drove the whole way. He entered the  building on 2 canes –it took him ½ hour- and he then gave a brilliant talk. Present at the talk were some of the most notable people of the CAS, Professor Dan Youla, Professor John Murray, Dr. Ivan Frisch.

On an extremely personal level Dick was an exceptional human being. When he could help he was always there. He was an extremely decent individual- who often called me just to find out how things were going on a particular project or in general- and with no ulterior motive.

But, Dick was not in good health and his health continued to deteriorate in the last few years. It took a turn for the worse about 3 weeks ago and he passed away suddenly in his doctor’s office. Sadly, this warm hearted Chicago native had very little family left. There was no funeral. There was no graveside ceremony. These few words in a very small way will have to take the place of such ceremonies. Dick was devoted to Electrical Engineering. He was devoted to the CAS and we are  his family. We say good bye to you now Dick.

Ken Schneider (Email: KSchneider@telebyteusa.com)