January 6, 1930 – June 24, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Rosebrook Snow, who left us last Summer on June 24, 2024 at the age of 94. A long-time resident of Los Altos, California, Bill was born on January 6, 1930, in New York City, NY. His parents were Genevieve (Rosebrook) and William Boring Snow. Bill lived a fulfilling life, marked by love for his family, his meticulous work in the field of plasma physics, and a career ranging from industry scientist to University Professor to Silicon Valley entrepreneur.
Bill met his future wife, Phyllis Dodson, at high school in Summit, New Jersey. They were married in Summit on August 25, 1951. They moved to California where they finished their undergraduate degrees and then moved together many times following Bill’s career.
In 1952 Bill graduated from Stanford University with a BS degree in physics. Over the next ten years he worked for General Electric in Hanford, WA, Precision Technology in Livermore, CA, and General Atomic in San Diego, CA. He developed extensive knowledge of plasma physics through scientific research roles, gaining a deep expertise in atomic collisions in the energy range appropriate to glow discharges. He continued his academic development in Physics by earning his MS in 1964 and PhD in 1966, both at the University of Washington in Seattle. Then, as a research scientist at Aerospace Corporation in Los Angeles, he developed a novel non-magnetic mass spectrometer for use in a low earth orbit satellite launched on an Atlas rocket in 1968.
He made a major career and lifestyle change at age 38 to raise his family in a wonderful small Midwest town. There he pursued his interests through academic research and teaching for the next decade as an Assistant and then Associate Professor of Physics at University of Missouri, Rolla. After his two sons went off to college, Bill came back to Silicon Valley as a scientist in small companies. He pioneered new techniques in crossed molecular and ion beam technology leading to Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) at Pacific Western Systems. Together with his son David, he co-founded StrataGlass, a custom PECVD service company located in Mountain View, CA. He contributed thin films and process techniques to many Silicon Valley companies for 20 years until his retirement at age 80.
During retirement Bill enjoyed reading, walking, bocce ball, and often had a project on the home workbench. He continued following the latest advances in science and space exploration. Bill and Phyllis enjoyed visiting Vienna and took their family on several cruises to Europe and Alaska.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, their union was a testament to a partnership spanning over 73 years. Together they built a family filled with love and mutual support. Also surviving are his son William Dodson Snow and wife Karen (Espeseth) of Palo Alto; and his son David James Snow and wife Eliza (Mourgos) of Los Altos. A private family ceremony was held to honor Bill’s life. He is interred at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto with many other family members.
Bill touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and kindness. His legacy lives on through his family, who continue to honor his memory and the values he instilled in them. He is dearly missed.
Donations may be made to the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
