Leonard Nathan Zubkoff of Crystal Bay, Nevada, world-renowned for his expertise in computer architecture and operating systems, died on August 29, 2002 in a helicopter crash in Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness near Ketchikan, Alaska.
Leonard was a software developer and entrepreneur with a talent for understanding how to get the most from computer hardware. Leonard's interest was in improving computer usability especially responsiveness, and his expertise was in the software closest to the machine's hardware.
Leonard started his career in 1975 when he entered the University of Rochester. He double-majored in mathematics and physics. He graduated summa cum laude in only three years. He continued graduate study in computer science at Carnegie-Mellon University and earned a Master of Science in Computer Science. At CMU he developed algorithms and protocols for high-speed communications between timeshared computers and remote terminals over phone lines. His programs were used in computer centers at Carnegie-Mellon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.
In 1985, Leonard was recruited by Lucid, Inc, Menlo Park, California. He served as Principal Scientist, specializing in porting technology, performance, and machine and operating-system level architectures. Leonard developed runtime memory managers, debugging software, windowing systems, process threading models, compiler enhancements, and software porting technology. His expertise and advice informed company strategy, and he was one of a handful of technology leaders at the company.
In 1994 he joined Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California. While there his interests shifted to open-source software and operating systems. During his career, Leonard noticed that software developed at companies tended to be written under strict pressure to meet schedules, forcing software developers to make technical compromises. Leonard valued doing things the right way-he was a craftsman when it came to low-level software code, and he found that doing things beautifully usually resulted in the best software performance Open-source software is typically not written to any fixed schedule, and doing things properly is highly valued. In Linux, Leonard found an operating-system project where he could apply his passions for excellent craftsmanship and quick response.
In 1998, Leonard joined VA Linux (now VA Software), of Fremont, CA, as Chief Technical Officer. At VA, he improved Linux stability and performance on multiprocessor systems and on systems with large disk arrays. He worked with chipset and motherboard vendors to improve their designs for the Linux market.
Leonard had a keen interest in future technologies and joined the Foresight Institute ("Preparing for Nanotechnology") in 1989. He was taken with the idea that molecular machines could someday repair cellular and even molecular damage.
He joined Alcor Life Extension Foundation in 1988. Alcor is a cryonics organization that preserves people in liquid nitrogen until future medical technology can restore them to good health. Leonard was an active member of Alcor's suspension team for many years, and also provided advice and assistance with Alcor's computer systems. He became an Alcor Advisor to the Board of Directors in June of this year.
Leonard was prominent in the world of science fiction fandom and filk (musical parodies on contemporary issues). He founded Dandelion Digital to provide filk writers with state-of-the-art digital recording capabilities. Dandelion Digital released seven albums.
Leonard is survived by his former wives, Jan (Stover) Jewell of San Jose, California, and Jaylene Lewis of Berkeley, California, his brother, David J. Zubkoff, and his uncles, Maurice J. Zubkoff of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Paul L. Zubkoff of Williamsburg, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard S. and Renee I. (Seaman) Zubkoff.
Contributions may be made to:
Alcor Life Extension Foundation, 7895 East Acoma Drive Suite 110, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad
, P.O. Box 5786, Ketchikan, AK 99901