Opinion: Remembering California aerospace pioneer Simon Ramo

To the editor: I spent 32 years in the aerospace industry, 27 at Hughes/Boeing and then the last 5 at Northrop Grumman, as a senior executive assistant. But nothing could have prepared me for the assignment I was offered in early March of 2009: three months supporting Dr. Simon Ramo in his personal office while his full-time assistant recovered from surgery. (Re “Simon Ramo, 1913-2016: Aerospace pioneer led nuclear missile program,” Obituary, June 29)

He turned 96 while I was working for him, and he was still incredibly sharp. He told me fascinating stories of his humble beginnings.

He told me about how he got phone calls from President Eisenhower, how he built Space Park about the time of the formation of NASA, how his physics textbook is still among the longest continuously-used physics textbook in college history.

I already knew about most of his formidable accomplishments. But what impressed me the most -- that he was still crazy in love with his wife, Virginia, after 70 plus years of marriage. He was the perfect model of a caring husband, and that to me is the measure of the man.

I still shake my head when I think about this implausible brush with greatness. I never worked at TRW! But the local aerospace industry is pretty inclusive and we teamed up on some projects. I will be forever grateful for the time I spent with this wonderful man.

Barbara Z. Myers, Lomita

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