Bernard Keith Betz

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Betz Bernard Keith Betz, Born June 20, 1928. Died September 8, 2004. Survived by wife Juanita, daughters Martha and Barbara, and son Danny; grandchildren Kristen and Brandon; sister Donna; daughter-in-law Sue, son-in-law Terry, and steadfast family friend K.C. Keith Betz was one of the pioneers of the computer industry, beginning his career at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, where he worked on the Jupiter rocket program. In the late 1950s, Keith joined Honeywell. Uniquely skilled as a mathematician, hardware designer, and software engineer, Keith designed and built the Honeywell 400, a general-purpose computer widely used in industry and academia. He also developed a sorting algorithm known as "polyphase sorting," a tape-based sorting system revolutionary for its efficiency. In a later independent venture, Keith designed a computer that became a forerunner of the routers and message switches that would later dominate the Internet. In a time when complexity was king, Keith had a mission to make the design and use of computers as ergonomic and user friendly as possible. He stressed simplicity of design and ease of use, a message that is only now being heeded. In the latter part of his career, Keith worked at the Honeywell Research Center on robotic micro manufacturing automation using E-Beam (electronic beam) technology. Keith was a quiet man when it came to his own contributions, though he was often called upon for brainstorming sessions when the toughest technical problems required a breakthrough idea. His modesty and his love for simplicity carried through to all parts of his life. He knew no greater joy than to be in his vegetable garden in early autumn, working alongside his wife Juanita, with the Vikings on the radio. Memorial service will be 2 PM Monday, September 13 at St. Patrick's Church of Edina. Visitation the hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to Muir Woods, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Washburn-McReavy 952-920-3996

Published on September 12, 2004