It is my honor to be my Dad’s son. My dad was such an amazing man.  My hope on this memorial site is that we would remember and sense more of his unique essence.

Many could recount his many accomplishments in his career, and there were many. He made a wide, deep impact in the aerospace and defense industries, specifically on the optics side. And there is no doubt our country is safer because his work. He was a part of significant contributions on the many classified laser projects, notable telescopes, and as I just found out after his passing, the major commercial and retail milestone change with laser scanners and bar codes.

However I want show part of the incredible man behind the work and the accomplishments, and I think these are the elements of dad, Gene Cross that he would want to be remembered for.

He was an extremely gracious man, especially gifted at networking and connecting people for the benefit of each other. His mentorship in others made a big impact in their careers. He had a way of understanding how someone would benefit from the value of another and in-fact by their connection and synergy, would raise the game and results by their team-work together. In some ways this was my dad’s greatest gift, one he would be very proud of.  

In my estimation his love of relationships with his friends and family was his greatest treasure. This was what made him the most excited and happiest. He enjoyed people. He looked forward to getting together with others. He thought the best of others and their gifts. He saw value in others and believed in their talents and abilities. Dad you were a loving gracious person - I'm grateful for this.