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Bruce Todd Blaylock

March 16, 1948 - January 03, 2022
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Posted by:

Wendy Diliberti

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Posted by:

Wendy Diliberti

Report Obit

Bruce Todd Blaylock

March 16, 1948 - January 03, 2022

Bruce was born and raised in Montana, graduating from Laurel High School, where he won many awards for debate and extemporaneous speaking. After receiving a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Eastern Montana College, he earned a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Virginia, focusing his research on X-Ray Crystallography. In his early career at the Computer Sciences Corporation, he worked on the Small Astronomy Satellite, SAS-3, launched in 1975, which measured the X-ray emission of extra galactic sources, including neutron stars, white dwarfs, and globular clusters. 
 
Bruce moved to Northern California to work for NASA , eventually becoming Chief Engineer at the Ames Research Center, responsible for the Numerical Aerospace Simulation Facility dedicated to maintaining the US lead in Computational Fluid Dynamics. At Cisco Systems, he was a project manager in charge of critical enterprise-wide systems. He ended his career starting up a field office in Shanghai, China, for Rackable Systems. Throughout his career he was a strong and principled leader, who mentored many employees. 
 
He also authored several scientific publications in his career and earned Exceptional Achievement and Exceptional Service medals from NASA. 
 
Bruce’s interests extended well beyond computer engineering and aeronautics. He hand-crafted exquisite arts and crafts furniture, pursued hang gliding, biked miles on weekends, was an excellent cook, read voraciously on widely varied topics, and enjoyed traveling, particularly to Hawaii. He loved San Francisco, his home for three decades. And he was a spell-binding storyteller, with a wildly infectious laugh. 
 
Bruce is survived by his partner of 27 years, Tony Wong, who cared for him for the past 12 years following a stroke and brain hemorrhage. Other survivors include his four siblings, Wendy Diliberti, Mike (Connie) Blaylock, Kathryn (Kevin) Hurtley, and Barbara (Mike) Keating as well as eight nieces and nephews: Josh and Jesse Blaylock, Ben and Nathan Day, Eliza and Joe Diliberti, and Katy and Michael Keating. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Chester and Mildred Blaylock.  

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Condolences 3

Michelle Koblas Bruce was such an awesome person! I still remember interviewing with him at NAS when I first got out of college, which was a long time ago, so that tells you how memorable that experience was! I worked with him both at NAS and Cisco and I enjoyed my interactions with him. I remember his laughter and easy manner, even when he was completely frustrated with some of the antics that went on in the office. I'm sorry I didn't spend more personal time with him.
almost 3 years ago

Josh Goldenhar I miss Bruce. He was in imperfect soul who knew about his own flaws and shortcomings but had the self-awareness and fortitude and grace to share his life-learnings if you were fortunate enough to call him your friend. He was a fantastic mentor in work, and in life. He helped me to learn to brush off comments from those that just didn't matter and to try to tame frustration and anger about others - if only because he struggled to do so himself. We did laugh a lot. I was a bit into woodworking and Bruce gave me a better appreciation for what a craftsman could do but also where it was OK to cut a corner or two. I knew of Bruce's love of Hawaii, and I can't shake the feeling that it influenced me when my wife said she wanted to move here. I've felt a bit guilty about realizing that dream when Bruce did not. Bruce was a confidant , a mentor, a friend and a colleague - all rolled into one. He was a real person, that is, he was what you saw, heard, and observed. I've missed him for 12 or so years - and this finality only serves to remind me of what I've missed, and it hurts. I only hope that one day, when it's my turn, I am remembered with 1/2 as much respect.
almost 3 years ago

Kathryn Hurtley Hello everyone, Here are some condolences that the family had received from former co-workers of Bruce. We were touched deeply by their sentiments and memories of our brother. Helen Wang, Shanghai. “Bruce changed my life in many ways. When I was struggling between my family and own start-up company, Bruce reached out to me and offered me the job in Rackable. We had been working closely since then till he moved back to US. Those years working with him was one of the best time in my career and in my life. When I was not brave enough to face the challenges, he told me "don't beat around the bush and just go straight up and face it". When I was driving comparatively slowly in the crazy traffics while others just kept cutting in and cutting out in front, we made jokes about it together and enjoyed it very much. All the suggestions, ideas, humors, laughters and wisdoms he brought to me and to Shanghai team echoes till now and will keep on echoing on each everyone's heart. Bruce must be in a better place and enjoy whatever he is doing right now. Thank you, Bruce. May joy and happiness will be always with you” Leo Miao, Shanghai. “I am so sad that Bruce left us. I will never, ever forget my elder and friend Bruce. we had a nice working time at shanghai office for half year in 2009, his laughter still reverberates in my mind. I wish him read amitabha with peace of mind, live in the kingdom of bliss. (安心念弥陀,同生极乐国。) I send my prayers and support to you and your family during this difficult time, may peace be with you.” Kevin Yang, Shanghai. “Recalling the past, we will always remember Bruce's loud laughter. Please help me convey my best wishes to his family.” Alex Buckingham, US. “Very sad to hear about Bruce. I had a lot of fun working w/ him. He was a great guy. Bruce had a boisterous laugh that was absolutely contagious. At Rackable, one of the highlights of my day was the 9am Engineering Meeting. I always sat directly to his left where he kept me in-line when my attitude would start to get the best of me. It actually reminded me of dinner with my family when I was young and my father did the same thing. He will be missed." Kevin Schlichter, US. "I miss Bruce. He was always so quick with that boisterous laugh you could hear all the way at the other end of the building. Bruce was an inspiration and always cared about everyone on our team. He was one of the best co-workers I ever had." Ana Torres, US. "May Bruce rest in peach. I hope God gives the family strength." Dennis Low, US. “Bruce was an amazing person who I respected and learned so much from. Though I'm sad he has passed, I'm glad he is resting in peace.”
almost 3 years ago

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