In memoriam: Eugene Knott

Abstract

Eugene F. Knott, age 82, of Custer, WA, died Monday, June 2 at Silverado Senior Living. He was born in Chicago, IL, on May 4, 1932, and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He was the son of the late Fred Knott and Muriel French Knott. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Clayton Knott, and wife, Ruth Miller Knott. Eugene served his country in the US Army from 1952–1954. He received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1966, and pursued research in microwaves and radar at the University of Michigan, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Texas at Austin, and the Boeing Company in Seattle. Eugene co-authored the book, Radar Cross Section, with John Shaeffer and Michael Tuley (first edition, 1985; updated second edition, 1993). Eugene also published another very useful book, Radar Cross Section Measurement, in 1993. His research continues to provide a critical foundation in industry, and is often cited today as scientists further advance radar technology. Eugene retired from Boeing in 1992, and became proprietor of Tomorrow's Research, contributing to books, publications, and patents. In 1999, he was named a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) “for contributions to the theory, reduction and measurement of radar cross section (RCS).” Eugene was also innovative and hands-on outside of his professional pursuits. Among his many projects, he built an all-electric car in 1970, and two unique camper-trailers that the family used to enjoy vacations around the US. Eugene is survived by his brother, Karl Wikman of Gregory, MI, and children, Ralph Knott of Hartland, WI; Terri Craig (Michael) of Apex, NC; and Mark Knott of Custer, WA. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Christina Garabito (Ernesto) of Aurora, IL, and Greg Knott (Steffanie) of Mukwonago, WI, and two great grandchildren.