“We are incredibly saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Howard E. Rhodes. Part of OmniVision’s leadership team since 2005, Dr. Rhodes’ pioneering work in CMOS imaging has shaped the course of OmniVision, and indeed much of the digital imaging industry. Holding over 200 patents, Dr. Rhodes earned his Ph.D. degree in Solid State Physics from the University of Illinois. His work and contributions to our groundbreaking BSI (backside-illumination technology) have impacted our industry in profound ways and we will be forever grateful for his loyalty, dedication, and technical brilliance. His unwavering determination to see OVT succeed has been an inspiration and, to a great extent, has defined us as a company. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this difficult time.”
Omnivision web site has not been updated yet:
Update: Omnivision posted a memorial page on its Facebook site:
I was very sorry to hear this. Howard was one the best microelectronics fabrication experts I ever met. Howard, with his experience at Kodak, supported Steve Appleton's image sensor initiative at Micron, which led to the acquisition of Photobit. After departing Micron, Omnivision was lucky to get him. Teamed with TSMC, Omnivision was able be a pioneer in the mass production of backside illuminated CMOS image sensors under Howard's technical leadership. My sincere respect for Howard's technical contributions and my condolences to the Rhodes family.
ReplyDeleteShocking to say the least... My Condolences. Will be missed!
ReplyDeleteGreat imaging engineer passed away. Rest In Peace Howard !
ReplyDeleteI was shocked and saddened to see this news. I would like to send condolences to his family and those of you who knew him well. May Howard rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear this news. From ~2006-2008, I worked in OVT Process department. I learned so much from Howard. Rest in peace!
ReplyDeleteI will miss Howard Rhodes. I will miss John Ladd.
ReplyDeleteI am blessed, I have traveled the highway of life with both.
As will I.
DeleteHad the extreme pleasure to work with both of these fine engineers early in my career. John was just starting out at the time as well and it was clear early on how capable he was that he would do great things. My career would not be where it is today were it not for Howard. My condolences to both of their familes.
Shocking and very sad news. I had the pleasure of working with him at OVT. Personable leader and strong technical exec. He will be missed..
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news! One of the best experts in CMOS sensors I ever knew. I'm glad to know Howard for many years both in Micron Imaging and afterwords. A two month ago we agreed I should visit his place in Florida. I deeply regret I missed this chance. Had I known... Rest In Piece Howard, we'll be missing you.
ReplyDeleteI've known Howard for over a decade. He lived to inspire and stretch those around him. The news of Howard Rhodes' passing is very sad. I am glad I got to know and gain experiences from him... You will be remembered.
ReplyDeleteSorry to know of his passing. He did a lot of good. His big mistake was to bring in from Micron a cunning snake to Omnivision, indirectly creating short and long term damage to the company.
ReplyDeleteRIP. Agree Micron people were not good for Omni.
DeleteIt is a shame to write anonymous negative things about people or companies here that might be read by Howard's family and friends. Howard was from Micron so it is extra confusing.
DeleteI remember Howard from our days at Kodak with many entertaining conversations and clever ideas flying about. His name still comes up in lunchtime conversations here at ON Semi in Rochester. Shocked by this sad news.
ReplyDeleteTruly shocking to hear of this tragic news. I was the first one (outside of Omnivision) to be hired by Howard to work on his team when he started at OVT in late 2004 and had the pleasure of working with him for the next 3.5 years. He was highly knowledgeable, very demanding and extremely driven to make the best BSI sensor of the day. I'd always thought that given his childlike curiosity about science and technology and his high energy levels he would go on and on till a ripe old age. Alas! that was not to be. And it is big loss for all of us who knew him personally, to OVT and to the image sensor community at large.
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