GEYER, Bernard H. (Ben)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, June 10, 2010 Bernard (Ben) H. Geyer passed away June 3, 2010, at Rolling Hills Manor in Prescott, Ariz. He was born Aug. 13, 1926, in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of Bernard and Olivia (Frisz) Geyer. Ben was 83 years old. Ben graduated from MIT with a master's degree in electronic engineering. His career was spent in research and development at G.E., in radar technology and computers in Syracuse, N.Y. He and Emma moved to Prescott in 1990 after his retirement. Ben loved woodworking and looking at life through the lens of a camera. He was an award-winning photographer. In 1949, Ben and two others who were junior engineers at G.E. designed an "automatic umpire" system. That system was built and used in 1950 during the Dodgers' spring training camp. However, the umpires didn't like it and the players weren't overly enthusiastic about it and that was the end of it. After QuesTec came into use, an article appeared in the Syracuse newspaper dated Sunday July 20, 2003, about the automatic umpire system Ben and friends built. Ben was quoted in the article: "An engineer prides himself on being ahead of his time, though I must admit that 50 years is a pretty good margin." The family wishes to thank the staff of Rolling Hills Manor for the wonderful care they gave Ben and the family. Ben is survived by his bride of 56 years, Emma; his daughters, Diane (Joseph) Woods of Liverpool, N.Y., and Joyce (Ray) Van Orden of Prescott, Ariz.; and sons Bruce of Portland, Ore., Steve (Marytheresa) of Liverpool, N.Y., and Doug (Debi) of Covernty, R.I. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and siblings; sister Rosemary (Marv) Rickling of Las Vegas, Nev.; and brothers Jack (Mary Lou) of Hamilton, Ohio, Dick of Marathon, Fla., and Jim (Judy) of Youngsville, N.C. He was predeceased by his brother Bob of Hamilton, Ohio. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A celebration mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Fleury, Prescott, Ariz., with a luncheon following in the forum downstairs at the church. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer's Association. You are invited to log onto www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Ben's guestbook, share a memory with the family and view a tribute to him. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home is assisting the family. Information provided by survivors.
Posted by Judy Wight Branson on June 19, 2010

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