Obituary of Wright H. Scidmore

Brant Lake: Wright H. Scidmore, 89, of Brant Lake, NY, passed away peacefully, Friday, August 15, 2014 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born July 20, 1925 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Wright W. and Ruth (Neal) Scidmore. He spent his childhood in Ballston Spa, N.Y. where he graduated from high school. In July of 1943 He enlisted in the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged as an Aviation Electronic Technician’s Mate, First Class in April of 1946. He studied at Union College two years and then transferred to Columbia University in New York City where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry. Upon graduation he went to work at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia where he became Chief Optical Designer of the Fire Control Development and Engineering Laboratory in 1958 and was placed in charge of the entire Optical Laboratory in 1974. In 1971 he received the US Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award as a Physicist (optical) at which time he was cited as being the leading optical design consultant in the Department of the Army with an international reputation in the field of military optics. In 1973 he received the Karl Fairbanks Memorial Award in government for his significant contributions to the advancement of photo-optical instrumentation engineering. Prior to retiring he was the U.S. Army’s consultant to the Dept. of Defense and other governmental agencies for optics and was Technical Project Officer on the Data Exchange Agreement with Germany for Optical Fire control. Prior to retiring from Federal service in 1977 he had been elected as Fellow in the Optical Society of America, had over 15 patents assigned to the U.S. Government, and was Author or Co-Author on 10 papers which were presented or published in professional circles. He was recipient of 5 Special Service Awards, and 2 Superior Performance Awards given by the U.S. Army and had received several letters of Commendation. After retirement from the Government his work in optics continued privately where he continued to specialize in design of endoscopes, bore scopes, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, helmet sights, heads-up displays, acoustic lenses for diagnostic instrumentation and stereographic photogrammetric devices for private industry. He also continued to provide Concept, studies and designs for fire control components, systems and training devices involved in Army material and Technical analysis and consultant services to the US Navy and US Army until he retired at the age of 82. His favorite past times include, digital photography supplying family and friends with countless photo journals of memorable moments and events, listening to the music of the Big Band Era and following his favorite band the Boston Connection in Saint Augustine, Fl. He loved being at the Lake watching the mist rise while enjoying the change of seasons. He was always concerned about maintaining the quality of the lake water and was very active early on in the fight against Eurasian Milfoil. He also enjoyed golfing with his friends. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his two brothers, Bruce Scidmore and Phil Scidmore. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Doris Scidmore of Brant Lake; his children: Gary Scidmore and his partner, Michele Gamble of Brant Lake; Brian Scidmore and his wife, Denise of Long Island; Tracy Scidmore of Lake Luzerne; five grandchildren, a niece and a nephew. Friends may call on Wright’s family from 11 am to 12 pm, Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at the Son Rise Lutheran Church, Route 9, Pottersville. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 12 pm at the church with Pastor Ben Bahr, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in North Brant Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the High Peaks Hospice, North Warren Emergency Squad or Son Rise Lutheran Church. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and condolences.