Bernard Urban (1928?–1993)

Founder of Washington Apple Pi. Pi member #8 (per Lorin Evans's July 1993 tribute — early member numbers were assigned randomly, not chronologically).

Died Saturday May 28, 1993 after a long illness. Pi's 1993-07 — V15 N07 July issue was held back and dedicated to him, including a reprint of his original Feb 2, 1979 founding letter. Lorin Evans's tribute summarized his legacy:

"Bernie was that gruff old guy who had a heart of gold. He was for Apple computers and Apple computer users — to the core. For more years than I care to remember, he was the embodiment of Washington Apple Pi. He always had causes — big and little — and he sometimes tilted at windmills; but he often won. ... From before the first Journal and till after his last, he was more than the Pi's editor. He was our friend. Peace, Bernie."

Survived by his wife of 37 years Genevie Urban (Gena), sons Greg Urban and Eric Urban, brother Walter (also a WAP member), and a sister.

Began programming and designing systems for computers in 1951; computers worked on include SEAC, UNIVAC, 1103, CIRCLE, IBM 704, 709, RCA 301, 501, 601. By 1979 considers himself an "information specialist" with main interests in information exchange and clearinghouses — community development, urban affairs, microcomputer technology, and CAI for the handicapped and learning disabled. Co-chair of ACM Task Group #12 "Handicapped and Special Education." Husband of Genevie Urban (Pi Secretary).

Agreed to serve as temporary moderator at the founding February 2, 1979 meeting at Computers Etc. Elected first formal President on May 26, 1979, then Vice-President under John Moon in June. As Editor throughout 1979, shaped the newsletter from a 3-page typed mailing to a 28-page magazine-format publication. Elected unanimously to represent Pi+NOVAPPLE at the October 1979 Apple-Computer-sponsored summit in San Francisco where International Apple Core was formed.

Address: 6205 Walhonding Road, Bethesda MD 20016; (301) 229-3458.

Appearances

• 1979-02 — V01 N01 (Feb 1979) — author of founding letter; agreed to serve as temporary moderator
• 1979-03 — V01 N02 (Mar 1979) — editor's letter; updated on Val Golding/Call-A.P.P.L.E. affiliation
• 1979-04 — V01 N03 (Apr 1979) — editor's letter; first elected President; copyright question raised
• 1979-05 — V01 N04 (May 1979) — withdrew nominations re-open; "Something to Think About" (Jon Roland excerpts); biographical sketch
• 1979-06 — V01 N05 (Jun 1979) — handed presidency to Moon; VP; reports on Cluster/One and NY Personal Computer Faire
• 1979-07 — V01 N06 (Jul 1979) — editorial apology for thin issue; Call-A.P.P.L.E. CAI Project update
• 1979-09 — V01 N08 (Sep 1979) — landmark merger-proposal editorial
• 1979-10 — V01 N09 (Oct 1979) — elected by secret ballot to represent Pi at SF summit
• 1979-11 — V01 N10 (Nov 1979) — "Here Comes International Apple Core!" — first IAC report
• 1979-12 — V01 N11 (Dec 1979) — continues as VP and Editor
• President 1980-81 (per 1989-01 — V11 N01 10th-anniversary article)
• Long-time Editor 1979-1988
• 1990-10 — V12 N10 (Oct 1990) — surprise return as contributor with "Keeping Cool/Warm with Canvas"
• 1992-01 — V14 N01 (Jan 1992) — formally rejoined as VP-Community Affairs under Lorin Evans
• Died May 28, 1993; tribute issue 1993-07 — V15 N07

Recurring themes

(emerges as more issues are ingested)

External

• (none noted yet)