Louis Norman Rib's Obituary
Louis Norman Rib, Nachum Leib ben Yosef v'Channah, 85, died December 18, 2013. Lenny grew up in the Bronx, New York, was part of the Kingsmen during high school, attended NYU, achieving a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and Masters in Meteorology (sponsored by the Air Force), and completed advanced certification through General Electric in Nuclear Engineering. He always enjoyed science fiction, and was fascinated by science and how it could improve the future. He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict as an Arctic meteorologist in Limestone, Maine, then as a Nuclear Engineer in Schenectady, NY for General Electric. He then moved to work for the AEC (Atomic Energy Commission), then NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) in the Washington, DC area as a Nuclear Reactor Licenser. He made significant contributions to issues of nuclear reactor safety by combining his skills in the meteorology and nuclear engineering to recognize the need for safety upgrades against tornado force winds and earthquake forces. He was also an advocate for the splitting of the Atomic Energy Commission into the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). After retiring from the government, he was a consultant to the NRC and then to a Canadian Reactor Company. In Maryland, Lenny participated in Toastmasters, was briefly active and president of a B'nai Brith group, and head of Ushers at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, MD. After his third retirement, he and Helen moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2005. He was very enthusiastic about sporting events, whether it be in Maryland, Arizona or his grandson's basketball games. His self-taught hobby after retirement was personal investment to help his family and to improve energy and the world's environment. He had a gentle soul and caring personality. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments, and was the thankful patriarch. He leaves Helen, his childhood girlfriend and wife of 63 years, four children Judith (Doron) Holzer of Memphis, TN, Evelyn (Tom) Gosnell of Tucson, David (Sharon) Rib of Apple Valley, CA and Heidi (Wayne) Brent of Tucson; his grandchildren are Akiva (Rena) Holzer and great-granddaughter Ruth, Shoshanna Holzer of Boston, MA, Joseph Rib of Seattle, WA, Daniel (Toni) Rib of Denver, Emily (Max) Ellentuck and great grandchildren Hannah and Benjamin; Larry Brent, all of Tucson; and Joshua (Lianna) Brent of San Diego, CA. Preceded in death by granddaughter, Casey Gosnell. Graveside Services Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Congregation Anshei Israel Section of Evergreen Cemetery, with Rabbi Robert Eisen officiating. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Anshei Israel, American Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice.
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