Neil Holmes

Neil Holmes died Oct. 18. He was 75. 

Holmes was born on Sept. 27, 1948, in Oakland, California. After graduating from California Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science in physics, he completed a doctor of philosophy at Stanford University in electrical engineering. He then spent 42 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researching condensed matter shock physics and contributing to our national security. He developed novel shock physics techniques and investigated extreme states of matter. He led the effort to build the Joint Actinide Shock Physics Experimental Research (JASPER) Facility – a pillar of the NNSA stockpile stewardship program.

Private services will be held. If you wish to honor his memory, consider donating to the San Francisco Symphony, wondering about the stars, drinking tea, or listening to birdsong while walking someplace beautiful and wild.