Victor George

Edward Victor George, a resident of Carlsbad, California, died May 13 after an eight-year battle with cardiovascular illness. He was 75.

George was born in Chicago on Dec. 8, 1938, to Eddie and Josephine George. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from IIT in 1961 and his Ph.D. in physics from MIT in 1969. George taught at MIT as an associate professor in physics, electrical engineering and computer science. His research team specialized in plasma physics — specifically gas lasers, spectroscopy and high field laser interactions.

George moved to California in 1975 to pursue advanced laser development and plasma physics as one of the early members of the laser program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). He made major contributions in developing a wide range of advanced high power lasers for fusion research and military applications. For example, as an associate program leader, he created a reactor-based laser concept for the Strategic Defense Initiative that demonstrated a record energy output. As deputy associate director for advanced applications, he conceptualized the solid-state heat capacity laser weapon system, which became the army’s baseline tactical laser weapon. George then marketed this concept, with the help of the Air Force, into a next generation Airborne Laser (ABL) program. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, George also led a team responsible for Russian collaboration in non-nuclear weapon technology at the end of the Cold War Era.

In addition to his talents as a creative scientist, George was widely admired — particularly by those who worked for and with him. His dedication and enthusiasm inspired colleagues and collaborators on a very personal level. Along with his technical expertise, these features earned him the sincere trust and respect of his team as well as many colleagues in the military and the broader research community. His ability to lead contributed to his effectiveness as associate program leader in quantum electronics (1975-1982), nuclear weapons (1982-1989) and lasers (1989-1994), as well as the role of principal deputy associate director of the laser program from 1994 until 1998. After a very successful career at LLNL, he left in 1998 to pursue a second research and development career in the private sector. 

George worked for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1998 until 2007, where he was promoted to senior vice president. While at SAIC, he invented a printable plasma display and conceived and developed key programs for DARPA, the U.S. Army and the Missile Defense Agency. In 2007, George joined Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. As vice president he continued his lifelong pursuit of a defense against ballistic missiles. Most recently, he joined Decisive Analytics in 2013, where he continued his passion for space and missile defense until his passing.

Among all of his many accomplishments, George was always most proud of his children. He is survived by his wife, Lori and her family; brother, Dennis and his family; his four children, Vic Jr., Scott, Chris and Diana; his two grandchildren, Aiden and Hayato; and his aunt, Lena. He is predeceased by his second son, Michael.

A celebration of his life will take place at Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. For a rough count, the family is requesting diana.george09 [at] gmail.com (R.S.V.P.s)