Kevin P. (Rolland-)Thompson, The University of Arizona and College of Optical Sciences’ 2015 Alumnus of the Year, passed away on Nov. 20 in Seneca Falls, NY, just over four weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Kevin was group director of research and development in optics at Synopsys, Inc. and was known for his work in optical systems development. He earned his Ph.D. at OSC under Rolland V. Shack in 1980 and went on to an exceptionally productive career. In addition to his significant contributions to optics, Kevin was a staunch supporter of the College. He was a creative and resourceful member of the OSC Development Board since 2009. He and his wife, Jannick, also championed campaigns for - and were principal contributors to - four Ph.D. graduate student scholarship endowments.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jannick, their families and extended family of friends. Kevin will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 5 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 97 Bayard Street, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148 at 2 p.m. Following the service, a gathering will be held at 2161 Lake Road, Seneca Falls, NY 13148. (For those arriving from out of town, Seneca Falls can be reached from the Rochester or Syracuse airports.)
SENECA FALLS – Kevin P. Rolland-Thompson, 61 of Pumphouse Rd., Seneca Falls, N.Y. died Friday, (November 20, 2015) at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, N.Y.
Family and friends may attend a Celebration of Kevin's life on Saturday (December 5, 2015) at 2 p.m. at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, 97 W. Bayard St., Seneca Falls, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no prior calling hours.
If desired, contributions may be made to: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P. O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915.
Kevin was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 5, 1954 the son of Clyde and Virginia Wentworth Thompson. He had resided in Seneca Falls since October of 2014, moving from Pittsford, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology where he earned a dual Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Astrophysics in 1976 and was a graduate of the University of Arizona where he earned his Ph.D. in Optical Sciences in 1980. He was employed by Synopsys Inc. of Los Angeles, California where he was Group Director of Research & Development/Optics. Kevin was a part of the team that serviced the Hubble Telescope for space exploration. He was broad and diversified in optics with a passion for collecting and disseminating its history. He was involved with optics projects for about 100 companies a year, over a 25 year period. He was active with professional societies in optics and an active supporter of education at both the Universities of Arizona and Rochester. Kevin was a world traveler. He particularly enjoyed spending time in his home in Maui and France with his wife, Jannick. Kevin was an accomplished snow and water skier, and recently picked up wake surfing on Lake Cayuga. He was a passionate photographer of nature that he loved.
Kevin is survived by: His wife, Jannick Rolland-Thompson of Seneca Falls whom he married on August 21, 2009 at George Eastman House; his mother, Virginia Wentworth Thompson of Minnesota; a sister, Tonya Thompson, Florida; a brother, Peter (Gina) Thompson, Florida; two step-children, Yvan Scher, New York City, Roman Scher, Long Island, N.Y.
Kevin was predeceased by his father, Clyde Thompson.
Please leave a condolence or light a candle in memory of Kevin at: doranfuneralhome.com
Published by Finger Lakes Times from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2015.
Bruce Miller
IN MEMORIAM: KEVIN P. (ROLLAND-)THOMPSON
Kevin P. (Rolland-)Thompson, The University of Arizona and College of Optical Sciences’ 2015 Alumnus of the Year, passed away on Nov. 20 in Seneca Falls, NY, just over four weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Kevin was group director of research and development in optics at Synopsys, Inc. and was known for his work in optical systems development. He earned his Ph.D. at OSC under Rolland V. Shack in 1980 and went on to an exceptionally productive career. In addition to his significant contributions to optics, Kevin was a staunch supporter of the College. He was a creative and resourceful member of the OSC Development Board since 2009. He and his wife, Jannick, also championed campaigns for - and were principal contributors to - four Ph.D. graduate student scholarship endowments.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jannick, their families and extended family of friends. Kevin will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 5 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 97 Bayard Street, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148 at 2 p.m. Following the service, a gathering will be held at 2161 Lake Road, Seneca Falls, NY 13148. (For those arriving from out of town, Seneca Falls can be reached from the Rochester or Syracuse airports.)
In Memoriam: Kevin P. (Rolland-)Thompson | College of Optical Sciences | The University of Arizona
Bruce Miller
Kevin Rolland Thompson - Wikipedia
Bruce Miller
Family and friends may attend a Celebration of Kevin's life on Saturday (December 5, 2015) at 2 p.m. at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, 97 W. Bayard St., Seneca Falls, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no prior calling hours.
If desired, contributions may be made to: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P. O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915.
Kevin was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 5, 1954 the son of Clyde and Virginia Wentworth Thompson. He had resided in Seneca Falls since October of 2014, moving from Pittsford, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology where he earned a dual Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Astrophysics in 1976 and was a graduate of the University of Arizona where he earned his Ph.D. in Optical Sciences in 1980. He was employed by Synopsys Inc. of Los Angeles, California where he was Group Director of Research & Development/Optics. Kevin was a part of the team that serviced the Hubble Telescope for space exploration. He was broad and diversified in optics with a passion for collecting and disseminating its history. He was involved with optics projects for about 100 companies a year, over a 25 year period. He was active with professional societies in optics and an active supporter of education at both the Universities of Arizona and Rochester. Kevin was a world traveler. He particularly enjoyed spending time in his home in Maui and France with his wife, Jannick. Kevin was an accomplished snow and water skier, and recently picked up wake surfing on Lake Cayuga. He was a passionate photographer of nature that he loved.
Kevin is survived by: His wife, Jannick Rolland-Thompson of Seneca Falls whom he married on August 21, 2009 at George Eastman House; his mother, Virginia Wentworth Thompson of Minnesota; a sister, Tonya Thompson, Florida; a brother, Peter (Gina) Thompson, Florida; two step-children, Yvan Scher, New York City, Roman Scher, Long Island, N.Y.
Kevin was predeceased by his father, Clyde Thompson.
Please leave a condolence or light a candle in memory of Kevin at:
doranfuneralhome.com