Conrad John Zagwyn

Born on May 27, 1937, outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Conrad spent most of his life in the state he loved. A passionate student of New England history, he was an active Minute Man reenactor, taking part in many historic battles and marches of the Revolutionary War. He and his wife, Pat, were also well known for the authentic Thanksgiving reenactments they hosted in their two-acre wooded backyard, where every dish was cooked over open fires and Pilgrim or Native attire was required.

Conrad graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Electronic Engineering while working three jobs to support his first wife and their six sons. Conrad's career began with delivering oil, and after graduating transitioned into the computer industry. He worked at Teradyne, in Boston, for many years as a product marketing engineer, doing trade shows. He moved on to LTX Corporation in Norwood MA, who is a leader in manufacturing computer test equipment. Within the computer test industry, Conrad was best remembered for leading the IEEE International Test Conference and for publishing multiple articles on next generation test requirements.

In the late 1980's, Conrad transitioned from computer testing technology to computer chip diagnostics technologies. He worked for companies like Micrion, FEI, and Zeiss, he helped shepherd in the industries most advanced Focused Ion Beam (FIB) micro-machining tools used by micro-chip giants IBM, Intel, AMD, Motorola, and Texas Instruments, to name a few.

In addition to his contributions in computer industry, Conrad also invented and developed the automotive industries first Anti-Theft device, for which he received a US Patent for in 1977. The technology that he invented is still in use today in many none-US countries to defend against auto theft.

He just enjoyed a well-attended celebration of his 50th anniversary with his beloved wife, Patricia in October. Fourteen years ago, they moved to Carlsbad to be closer to their daughters. Conrad continued his longtime volunteer service with the Coast Guard Auxiliary—work he cherished for more than two decades. He also established a neighborhood watch, joined his church, and sang whenever he had the chance. A lifelong adventurer, he traveled widely—from Egypt and Europe to Japan—and explored the United States and Canada in their motor home. He loved to fly and earned his private pilot’s license, happily spending many hours in the air. He enjoyed woodworking, building and repairing almost anything, and assisting his “Patty” with any project she set before him. He never missed a good meal or a good beverage!

Conrad is survived by his wife, Patricia Ane Rote (Hornibrook) Zagwyn; his children Gail Elizabeth (Hornibrook) Pilien, John Conrad Zagwyn, Julie Ane (Hornibrook) Gardner, Brian James Zagwyn, David Leo Zagwyn, Scott Michael Zagwyn, and Jeff Wayne Zagwyn; 22 grandchildren; more than two dozen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Jean (Hamilton); his sons Mark Wyle Hornibrook and Richard Carson Zagwyn; all four siblings; and one grandson.

Conrad had a boundless zest for life, a deep passion for learning, and a remarkable gift for teaching. His generosity of spirit and willingness to give his time, money and talents enriched the lives of many. He leaves behind a large and loving family and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his two charities of choice:

• Boys Town

• Center for Spiritual Living, Carlsbad, CA