Walter R. Gambell

Walter R. Gambell passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, January 8th, surrounded by his family. He was born in San Jose on January 21, 1927. He graduated from San Jose High School and went on to attend and graduate from San Jose State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Radio TV, and a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology.

During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy from 1944-1946, and later joined the Air force Reserves. After serving his country, he attended the Don Martin’s School of Radio Arts in Hollywood, and earned his first class radio license.

His first job was at KYOR Radio in Blyth, California, as an announcer and Radio Engineer. Later he went to Guam. There he spent three years as Chief Engineer, and help build the TV station.

Returning to California, he worked for NBC as studio engineer, and camera set ups. He worked on shows such as Queen for a Day, Truth or Consequences, The Price is Right, The Nat King Cole Show, The Bob Hope Show, The Dana Shore Show, and the Tennessee Ford Variety shows.

Back in the bay area, he spent time with KNBR, KTTV, and KQED stations. When they lost their grant, he went to work in 1959 with Sierra Electronics, a division of Philco. He worked there as a Quality Assurance Supervisor.

In 1962 he began work with Itek in Palo Alto as Field Service Engineer, working on developing top secret surveillance systems. He also worked on the camera systems in the SR71 Blackbird, a high altitude reconnaissance plane and the U2 aircraft station. In addition, he was contracted out to NASA where he worked on the F116 simulation system and the in-house maintenance.

Walt spent over 20 years with Santa Clara County Communications, where he designed and installed Microwave equipment and Frequency 9 ambulance services. Beginning in 1971, he worked for the SF Giants installing their TV system at Candlestick. He ordered and maintained their TVs at the stadium until they moved to their new ballpark. Walt also spent 43 years with the SF 49ers as a contract employee as a TV Video Engineer. He worked for Kaiser as a contract employee and helped to install TVs, in addition to designing the TV headend system.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruth Gambell, and his older brother, Leroy. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; a son, Warren; a daughter, Janyce; four grandchildren, Nicole, CJ, Caitlyn, Cayce; a sister, Doris, who resides in Florida; and a brother, Ronald, who resides in Stockton. Services will be held on Sunday, January 17th at 10:30 am at Oak Hill Cemetery.