Albert Baez, 94, Scientist and Singers’ Father, Dies

bluesdave · 03-27-2007, 03:27 AM

March 27, 2007

Albert Baez, 94, Scientist and Singers’ Father, Dies

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 26 (AP) — Albert V. Baez, father of the folk singers Joan Baez and Mimi Fariña and a co-inventor of the X-ray reflection microscope, died on March 20 in San Mateo County, Calif. He was 94.

His death, at a nursing home, was confirmed by the San Mateo County coroner’s office. He had lived for 25 years in Marin County.

Born in Puebla, Mexico, and reared in Brooklyn, Dr. Baez earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Drew University, a master’s in math from Syracuse University and a doctorate in physics from Stanford University. He taught physics at several universities, including Stanford.

In 1948, while he was still a graduate student at Stanford, Mr. Baez and Paul Kirkpatrick developed the X-ray reflection microscope, which could examine living cells. The imaging technique is still used, particularly in astronomy to take X-ray pictures of galaxies and in medicine.

His family said he switched from experimental physics during the cold war to a career in physics education because of his pacifist beliefs as a Quaker.

In 1951, he worked for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, moving with his family to Iraq, where he directed the Unesco mission there and worked as a professor of physics at Baghdad University.

Dr. Baez was an active supporter of Bread & Roses, which brings free live entertainment to institutions. The group was founded by his daughter Mimi Fariña, who died of cancer in 2001.

In addition to his daughter Joan Baez, his survivors include his wife, Joan Bridge Baez of Woodside, Calif.; another daughter, Pauline Bryan of Carmel Valley, Calif.; two grandsons; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter.

03-27-2007, 03:27 AM	#1
bluesdave Getting older every day Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 308	Albert Baez, 94, Scientist and Singers’ Father, Dies March 27, 2007 Albert Baez, 94, Scientist and Singers’ Father, Dies By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 26 (AP) — Albert V. Baez, father of the folk singers Joan Baez and Mimi Fariña and a co-inventor of the X-ray reflection microscope, died on March 20 in San Mateo County, Calif. He was 94. His death, at a nursing home, was confirmed by the San Mateo County coroner’s office. He had lived for 25 years in Marin County. Born in Puebla, Mexico, and reared in Brooklyn, Dr. Baez earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Drew University, a master’s in math from Syracuse University and a doctorate in physics from Stanford University. He taught physics at several universities, including Stanford. In 1948, while he was still a graduate student at Stanford, Mr. Baez and Paul Kirkpatrick developed the X-ray reflection microscope, which could examine living cells. The imaging technique is still used, particularly in astronomy to take X-ray pictures of galaxies and in medicine. His family said he switched from experimental physics during the cold war to a career in physics education because of his pacifist beliefs as a Quaker. In 1951, he worked for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, moving with his family to Iraq, where he directed the Unesco mission there and worked as a professor of physics at Baghdad University. Dr. Baez was an active supporter of Bread & Roses, which brings free live entertainment to institutions. The group was founded by his daughter Mimi Fariña, who died of cancer in 2001. In addition to his daughter Joan Baez, his survivors include his wife, Joan Bridge Baez of Woodside, Calif.; another daughter, Pauline Bryan of Carmel Valley, Calif.; two grandsons; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. __________________ History is a great teacher; it is a shame that people never learn from it.

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