Dear Community,
With a feeling of deep sadness for his family, we honor the memory of Kenneth Glass, who passed away in a tragic accident yesterday. Kenneth was not just a member of the Parallax family; he had tremendous creativity, kindness, and innovation that illuminated our lives for over a dozen years.
His contributions at Parallax were diverse. He learned CAD, created tool paths for our machines, and managed our CNC machine shop, all while providing ongoing support to our surface-mount electronic assembly line. When he finally left Parallax for a new position elsewhere, his red tool cabinet was organized as if he worked in a surgical center. Everything had its place, and if you borrowed a tool you had better record it on the clipboard or he’d come looking for you!
Kenneth had a gift for introducing office visitors to the world of CNC manufacturing, asking them to press the red ‘start’ button and see the magic of a machine creating parts for Parallax kits. He’d talk to students like he was one of them, easily engaging them in conversation naturally.
Kenneth was the force behind the creation of many of the robotic products our customers rely on today. From the Gripper 3.0 and the Motor Mount and Wheel Kit, to sensor stands and an array of laser-cutter gadgets, he designed and manufactured these products mostly on his own. The very popular Mystery Box was also his creation.
To make a true impact in this world and be remembered like Kenneth, one must find and then push past boundaries, and he was a master in this way. Once, we created a hybrid robot, fueled by a battery, an alternator, and a gasoline engine. He asked if he could “take it to the next level” by adding a flamethrower to the robot, and of course, I agreed and let him do this (without the knowledge of our human resources or safety departments.) His ability to research, design, and fabricate earned our trust and gave him autonomy. The video above reminds me of the excitement he could create in our office, which was good for morale and product development.
Kenneth embodied the All-American spirit, with a passion for low-riders, his Harley Davidson, and covering his body with vibrant and meaningful ink. He was funny and continually working to improve himself. He’d often tell us crazy stories of people he knew, sometimes true and others made up for laughs. He was not content with the machine shop alone; he learned about programming and electronics, making all kinds of contraptions along the way. When we developed our educational program around Python, he took Python classes at Sierra College. At home, he transformed his children’s power wagons, built awe-inspiring low-riders, and undertook ambitious remodeling projects that involved every trade and tool.
Kenneth was a devoted father to his three adoring daughters and a loving husband to his wife, Tasha. Sometimes he would bring his daughters into our office, sharing his work with them and nurturing a bond that had to be seen to be understood.
Kenneth was a person who lived life in vivid full color, pushing the limits of all kinds, and his legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
In honor of Kenneth Glass, the Parallax Community, and his family,
Ken Gracey
Parallax Inc.
