MOTM

It is with heavy heart that I report the passing of John "PAiA" Simonton, sometime last 
week, following a battle with cancer.

John created PAiA something like over 30 years ago, and was a constant source of 
inspiration, education, and affordable synthesizers to at least a couple of generations of 
us. I know that I am immersed in my career today, in part, because of the knowledge and 
skills I obtained from reading John's "Lab Notes" in Polyphony magazine (ancestor to 
Electronic Musician) and building his synthesizer circuits.

I had a computer sequencer, D/A and multiplexed S/H outputs YEARS before almost 
anyone else I knew because of his designs (mid-to-late '70s!), and my early experiences 
with his 8700 computer/controller laid hugely valuable groundwork for my subsequent 
involvement with computers and other hi-tech meldings of art and machines.

And, of course, my fond memories of solder fumes and analog circuitry eventually led me 
right here to MOTM...

I never met him in person, but we shared some great emails over the last few years--- I 
just had to thank him for affecting my life so positively--- he said he always got a kick out 
of hearing about the success of his customers in their 30s who first bought a kit from him 
back when they were teenagers (like me!)...   :)

If I hear anything further about services, etc., I'll pass them on--- but mainly, I just wanted 
to speak up in honor of this fine gentleman and genius--- I shall greatly miss his 
presence in this world. My sincere condolences to his family and PAiA colleagues.

Thank you, John!!!!! Rest well, my friend.

-Russell