ChicagoTIUG - Eternal Flame

This page is dedicated to the lost members of our community. If you wish to add a member, please send us their name, date of passing, TI Group they were involved with and a short remembrance to chicago.ti994a.usersgroup@gmail.com Although they may have moved on to a better place, they will always be in our hearts!

John Birdwell

1949-1990

Chicago TI User Group

Programmer of numerous and popular Utility Programs for the TI. John was an outstanding asset to the Chicago TI User Group and the TI community as a whole. The famous John Birdwell Award was named after him and is awarded to members who demonstrate overwhelming dedication to the TI community. Sadly, John passed away at the young age of 41 due to cancer.

Grant B. Schmalgemeier

1921-1992

Chicago TI User Group

An enthusiastic supporter of the CTIUG and the Faire, so much so that they named an award after him to honor CTIUG members for their service to the group and TI community. A retired paper cutter, Grant was an extraordinary collector who amassed and catalogued more than 20,000 items on the 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition, collected thousands of postcards, streetcar tokens, books on transportation & Chicago history.

Henry "Hank" Ellermann

1919-1995

Chicago TI User Group

A Past President of the Chicago TI Users Group, running the Chicago Connection BBS for many years. Hank hosted after meeting get togethers in his basement. Many hardware and software ideas were inspired at those meetings. Passed away tragically at 75 years as a pedestrian in a car accident.

Sandra “Sandy” Bartels

1943-2011

Chicago TI User Group

Long time member and supporter of the Chicago TI User Group, Sandy took on numerous roles eventually becoming the President of the group. Sandy was always volunteering herself to not only the club but numerous other charitable organizations. She was also an avid sailor and a professional artist. Sandy was 68 years old.

Charles “Chuck” Levitt

1947-2016

Chicago TI User Group

A passionate programmer and member of the Chicago TI User Group. Chuck was a core member and made numerous contributions to the club. In addition, Chuck served in the Air Force and was a member of the American Legion.

Nick Iacovelli

1959-2019

Chicago TI User Group

Extremely knowledgeable programmer and member of the Chicago TI User Group. Nick made numerous contributions to the newsletter, produced the Hardware Reprints Manual, and helped program the Chicago TI BBS. Nick was always willing to help others and contribute to the TI community.

Sam Pincus

1944-2024

Chicago TI User Group

Sam Pincus, a former President, frequent contributor to 99'er magazine, programmed the original CTIUG BBS software using a mix of Extended Basic and assembly subroutines. Sam was very knowledgeable and willing to help with whatever was needed. He was one of the core members of the group in the early days and helped shape the group into what it is today.

Irwin "Butch" Goldstein

1945-2024

Chicago TI User Group

Irwin or Butch as everyone called him, was an avid supporter of the Chicago TI User Group. Married to Carole who published our newsletter for years, Butch ran our BBS from 1984 to 1988 and saw the BBS greatly expanded. Butch was a lifelong HAM radio operator, call sign k9AAD. Butch passed away in Las Vegas at the age of 78. Rest in Peace my friend!