What was Robert Oppenheimer's Connection to a WWII Mechanic?

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In summary, the conversation shared the experience of attending a memorial service for the father of a friend from high school, who had become like a second father after the loss of the speaker's own father. The friend's father was a good man who had a memorable encounter with Robert Oppenheimer, giving the speaker an "Oppenheimer number" of 1. The conversation also touched on other personal connections to famous individuals, with the speaker expressing condolences and sharing a personal connection to actress Keira Knightly.
  • #1
Integral
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This weekend I attended a memorial service for the father of my best friend from High school. After my father died young, he became my second father. He was a very good man, always has a smile and good story to share. One of those stories seem appropriate to share with folks on this forum.

It was just after the end of WWII and he was living in Colorado. A neighbor returning from his war time duties had a car that had been stored in a barn for the duration of the war needed to be repaired and started. My friend was a excellent mechanic and was called over to help out. It really didn't take that much and he had it going. The neighbor was very happy and admired his ability with cars. My friend took a lot of pride in that praise as his neighbor was Robert Oppenheimer, his war time duties was the Manhattan Project.

That gives me a Oppenheimer number of 1! That is a lot better then having a Kevin Bacon number of any size!
 
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  • #2
That could be interpreted as giving all of PF a pretty good Erdős number for quite a few legends of the XXth century !
Or "virtual" Erdős numbers ? Probably one of the most important Erdős number growth ever ! :smile:

I hope his time came peacefully for everybody, and may he RIP.
 
  • #3
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of one's friend's dad. But it is inevitable, but seemingly too soon when these are people who are a major part of one's life.

Nice story Integral. May he rest in peace. My condolensces to your friend.

I used to work with a guy who escorted A. Einstein who was touring a metallurgical shop in NY. I met Leo Szilard's nephew and I. Rabi's daughter many years ago. It was interesting (understatement) to meet people associated with the people of whom I read in the context of physics and nuclear energy.
 
  • #4
I have a Keira Knightly number of 1. She was in my class at school.

I realize this is irrelavent.
 
  • #5
Sorry to hear of your loss Integral, nice story.
 
  • #6
I'm glad you had someone to rely on after your Father passed. My condolences.
 

What is the purpose of "In Memory of an Old Friend"?

The purpose of "In Memory of an Old Friend" is to honor and remember a dear friend who has passed away. It is a way to pay tribute to their life and the impact they had on others.

What inspired the writing of "In Memory of an Old Friend"?

The writing of "In Memory of an Old Friend" is often inspired by a personal connection to the friend who has passed away, as well as the desire to express feelings of grief and loss in a meaningful way.

What is the significance of the title "In Memory of an Old Friend"?

The title "In Memory of an Old Friend" signifies that the poem or piece of writing is a tribute to someone who was once a close and cherished friend. The word "old" can also refer to the length of the friendship or the age of the friend at the time of their passing.

What themes are commonly explored in "In Memory of an Old Friend"?

Some common themes explored in "In Memory of an Old Friend" include grief, loss, friendship, and the impact of death on those left behind. The poem or piece of writing may also touch on memories, nostalgia, and the celebration of a life well lived.

How can "In Memory of an Old Friend" be used as a form of healing?

"In Memory of an Old Friend" can serve as a form of healing by allowing the writer or reader to express their emotions and memories in a creative and cathartic way. It can also serve as a reminder of the positive impact the friend had on their life, and a way to keep their memory alive.

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