Submitted by:
John Wiley
People Net
5059 Lyle Dr.
San Diego, CA 92105 USA
v: (619) 264-4840
e: johnlee@pnet01.cts.com
Categories:
Education, continuing or distance; Health care/health services
Keywords:
More equitable access to technology or electronic information
Supporting Documentation (contact author for more information):
Documentation; Slides/photographs; Computer graphic images, such as GIF files
Story Site (if other than location listed above):
Lakewood, CA
The Story:
Until recently, the Jet Propulsion Labs in Pasadena had a contract construction worker named Leo John Wiley II. His work at JPL helped Leo to become interested in computers.
As a contractor for the U.S. Navy, I helped people learn to use various BBSs including Internet. When I introduced Leo to the Internet, he immediately understood its vast potential for America.
His fascination with the “net” motivated him to master email and news on a free Waffle system. He used an inexpensive computer and modem, which I donated. Were it not for the net, it is unlikely he would have learned to use a computer, much less telecommunications.
Within a few months of his retirement, Leo was helping others with computer problems. He even counseled JPL scientists on occasion.
I am writing this to express my deep appreciation for the efforts of the many visionaries who helped bring this gift of information to Leo. Before he died suddenly of leukemia this summer, I used the net to access National Institute of Health’s CancerLit research in hopes of finding a cure.
Leo was my father.