Harold Skank is a walking electronics encyclopedia.

John Hjortshoj, supervisor of the electron shop in the Ames Lab, said Skank always has the answers to any technology-related question.

“I will miss the ready access to information,” he said. “I have walked into [Harold’s] office many times with questions and walked out with solutions.”

Skank, manager of research and development for electrical engineering, is retiring from the Ames Lab on Feb. 9. He admits he is knowledgeable in the field, but added that his love for electronics has supported his endeavors.

“Basically, I’m a technocrat. I have always enjoyed electronics and electronic technology, which is why I became an engineer,” he said. “But working with Ames Lab, I enjoyed the challenge of applying my expertise to the problems that researchers faced and presumably helping them in their endeavor.”

Co-workers agree that Skank is knowledgeable, dedicated and successful in his projects.

Terry Herrman, engineer in the Ames Lab, said he admires the way Skank approaches his work.

“I have never met anyone to date who is more dedicated to his work. Harold attacks every project with the wonder and focus of a young child experiencing something new for the first time,” he said. “The difference is, however, that Harold has in his bag of ‘exploratory tools’ the knowledge of over 38 years of analog and digital electronic expertise.”

Connie Bates, administrative specialist in the Ames Lab, said she will miss Skank’s personality and playfulness.

“I will miss Harold’s sense of humor,” she said. “He always has a good joke to tell.”

In turn, Skank said he will miss the many people who he worked with on a daily basis.

“Over the years, I have met a lot of people whose association I have enjoyed,” he said. “These include members of the research staff who have included both faculty members and graduate students.

“Also, I have worked with several of the electrical engineering faculty, and those have been associations that I will miss,” he said.

Although Skank’s last day with the lab will be Feb. 9, he plans to keep working in the field.

“I expect to continue consulting activities with Ames Laboratory, the ISU Department of Physics and Astronomy, and a couple of other projects that are in the mill as well,” he said. “While my wife and I will do some traveling that we haven’t had time for earlier, this will not dominate our time.”

Herrman said he feels better knowing that Skank will be nearby if his help is needed.

“I take comfort in the fact that he will not be far away since he has accepted an associate position with the Lab and has agreed to consult with us whenever the need arises.”

A retirement reception for Skank will be held Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 158 of the Metals Development building.