Keith Schuh retires after 39 years at Fermilab

Keith Schuh

A retirement celebration for Keith Schuh will take place on Oct. 5 at noon in the Training Center. It is $10 for refreshments. Please RSVP today if you plan to attend.

Keith Schuh knows electrical code and safety. In 1973, he did the wiring for the linear accelerator's control room control systems. For the next 39 years, he has stayed at Fermilab working to make the laboratory as safe as possible. Schuh retires on Oct. 7.

"I really enjoyed working here," Schuh said. "No matter where I was at the laboratory, it was always a lot of fun."

From the Accelerator Division to CDF to Department Head of the Particle Physics Division(PPD) to ES&H, Schuh worked in a variety of positions at Fermilab. He was also involved with DOE's Electrical Safety committee and the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 70E Committee, for nearly 20 years. Three years ago Schuh became the quality assurance (QA) representative for PPD.

"We're going to miss his expertise," said Mike Lindgren, the head of PPD. "He formed and implemented PPD's QA, and he's done an excellent job. The procedures he created have been a real benefit to the division."

Lindgren called Schuh a resource, with a wealth of knowledge about QA and electrical code that the entire department will miss.

"Keith is quietly efficient," Lindgren said. "He'd make sure that things were done, with no fuss."

Martha Michels, the deputy head of ES&H, also noted Schuh's extensive knowledge about electrical safety, as well as his strong work ethic.

"I feel that the laboratory will suffer a loss with the absence of Keith," Michels said. "But I'm so happy for him. It's nice to see him reach this milestone."

Both Lindgren and Michels also spoke of Schuh's talent for woodworking, which Schuh plans on doing more of once he retires. He turns wooden pens, and he once made a violin.

"Retirement is the next step. I'm going to go fishing and do woodworking," Schuh said. "I'm going to be on vacation."

And while Schuh gets the chance to relax, Lindgren said his department will work to maintain Schuh's high standard of electrical safety.

"He's leaving some big shoes to fill," Lindgren said. "We'll miss him quite a lot."

—Ashley WennersHerron