For a somewhat different (more technical) perspective, look up Robert Heil, who died recently.[0]
I found this story [1] fascinating, and really enjoyed this interview [2] where he talks about working with Joe Walsh, a fellow amateur radio operator, and many others. He had a very midwestern modesty.
[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39573756
[1] https://web.archive.org/web/20111005221916/http://www.perfor...