Leonard B. Torobin

Leonard B. Torobin was a leading research scientist with an inquiring mind and broad intellectual interests. He was born in Montreal to Boris and Rose Torobin. He attended Yiddishe Folkschule, Baron Byng High School and McGill University where he earned a Ph.D. in Fluid Dynamics. He also studied music at the University of Montreal’s conservatory and at Juilliard. He played the trumpet professionally and was accomplished with the shofar.

In his career as a scientist he was the head of R&D at Exxon and had an important role in developing Exxon Nuclear. After leaving Exxon he established Microcel Technology and the Nanofiber Group where he was CEO. He was an inventor, who held dozens of patents on methods and products.

Those of us who knew him personally, knew what a brilliant person he was. He was an avid student of history and Jewish philosophy, especially rationalist philosophers, such as Spinoza. He was a strong supporter of Israel, and the programs in this lecture series are dedicated to subjects that would have been of interest to him. For recreation he enjoyed trekking and rock and ice climbing in challenging venues, such as the Alps and the Himalayas.

We thank his wife, Marcia Torobin, who is the founding director of the Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival and former Disney executive, for being a sustaining donor to the Santa Fe Distinguished Lecture Series and underwriting the Leonard B. Torobin Memorial Lectures in his memory.