Bob Widlar, who started at Fairchild, was my childhood hero. I literally last week built a power supply with a µA723, a 1967 Fairchild originated part (although mine was an SGS Thompson clone) because it's still pretty damn well one of the best parts out there even after 50 years. Good times. I wish I was born a lot earlier than I was if I'm honest.<p>Bob Widlar, for reference, was quite a character: <a href="http://www.electronicdesign.com/analog/what-s-all-widlar-stuff-anyhow" rel="nofollow">http://www.electronicdesign.com/analog/what-s-all-widlar-stu...</a>