CompuPro
Bill Godbout | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 October 1939 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | 8 November 2018 (aged 79) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, computer hardware manufacturer |
| Known for | Producing and distributing computer hardware and components; co-creating the IEEE-696 (S-100 bus) standard |
Bill Godbout (October 2, 1939 – November 8, 2018) was a trailblazing figure in Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial scene, recognized for producing and distributing computer hardware, components, and electronic kits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His enterprises—initially known as Godbout Electronics, later rebranded as CompuPro and subsequently Viasyn—were instrumental in shaping the nascent personal computing industry. In collaboration with George Morrow, he played a key role in the creation of the IEEE-696 standard, commonly referred to as the S-100 bus.
His contributions to Silicon Valley’s technological advancements are featured in David A. Kaplan’s 1999 book, The Silicon Boys.
Early life
Godbout was born on October 2, 1939, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Career
Following his college education, Godbout joined IBM before dedicating much of the 1960s to military service. After completing his service in 1968, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area where he assisted in revitalizing an underperforming company and subsequently established a new business in Oakland. After selling that venture, he entered the electronics surplus industry and founded Godbout Electronics in 1973, operating out of a Quonset hut close to Oakland International Airport. The New York Times characterized it as a "popular electronics store." During this era, he earned recognition within the S-100 community for his contributions.
He acquired large quantities of discarded electronics mainly from military sources, distributing chips and memory boards via mail order while fostering dependable relationships with developers. Renaming his firm CompuPro, Godbout collaborated with George Morrow to design and produce S-100 compatible cards—fundamental components for early microcomputers such as the Altair 8800—facilitating the integration of processors, memory modules, and peripheral devices.
In the 1980s, Godbout redirected his efforts toward networking technologies by renaming his company Viasyn and moving operations to Hayward, California. As chairman, he led Viasyn in delivering custom computing solutions tailored to niche sectors including healthcare offices, electronic music creation, and elevator control systems.
Personal life and death
Toward the later years of his life, Godbout resided in Concow, California with his wife Karen; they had one daughter named Brandi. An enthusiastic pilot, he frequently flew alongside friend Gary Kildall.
Godbout passed away on November 8, 2018, when the Camp Fire devastated his residence and workshop in Concow. He was survived by both his wife and daughter.