Remembering Paul

On March 23, 2025 we lost a true gem in the history of Tandy. 

Paul T. Schreiber passed away after encountering some significant health issues.

I met Paul several years ago, and immediately began quizzing him about his time with Tandy Engineering. In fact, the memories he shared, as well as the many items acquired from him over the years, helped to build what has now become the Tandy Showcase.

Paul worked on so many projects during his time at Tandy, beginning with tasks related to the TRS-80 Model 1, and through the years to the Tandy Sensation! Computer, which was one of the first Multimedia Computer Systems available in the consumer market. In between, he worked on many projects including test equipment, PONG-type game systems, computer peripherals, graphics displays, the Memorex Video Information System, and the Tandy/Moog MG-1 Synthesizer. His work on the MG-1 perhaps was a key into his later career.

After Tandy, Paul worked many jobs ("14" according to a comment he once made); ultimately he ended up being his own boss at Synthesis Technology, where he produced world-class synthesizer modules which have been used by and sought after by musicians around the world. He retired from Synthesis Technology last year, but actually had just designed a new module, and was working on something even newer in his last days. During my last visit to his home last fall, I made a visual note that most of the computing devices were tucked away, and there were synth modules and synth keyboards taking priority. He was surely still "in the game" and working on something big.

Meeting Paul at retro computing events in the Dallas area led to a personal connection, and I was honored to visit him at home on many occasions, usually with the intent of picking up or dropping off some type of computer hardware or memorabilia, but always leaving with more knowledge than I had going in. He was a mentor-teacher-quiz master... he'd start explaining something technical, then abruptly stop and ask you to finish the thought... the "why"... a correct response would get a favorable nod, and the story would continue. Incorrect responses were usually met with a stare, a stern "no that's not it", and then the lesson would resume. 

Between the technical chats, he would at times step over to the other side of the room and invite me to a fun game of pinball on one of his favorite tables... he had many in the collection, and had a story about each one. And you were sure to hear those stories.

Last summer, I had the honor of displaying many of Paul's prototypes, developer items, and retail products, in my Tandy Showcase exhibit at the Vintage Computer Festival Southwest (VCFSW) held here in Dallas. Paul was kind enough to attend the event and shared his knowledge with as many of the 1000+ attendees as he could.

The hardware, software, schematics, and "stuff" that Paul shared and donated, will always hold a dear space in our collection. 

But more than the memories... was the man.

Paul was definitely one-of-a-kind.

I miss him already.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Vintage Computer Festival Southwest 2024 was held June 14-16 2024 in Dallas. 

Click the link below to see some photos of our exhibit, awarded Best In Show!