Tag Archives: pioneers

Day 236: Steve Wozniak

wozniak

Steve Wozniak, photo: mashable.com

Today’s letter is to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak with a special request for my Dad’s 75th birthday. This would make him so happy. The Apple my Dad owns has a label with some numbers on it, something like 00003. Some people say this is a serial number and that this is the third one ever made, others say this is a number put on the computer by the Byte Shop, the store where he bought the Apple I. Regardless, there are not many of these guys in existence today – I think less than 50. Pretty cool.

Day 236-2

Dear Steve,

Happy belated 65th birthday! I hope you and Janet had a wonderful celebration.

Wozniak and Jobs circa 1976 Photo: BusinessInsider.com

Wozniak and Jobs circa 1976 Photo: BusinessInsider.com

My brother and I grew up knowing your name since as early as I can remember. You see I was born in Los Gatos and when I was two you created the Apple I and my father purchased one at the Byte Shop. A veteran of mainframe computing at the time, this was and continues to be his most prized possession. Perhaps he had the vision to know that it would some day be a rare gem or maybe he was just too busy working and raising two kids that he procrastinated and never exchanged it for an Apple II in ’77.

My letter with a birthday card that I made for Steve to send to my Dad.

My letter with a birthday card that I made for Steve to send to my Dad.

Today its at a bank in a safe deposit box. I have seen it and he enjoys telling me about the early days of personal computing. 

My father, Jerry Sandridge, turns 75 this October 15th.  I failed to do something really memorable for his 70th birthday and was hoping to do something unique this year. I know you get lots of requests, but I am hoping you could send him a simple birthday wish.

I’ve included a birthday card and addressed stamped envelope for your convenience. I sincerely appreciate your considering this birthday wish – It would mean the world to my father.

Warm regards,
Reed Sandridge 

P.S. My Dad’s phone number is [number removed] in case calling him is easier – 90% chance you’ll get his voice mail as he doesn’t answer unknown numbers!

THANK YOU!

UPDATE: 10/15/2015

Woz came through and sent Dad a birthday card!!!! THANK YOU WOZ! You made his day!

Birthday card to my Dad from Steve Wozniak!

Birthday card to my Dad from Steve Wozniak!