Memories of Hal Tipton

I'd like to take this opportunity to pass along some memories of our good friend Hal Tipton.

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From John O'Leary, CISSP

Hal Tipton was not only one of the founding fathers of (ISC)2, he was a unique individual - one of a kind. Once he latched onto an idea or a task, he stayed with it through thick and thin, never letting go or letting up, and continually improving whatever he was dealing with. Hal was an early and consistent supporter of the professionalization of our strange career choice, and his unstinting belief in and support for Information Security as a profession has helped not just (ISC)2, but large numbers of people who might not even know of Hal.

Yet for all the accomplishments and all the dedication, one of the things that was most noticeable and always stood out about Hal was his comportment as a true gentleman. He personified the dignity that so many in our field strive for.

Thanks, Hal, for all you did and all you were.

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From Diana-Lynn Contesti, CISSP-ISSAP, ISSMP, CSSLP, SSCP

I met Hal when he was Chairman of the Board of Directors for (ISC)2 and I was new to Information Security. At this meeting, Hal agreed to autograph my rather well worn copy of the Handbook of Information Security for me.  I don't think he understood what a difference that made to me.

Hal had the patience to sit and talk to me about my career in Security.  During our conversation, Hal provided an insight into a world that I would eventually join. 

Over the years, I  was given the opportunity to work with Hal on various committees with (ISC)2 and that brought a smile to my face as Hal always could see the bright side of things.  Hal was a joy to be with and a joy to work with.  He always amazed me with his knowledge of the security industry.  Besides his security knowledge, Hal remembered your family and always asked about them when he would see you, something a lot of us forget to do.

A few years ago, I had the Honor of Awarding the Harold F. Tipton award to someone and I could only think of all the work that Hal had done to improve our industry and again I smiled for the man that had become a friend and a mentor. 

Hal worked so tiredlessly for the Information Security profession and (ISC)2, making both of them what they are today.

My heart is heavy and my thoughts are with Hal's family in this time of sorrow.  But I will pull out my autographed copy of the Handbook and smile as I remember his words of wisdom.

Comments

[Ross A. Leo CISSP 4263]

I too had the opportunity to get to know Hal. I was luckier than most: he was my boss at Rockwell International, he was my mentor in our fledgling profession, and he was my co-instructor that brought me into ISC2 for mentoring and instructing CISSP candidates from 1998 until 2004. He set me up and endorsed me as Chairman of curriculum development during that time. He was my mentor and my inspiration - that I am in this line of work I owe almost entirely to his influence. It was Hal and his commitment to InfoSec that made me make my commitment to it, over 30 years ago. Even after I left ISC2, he kept me connected to the process of maturing and developing my professional standing. As such, I think of Hal as one of the most influential people in my life.

We would not be where we are today as the professionals and protectors of those systems that run our industries, government, and critical infrastructure without leaders like Harold Tipton. He will be much missed, but his memory will live on in each of us that remember him as we do this vital work that he worked so tirelessly for and helped give birth to.

I wish him fair winds, following seas, and a safe journey. Thanks for all you have done, my friend and mentor.

[RB. Batie, CISSP-ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CAP]

I first met Hal at an Item writing workshop many years ago. I was always impressed with his knowledge of Information Security and We used his Handbook of Information Systems Management (HISM) for many items in those days. His love for sharing his knowledge let me to dub him the Dean of (ISC)2. I also had the privilege of authoring a chapter for one of his books where he was the editor. I learned a great deal from Hal and I will miss his presence lurking about espousing his wisdom.

[Chittran kaul]

I had the privilege of meeting and working with Mr Tipton some three years back at one of the workshops held by ISC2. His presence of mind, intellect, vision, and clarity of thought was amazing. He knew how to simplify a complex problem the team faced during the development of items for ISC2. I have enjoyed reading his books.

He will be remembered in the Information Security community for a very long time and I feel lucky to have known him. May his soul rest in peace.

[Sydney Morgan Diamond, CFE, CISSP, CISA, CGEIT]

It is with a heavy heart that I bid adieu to Mr. Hal Tipton - a man of vision, fortitude, wisdom in our world of security and information systems - a world that gets stranger every day. You will be missed Mr. Tipton, and skeptics like myself will wonder, from time to time, if the CBK will continue to be everything it has always been. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Tipton family.