Erik Geisler was a gifted computer scientist and a pioneer in the field of graphic virtual simulations for aerospace and geotechnical applications. He graduated from John Marshall High School in San Antonio in 1977 and received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Computer Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1982 and 1984.

From 1988 to 1994 he was the systems architect and graphics programmer for NASA's Earth / Orbiter visualization system. Erik developed the graphics and telemetry system for the Distributed Earth Model and Orbiter Simulation system (DEMOS), which was the space agency’s first use of real-time virtual reality. It provided shuttle flight controllers with realistic three dimensional images of the shuttle as it orbits Earth. He personally supported over twenty shuttle missions within the Flight Activities office.

In 1994 he founded Graphics Software Services in Houston, TX and his firm quickly earned an enviable reputation for delivering quality, high performance simulation, virtual reality, and high-end visualization solutions to commercial, educational and government customers. He continued to provide key technical support to the space program.

Erik passed away Tuesday, September 29, 1998 at the age of 39 years.

Those who knew Erik remember him for his technical genius, his unassuming personality, his kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. He was a reliable and dedicated husband, son, brother, and friend who always put others first. He loved snow skiing, scuba diving, bicycling, reading scientific literature, dogs, chopping cedar, and being in the Texas Hill Country. He had a lot of living left to do and is greatly missed by many people.