Craig Marks: GM engineer a pioneer in fuel-cell tech
Craig Marks, a former chief engineer with General Motors Corp., headed up many of the auto company’s advanced engineering projects and was a pioneer in the development of the world’s first hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered vehicle — GM’s 1966 Electrovan.
The Bloomfield Hills resident died of cancer Monday at his home. He was 79.
Mr. Marks’ career with GM began in 1956 in the company’s Warren research laboratories, where he worked on engine and advanced electric vehicle development.
During the 1960s, he began research on a project that eventually led to the development of the hydrogen fuel cell. More than two years in the making and involving a team of 250, the effort was inspired by NASA’s Gemini spacecraft, which were powered internally by fuel cells.
The project was eventually shelved by GM executives because the technology at the time was not feasible. Only within the last several years have engineering advances made it possible to build a unit cheap enough and small enough to install in a vehicle.
“Craig was a unique blend of scientist, engineer and executive in addition to being a fine human being,” said Brian Bullock, president of Intermap Technologies Corp., of which Mr. Marks was a board member for 10 years. “He always conducted himself in an exemplary manner and served as a role model to many.”
Mr. Marks left GM in 1983 to become vice president of engineering and technology at TRW’s automotive worldwide sector in Cleveland for several years. He assumed a similar position with Allied Signal in Southfield in 1988.
After his retirement in 1992, he became an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan in both the business and engineering schools.
As a result of his invaluable contributions to engineering theory and practice, Mr. Marks was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1985, the highest honor that can be conferred on an engineer in the United States.
He was born in Salt Lake City, and his family later moved to California, where he received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Anne; son Gary; daughters Diane White and Marian Deming, and seven grandchildren. Funeral services are private.
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