In Memoriam
Photo by Jens Zorn We are sad to report the passing of one of our most respected and beloved faculty, Professor John King, on August 30, 2007. Many alumni will remember him as their instructor for the reactor laboratory or radiation measurements course. His expertise in experimental methods was legendary. Prof. King was the Manager of Reactor Physics at KAPL during the exciting years of the first nuclear submarines, and recalled lively stories of working with Admiral Rickover (the father of the Nuclear Navy) and Henry Hurwitz (GE's genius reactor physics theoretician). When his wife grew ill, he moved his family to Ann Arbor to take advantage of the superior health facilities, and joined the new Department of Nuclear Engineering in 1959. With his background in experimental reactor physics, he gravitated to the new Ford Nuclear Reactor and began a glorious career utilizing the neutrons for materials science studies. He mentored many doctoral students through their research while developing a global reputation for innovative experimental methods and facilities in neutron scattering. A Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Nuclear Society, a former chairman of our department, and the winner of the College's excellence in research award, his contributions to the department and our students have been nothing less than spectacular. After retiring in 1986, he continued his research with his close colleagues up until his recent illness limited his activity. He was an elegant gentleman scientist, and we will all miss him dearly.
The family of John King has established the John S. King Memorial Fund at the U-M, dedicated to the support of research and instruction in NERS. Contributions (checks payable to "University of Michigan John S. King Memorial Fund") may be sent to the College of Engineering, Robert H. Lurie Engineering Center, 1221 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2102 (phone 734-647-7040).
Those who would like additional information regarding the remarkable life and career of John King may read the obituary, which appeared in the University of Michigan Record on September 24, 2007.
