1927-2022 William Lai
Wo ‘William’ Mark Lai, age 94, passed away on October 18 at Stanford Hospital. Born and raised in San Francisco Chinatown, he served in the US Army’s 31st Weather Squadron before earning a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, where he met his late wife Ruby.
During a 40-year career as an engineer, William patented over ten inventions and published numerous scientific papers. While working full-time, he also completed a Master’s of Science at UC Berkeley and a doctorate of mechanical engineering at UC Davis and raised a family with Ruby in Los Altos, where he resided from 1961 until his death. An avid DIYer and outdoorsman, William was known for a myriad of home improvement projects and for enjoying annual camping trips with his family. He particularly enjoyed visits to Yosemite National Park, and fondly remembered the two summers he spent working with the Forest Service in Plumas and Lassen National Forests in his twenties.
He is survived by his children Gwen, Tracy (Stan) and Allyn, and grand-children Kiyoshi (Huyen) and Misa (JD). The family invites you to make a donation to the National Park Foundation to honor his passion for the outdoors, or to UC Berkeley to benefit underprivileged students like himself.
thanks very much,
Tracy & Allyn
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