In memoriam: Ming Wu, lifetime Hamamatsu employee, longstanding exhibitor at SPIE events

Ming Wu

SPIE Member Wu Ming Hsien, expert in display technology and lifetime employee of the Hamamatsu Corporation, died suddenly 26 October 2016, at his home in Woodbridge, New Jersey, two days shy of his 81st birthday.

Born in Tainan, Taiwan, under Japanese rule, Ming, as he was known to most, was a strong student graduating in 1958 from the National Taiwan University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After military service in the armed forces of the Republic of China, he was awarded scholarships for advanced study in the US where he earned his masters degree at Brown University and his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ming went to work at General Electric in 1975, but soon joined the Hamamatsu Corporation, an SPIE Corporate Member, in 1977 where he remained the rest of his life. Aside from his achievements in the photo electronic field, Ming had a particular passion for attending trade shows, and represented Hamamatsu at countless SPIE conferences and exhibitions. For many years he chaired the annual Projection Display Conferences at Photonics West, gave numerous presentations, and served on other program committees.

SPIE Exhibitions Department Manager, Roberta Hart recalled that "Ming was a positive presence at SPIE events, greeting staff warmly by name and sharing stories of his recent travels." She added, "He was an active SPIE member for many years, chairing a Photonics West conference and supporting Hamamatsu's longstanding participation at multiple SPIE exhibitions annually. We will miss him at SPIE events and extend condolences to his family and the Hamamatsu staff."

Ming's interests were broad and extended outside his work, as he enjoyed watching sporting events, reading, and listening to classical music, amassing a sizable collection of recordings and books.

Ming is survived by his brother, Ming Dao, sister Mei Man, and nephews, Wayne, Grace, Richard, Tim and David.