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H. Wilhelm Behrens
H. Wilhelm Behrens died peacefully at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes on February 3, 2018 after a valiant battle with Parkinson's and dementia. Will was born 82 years ago in Zeven, Germany. Growing up he was passionate about his studies and soccer. His thirst for knowledge enabled him to excel in the German educational system, culminating in a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich in 1960. While studying for a year at Belgium's Von Karman Institute of Fluid Dynamics, he was urged by one of his professors to attend the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California. After earning a PhD in Aeronautics from Caltech in 1966, he was appointed an adjunct professor. He joined TRW in 1973 as a Research Fellow. A few years later he was promoted to managing the Fluid and Thermophysics Department. In 1991 he was named a Technical Fellow of the Space and Defense Sector at TRW. He received numerous professional awards and was named a Fellow of the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) in 2007. During the course of his career he was granted 10 U.S. Patents. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Will loved being with his family and friends. He was a tennis enthusiast who was adored by everyone in the tennis community. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sondra, his daughter, Christine Almeida, his son, Bill Behrens, and his three grandchildren Cole Behrens, Sophia Almeida, Piper Behrens and his older brother Helmut. The funeral will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church on Friday, February 23, 2018, at 11:00 am, 26231 Silver Spur Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to GALCIT (Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories at Caltech), 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125 or to Ascension Lutheran Church (In memory of Will Behrens). Sign guestbook at dailybreeze.com
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Willy was the best manager at TRW/Northrop for the 35 years I have worked there.
I miss his patience, encouragement and conversations.
Michael Wolff
February 5, 2022
I will never forget Willie. He was an amazing man and an awesome person to work with. I was in Business area but he taught me so much and my heart goes out to the family and friends that worked at TRW. He is truly missed.
Christine Pyle
Coworker
February 5, 2020
Will exemplified by example what made TRW such a special place to work. He was our "go to" scientist for problems that no one really knew how to tackle. His professionalism, leadership and friendship will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family. His legacy and technical contributions will live on and made a real difference
Mary Ann Chory
February 23, 2018
Just an amazing combination of kindness and brilliance. I am so thankful to have know Dr. Behrens.
John Godden
February 13, 2018
World class scientist, outstanding human being, long time co worker, friend, and tennis competitor....we will really miss Will and all that he was to us. With condolences, prayers, and love to Sandy and family.
Nancy and Dick Croxall
Nancy and Dick Croxall
February 12, 2018
Will, You were an amazing man, husband and father and lived an incredibly impressive life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family that I have had the privilege to know and love. You will truly be missed by so many.
Rochelle Banda
February 12, 2018
The best TRW manager who truly cared about all his folks, will miss him so much.
Michael Wolff
February 12, 2018
Willy, you gave so much to TRW and to all of us who worked with you. You taught me so much as a business person, but you always had time to explain to me. You was so special to me and I will always remember you. Sending prayers and love to the family and friends. You will truly be missed.
Chris Pyle
February 11, 2018
I will miss Willy so very much. He was my mentor and confidant. A brilliant mind gone. So Sad.
richard ackerman
February 10, 2018
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