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BEIJING Fang Lizhi, one of China's best-known dissidents whose speeches inspired student protesters throughout the 1980s, has died in the United States, where he fled after China's 1989 military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement. He was 76.
Once China's leading astrophysicist, Mr. Fang and his wife hid in the U.S. Embassy for 13 months after the crackdown. In exile, he was a physics professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson and had spent time at Princeton University after leaving China in 1990.
Mr. Fang's wife, Li Shuxian, confirmed to The Associated Press in Beijing that he Mr. Fang died Friday morning in Tucson.
Mr. Fang inspired a generation, said his friend and fellow U.S.-based exiled dissident Wang Dan, who announced the death on Facebook and Twitter.
"I hope the Chinese people will never forget that there was once a thinker like Fang Lizhi. He inspired the '89 generation, and awoke in the people their yearning for human rights and democracy," Wang wrote. "One day, China will be proud to once have had Fang Lizhi."
"Fang is my spiritual teacher, his death is a major blow to me. At this moment, my grief is beyond words," Wang wrote.
The son of a postal clerk in Hangzhou, Mr. Fang was admitted to Beijing University in 1952, at age 16, to study theoretical physics and nuclear physics. He became one of China's pioneer researchers in laser theory.
He burst into political prominence during the pro-democracy student demonstrations of 1986-8 when he became China's most outspoken and eloquent proponent of democratic reform.
Authorities alleged his speeches to students at the University of Science and Technology, where he was vice president, incited unrest.
Mr. Fang was expelled from the Communist Party and fired from his university post. But he refused to be silenced and he received letters of support from across the country almost daily.
After the June 4, 1989, military crackdown that crushed the seven-week pro-democracy movement, Mr. Fang and his wife fled into the U.S. Embassy. Mr. Fang and Li had both been named in Chinese warrants that could have carried death sentences upon conviction. U.S. diplomats refused to turn them over to Chinese authorities.
China's decision to allow the couple to leave the country a year later eliminated a major obstacle to bettering China-U.S. relations, which had deteriorated badly after the crackdown in which left hundreds and perhaps thousands deaddied.
Mr. Fang had been a professor in Tucson for about 20 years, said his colleague, physics Professor Elliott Cheu. His academic focus was theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, the study of the universe's origin.
He chatted about his pro-democracy background at cocktail parties, but Cheu mainly knew him as a physicist.
"It was always kind of fun to interact with him, he always had some very interesting problems that he would bring to bear," Cheu said. "Basically meaning, he was thinking. Even at this stage of his career he was fairly well-versed in physics and really understood the material and had a deep understanding of how things worked which is kind of the mark of a real physicist.
"So even though his fame, I guess, has been because of his pro-democracy work in China, I would say his career has also been very successful on the physics side. He's had quite an impact, not just him, but his students also have continued to be productive."
121 Entries
william hughes
March 7, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. May the precious memories of your loved one be a comfort for you in this time of need and may the God of comfort be with you and your family.
September 27, 2015
Thanks!!!
bing bing
September 15, 2015
susan haffie
April 6, 2015
Wesley Cole Morris
February 2, 2015
Frank Huff
December 20, 2014
frances michalak
December 1, 2014
consuelo castro
November 4, 2014
Betty Virgene Griffing
Betty Griffing
August 17, 2014
jamie armenta
July 6, 2014
Jennifer Hinson
June 28, 2014
Dear God who art in heaven. I humbly thank you for allowing my dear nephew, Timothy Allen. Hammick, to be a part of our family and our lives for as long as you did. l thank you Timothy! for all of your unselfish love and inspirational sacrifices that you bestowed upon the hearts and souls of the Demmings, and to all families you touched on your powerful journey through time together. Even though we miss you immensely and there is an aching void in our lives from you being taken away from us so suddenly. We are truly blessed because of your presents. We give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Chris! who allowed you to leave our lives spiritually, more positive and joyful. You are such a strong pillar in our family because of who you are and always will be. To my beautiful sister Debra, my beautiful nephews ,niece and great-nephews, Harvey Jr, Danita, Shavez. Nehemiah, Ezekiel, Levi, Cimeon, and Isaac. And the rest of our beautiful family you have my heart feel sympathy. I pray that the pain we feel even today maybe numb by all the beautiful memories we have of our beloved. Peace be still. Please forgive me for any misspelled names or anyone I may have failed to mention.
Timothy Hammick
May 14, 2014
DEAR SWEET ANITA AND TO YOUR FAMILY, I KNOW THEY WILL MISS YOU. I ONLY MET A FEW OF THEM, AND YOU RAISED THEM RIGHT. MAKES MY FRIDAYS A LITTLE SADDER, BUT SHE DID BRIGHTEN MY DAY AND I WAS VERY VERY HAPPY TO HAVE MET HER. ANNIE FROM SENIOR GLEANERS
ANNIE OLMSTEAD
May 2, 2014
robert fresh
April 24, 2014
Tom Moser
February 10, 2014
To Carol and family, I am sorry for your loss. Throughout the time I have meet you all, I could see the great love you gave Bertha with such compassion and respect. I will miss the smile and facial expressions Bertha gave. Please take care and God bless.
Melinda A. Spohn
bertha peace
January 20, 2014
Thomas Cain
January 20, 2014
catherine costanza
November 27, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Zheng
April 25, 2012
I was one of the lucky people having my life intertwined with yours during my graduate school years at USTC. I thought to myself what an honor when I saw my name listed along with yours on a department election poster around late 1986.
I was in the department greeting when you returned from Beijing to our department. I remember you said you were then under direct supervision of Zhao Zhiyang.
I also remember our department secretary (you should know her name) told me multiple times you would give her your suitcase when you returned from overseas trips.
You are the guiding light in this dark world, the brave fighter for the future of others.
You will always live in my heart.
S Zhang
April 23, 2012
I.m so sorry for your loss may you be comforted
mary holmes
April 16, 2012
Dear Professor Fang, Rest in Peace! People in China will remember you and thank you, because you planted the seeds of enlightenment. Soon or later it will blossom like wild flowers.
Sheldon
April 15, 2012
Dear Prof Fang,
You set an example for Chinese intellectuals to be courageous to care about their country men and to advocate freedom and justice!
Kevin Sun
April 14, 2012
Dear professor fang,
althought i never had the privilege meeting you in person, your brave actions have inspired and benefitted all of us in seeking freedom, knowledge, and truth. You are the heart and soul of Chinese intellectuals.
Please rest in peace knowing you will forever be loved and remembered by your family, friends, students and colleagues alike, as well as everyone who are touched by you, and the China you had envisioned will one day be realized...
wei li
April 14, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
I will always remember you as a great thinker and enlightener. Listensing to your lectures is the fondest memory I treasure of my days in USTC. Thank you for having transformed me.
Rest in peace.
Xin Yu
April 14, 2012
Prof. Fang, you will always live in my heart.
Dong Chen
April 14, 2012
GREAT EDUCATOR, GREAT THINKER, GREAT HUMAN BEING.
PROFESSOR FANG, YOU SET THE STANDARD FOR US AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
REST IN PEACE.
DR.CEETEE
April 14, 2012
Dr. Fang. Rest in peace
allison leenseto
April 14, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
allison lee seto
April 14, 2012
Prof Fang's Family;
Prof Fang's inspiration has made many, including myself, to presue our idealism, even till this day. You will always be remembered for and associated with my life at USTC and beyond. Rest in peace.
Jing Wang
April 14, 2012
Your are the soul of China. Your contribution to the world, both in scientific research and fighting for freedom and democracy, can never be over stated. Your suddend death is a great loss to your family, to us, and to the whole would. We will remember you forever.
Chemgmin Yang
April 14, 2012
Words cannot describe my sorrow. Rest in peace dear professor.
James Lin
April 14, 2012
Prof. Fang,
You aimed my vision higher,
you broadened my horizon wider,
you inspired my thinking shaper,
from my years at Keda with you
to the time far away.
Your spirit lives in me,
forever!
Z Zhou
April 14, 2012
April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
Winter kept us warm, covering
Earth in forgetful snow, feeding
A little life with dried tubers.
Xin Xin Du
April 14, 2012
?????????!?????????.????.
Zhi Gui Wang
April 14, 2012
The world has lost a great man who inspired many. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always by all.
Thomas Family
April 14, 2012
May you rest in peace.
JY H.
April 14, 2012
Class 808 USTC
April 14, 2012
Prof. Fang,
You enlightened me. Rest in peace.
Yucheng Feng
April 14, 2012
Dear Prof. Fang, we will always remember you.
Zhongmin And Xingyu
April 14, 2012
Prof. Fang, you'll be always living within me. You left a great treasure for many generations to come.
Yinhua CND
April 14, 2012
You live in our hearts and thoughts.
~ The So Family
April 14, 2012
Prof. Fang,
You waked a whole generation in China. You are my hero!
All you have done for the Chinese people will be remembered and you will beloved forever.
RIP...
- J. Li, Ottawa Canada, April 14, 2012
April 14, 2012
Prof. Fang,
You waked a whole generation in China. You are my hero! RIP...
- Jay Lee, Ottawa Canada April 14, 2012
April 14, 2012
A life to celebrate!
April 14, 2012
One of the greatest Scientist and Democracy Advocator at China contemporary times. Chinese people will alway remember you.
Sammie Y
April 14, 2012
A Life to be remembered forever, a journey to be carried forward by many.
May you rest in peace!
former student
Hong Bo Gao
April 14, 2012
Like Albert Einstein, Professor Fang Lizhi fought for human dignity and human rights, for a world where 'everyone should be respected as an individual.' Those of us who were fortunate to have studied with him will forever treasure with pride his teaching and his contributions to human kind.
Zuoyue Wang
April 14, 2012
Fang lao shi:
Could you please tell me if there's still hope for our country? I would say yes, because of many heroes, like you.
Teng Ma
Teng Ma
April 14, 2012
Rest in peace
Florence Zhou
April 14, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
We will always remember everything did to promote democracy. Thank you for all your inspirational words, we will never forget you.
Yong Shi
April 14, 2012
Like candle lighting up the darkness, you show us what the world was like outside the confinement of the Middle Kingdom. I cried when I heard that you passed away on Good Friday. Your spirit has risen and will live on among those of us who were touched by your brilliant life. An alumna of University of Science and Technology of China
Z. Yang
April 13, 2012
Thank you, Prof. Fang!
RIP.
Kevin Guo
April 13, 2012
Professor Fang,
You are my hero.
My heart goes to you and your family.
Qingyi Jiang CND
April 13, 2012
As the soul of democracy for China, Professor Fang will live forever in People's heart. We will miss you...
Steven Chen
April 13, 2012
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Prof. Fang. He inspired our whole generation. He will always live in our hearts.
Jin Wu
April 13, 2012
Professor Fang was a great scientist and teacher with passion, which has had profound influences among many of us. Most of all, he was a great human being with everlasting love to his country and to this world. He will be truly missed!
YF Zhou
April 13, 2012
“It is finished,” (John 19:30) Celebration of a life, our memories of him and his life-long encouragements to his students.
John Liu
April 13, 2012
Rest in piece, Professor Fang. You will forever have the respect of my generation and generations to come.
Frank H
April 13, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
Thank you for conveying to a naive college student the image of a scientist with elegant taste of culture and philosophy as well as with societal responsibilities.
May you rest in peace.
XDP
April 13, 2012
You are forever living in my heart.
Yanbin CND
April 13, 2012
So far yet so close
To home you have gone
Must be among the stars
forever shone upon
To our heart
You taught kindness
To our soul
You brought dawn
So precious was the truth
You held it without fear
So magical was the cosmos
You trekked without bound
With sorrow
We shall miss your voice
With certitude
We know it shall live on
Your student
Anlu Yan
April 13, 2012
Prof. Fang,
You awaked me and my generation. Even though we met only once, briefly, about 3 years ago, I consider you as my teacher.
Meng Tao
April 13, 2012
Prof. Fang was a great inspiration to many of us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time. He will be remembered forever. May him rest in peace.
Nancy Wang
April 13, 2012
CONDOLENCE
LIMING CHEN
April 13, 2012
Professor Fang,
You are so inspirational to my life. I still rember listening to your speech a summer night in 1986.
I admire everything you did to the people of China.
Great person.
Greate life.
L.S. Zheng
April 13, 2012
Fang Laoshi,
You inspired a generation of youth to become independent thinkers and truth seekers. For that, the history of China will remember you. I felt privileged and fortunate to be one of your many students.
S Sun
April 13, 2012
Professor Fang will forever be remembered as an inspirational, in both learning and humanity. We thank him for the life he lead and the light he brought. He will never be forgotten.
Lijun Sun
April 13, 2012
We were very lucky to have had you in our lives and we will never forget you.
Phoebe Yuan
April 13, 2012
Thank you Prof Fang for your contributions!
David Li
April 13, 2012
Look at the sea, how beautiful it is,
it inspires so many emotions,
like you do with the people you have at heart.
You make them dream while they are still awake.
Look at this garden
and the scent of these oranges,
such a fine perfume,
it goes straight into your heart,
And you say: "I am leaving, goodbye."
You go away from my heart,away from this land of love,
And you have the heart not to comeback.
But do not go away,
do not give me this pain.
Come back to Surriento.
Prof. Fang will be always in our heart...
Max Xu
April 13, 2012
RIP, you will be missed.
Lucy Chen
April 13, 2012
Prof. Fang has been and will be our inspiration in the Chinese democracy movement. His braveness and enthusiasm will always be remembered.
Z L
April 13, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
You are a Chinese intellectual elite with a never-bending spine. You are an accomplished teacher in science and in life with a rare sense of humor. The legacy you left behind will shine on our way to freedom and inner peace.
May you rest in peace and enjoy the future victory of humanity with us.
X Z
April 13, 2012
Dear Mr. Fang:
You are great scientist teacher and great man. I love to read your articles. You will be deeply missed by all of us.
Amy Chen
April 13, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
We'll remember you forever. What a great man you are.
Rest in peace
Hong Yu
April 13, 2012
A Great Scientist and A Democratic Pioneer in China are rarely found in one person and you are The One who has both. We always miss your significant contributions to the movement of June 4,1989.
Sum Y
April 13, 2012
The April 6 was a "Good Friday". For many of us in the 80s from KeDa and beyond, he played an important role of a spiritual parent in forming our values . We were extremely fortunate and are proud to have him.
Tan Min (Edinburgh, UK)
Min Tan
April 13, 2012
It is time to celebrate your great life. You will be forever missed.
Hui Long
April 12, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
We forever treasure the time together with you in the classrooms and lecture halls of USTC. You are our professor of Physics as well as professor of Humanity. We love you, for you taught us what constitutes the conscience of Chinese scholars.
May you rest in peace. May your courage, optimism and humor comfort your family and friends.
Hao Li, Qiang Zhang
April 12, 2012
We are so proud of you and love you. You will be remembered by all of our families.
Rest in peace.
S&P Li
April 12, 2012
Dear Prof. Fang,
We've never met. I was never in any of your speeches or lectures. But I've read many of the articles you wrote. Your courage and your dedication have been inspiration for me for the past 20+ years. May you rest in peace.
Jiujing Gu
April 12, 2012
Sincere condolences and deepest sympathy.
RIP!
J. Zhou
April 12, 2012
You were the inspiration for a free China. Your spirit will never die! China shall be free!
Guangsong Xia
April 12, 2012
I am so privileged and proud to have been your students in USTC. You will live in the heart of us and numerous followers. Your guidance and stimulation has extended beyond time, and will continue to be the source of courage for our pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and happiness! I am sure that you will hold a special place in Chinese history and world science.
Please rest in peace, Prof. Fang!
LZ Cheng
April 12, 2012
Prof. Fang:
Thanks for your courage and sacrifice for the hope that next generation in main land China could have a brighter future.
Chengzhi Zhu
April 12, 2012
Mr. Fang was a outstanding physicist and a great man. He will be with us forever.
Kirk Huang
April 12, 2012
Prof. Fang is one of the greatest human being in contemporary Chinese history. A brilliant thinker, a genuine scientist, a humorous writer, and most of all, a sincere human being. Rest in peace. History will remember you.
Qin Wang
April 12, 2012
May Piece with Prof. Fang.
Like the stars shining in the sky, so will be his ideas and deeds.
Yinglei Huang
April 12, 2012
Teacher Fang, I feel so privileged to have been your student 30 years ago. Your guidance and stimulation had extended beyond time and textbook, and will continue to be the source of courage for my pursuit of freedom and independence!
Huaping He
April 12, 2012
Very few were as courageous as Prof. Fang. He is a hero, and will be remembered forever.
Zhijian Wang (Iowa)
April 11, 2012
May the peace you envision come.
L W
April 11, 2012
I have very fond memories of our discussions on democracy and freedom.
His book "Bringing Down the great wall"
is one of my favorites.
Ray Umashankar
April 11, 2012
"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
But Mr. Fang, you are not even faded away. You will always be remembered by the people you inspired.
Hua Wang
April 11, 2012
His name has been carved on the marble of the history.
A C
April 11, 2012
Mr. Fang is our mentor and our guidance! Mr. Fang will be alive forever in our hearts!
Junming Gao
April 11, 2012
May your soul in peace!
X Zhang
April 11, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
You made the word better!
Wei Xiong
April 11, 2012
With the energy from the universe you lighted up the fire,
From a candle to a lighthouse you insisted your efforts to try.
Armed with rationality of science, in that dark sky you shine,
Broke the prison of thoughts in that country, you're not afraid to die.
The fire of freedom is still burning and spreading, you know.
The enlightenment you worked on is continuing by us, you see.
The torch of science is passed on in good hands, you sure.
The burden of worrying for that country on your shoulder, thank God, is gone.
With great sadness I wave a reluctant farewell to you,
Our minds will still work together crossing the space-time.
Please keep in touch through the inter-soul-net of this civilization,
We can see each other through every flower in every spring, on this planet.
Jason J. Hu
April 11, 2012
Dear Professor Fang,
When I was in college, I listened to your speech. I was moved and touched by you. When I was in Tucson, I met you a few times. You are my best teacher, mentor and coach.
RIP.
J Wang
April 11, 2012
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