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Fang Lizhi Obituary

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."

Published by The Record/Herald News on Apr. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Fang Lizhi

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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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