Thein Wah

WAH
Long-time San Antonio resident Thein Wah died peacefully just after sunset on the summer solstice, June 21, after a long illness. Edith, his wife of 59 years, was at his side. Dr. Wah was born in 1919 in Magwe, Burma. He was educated at the University of Rangoon, the University of Utah, Harvard University, and the University of Illinois. In 1952, he married Edith Hvalgren of Prophetstown, Illinois. He moved to San Antonio with his young family in 1957 to take a research position at Southwest Research Institute. From 1971 to 1984, he served as Professor of Engineering at Texas A & M Kingsville, where he taught and continued his research. During his long and productive career, he authored over fifty original papers and two books in the field of civil engineering. Having witnessed the devastation of his beloved home country during World War II, he developed a lifelong concern for peace, justice, and human rights. During the 1950s and 60s, he was a leader in the civil rights and peace movements in San Antonio. In later years, he directed his efforts toward supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts in the Middle East. His serious concerns were balanced by a fine sense of humor and, among San Antonians with a political bent, he is remembered for his many witty letters to the editor on political and international affairs. In his retirement years, he became an active member of the San Antonio Native Plant Society, and well into his eighties he and Edith maintained a lovely collection of native plants at their home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister Dr. S. Padmavati and brother S.K. Moorthy of India; his children Tara, Anita, and David; their spouses Paige Harbaugh, Alan Fishman, and Gabrielle Rieckhof; granddaughter Joia Fishman; nephews Ranjit Mani, Inderjeet Mani, and Ravi Moorthy; and niece Chitra Moorthy. A private remembrance of his life for family and close friends will be held on Sunday. Donations in his memory may be made to the San Antonio Native Plant Society,American Friends Service Committee, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, or the charity of your choice.