Thor Ignatius Eklund

Age 57 of Haddonfield NJ. Died Sunday May 2 2004 after a long illness.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Cinnaminson NJ Mr. Eklund graduated from Holy Cross H.S. Delran NJ in 1964 and received a BSE in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Princeton University in 1968. He received a Ph.D. from Brown University in 1975. A third generation mechanical engineer Dr. Eklund worked at the Naval Air Propulsion Center in Philadelphia and then spent over twenty years as an engineer and manager at the William J. Hughes (Federal Administration Agency) Technical Center in Pomona NJ. His most recent position before his retirement in 1997 was Manager Fire Research Branch. Dr. Eklund's research interests included aircraft fire safety fire resistant materials and fuel flammability. An exceptional technical writer he authored numerous technical reports and articles published in professional journals based on his studies and was awarded the Technical Publication Award from the FAA Technical Center on 1986. Other awards included the Director's Award for Excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center in 1978 and 1983 and also in 1996 the Outstanding Leadership Award. He established a long-range research program to develop ultra-fire resistant aircraft interior materials. He developed unique facilities employed today in research to prevent fuel tank explosions. He contributed to the development of FAA regulations designed to improve aircraft fire safety. Dr. Eklund also received two patents related to the venting of smoke during an aircraft in-flight fire.
Upon retiring from the FAA in 1997 he established a consulting firm. He worked with the Boeing Company lectured on aviation fire safety and served as a consultant to the Institute for Defense Analysis and to the NATO Research and Technology Agency in 2002-2003.
Diagnosed with esophageal cancer shortly after retiring from the FAA Dr. Eklund underwent treatment and enjoyed several years of remission during which he continued to work and pursue many hobbies including fishing and reading. He became the 'at home' parent to sons Robert Thor and Andrew James when his wife returned to full time employment in 1998 and thoroughly enjoyed this role. Highlights during this time included scouting activities with his son Andrew class events at Princeton and family vacations. He especially appreciated the support of his many neighbors and friends in Haddonfield and relationships with professional colleagues and former college roommates.
Survived by his wife of 24 years Mary Tobin Eklund two sons his mother Mary V. Eklund of Haddonfield and a sister Susan E. Heartlein and her family of Boxborough MA.
The Family will receive friends Thursday Evening7-9 PM at KAIN-MURPHY FUNERAL SERVICES 15 West End Ave. at Kings Hwy. Haddonfield and again on Friday morning at 11 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church 300 Kings Hwy. Haddon Heights; where the funeral Mass will follow at 12 Noon.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Carmella Terlingo Cancer Fund PO Box 42589 Phila PA 19101. This fund supports patient assistance cancer research and medical education provided by the physicians associated with the Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia PA.