Dr. Paul Bao-Ho Liao

1938 - 2018

Dr. Paul Bao-Ho Liao

Dr. Paul Bao-Ho Liao, civil engineer and former CEO of the engineering firm KCM Inc., passed away peacefully June 14, 2018.

Born on January 30, 1938 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Liao was the third son of Hsing-Wang Liao and Chiou-Mei Yung. One of eight children raised on a family farm, Liao was always a top student, earning a place at the prestigious National Cheng Kung University. While working at Taiwan's Public Works Bureau, he met his future wife, Mei-yea Chiou. Liao relocated to the United States, earning his master's degree in environmental engineering at Oklahoma State University and his Ph.D. at the University of Washington.

Liao joined KCM and quickly gained international recognition for his pioneering research on water treatment for fish hatcheries. To this day, aquaculture industries continue to use his techniques to boost seafood production worldwide. In 1987, Liao became chairman and CEO of KCM. Liao helped build the infrastructure of the growing Pacific Northwest from modern wastewater systems and transit facilities to the West Seattle Bridge and the Seattle Aquarium. Of all the projects he led in 38 countries, one of his proudest achievements was the Taiwan National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. Under his leadership, KCM grew to one of the top engineering companies in the U.S. and later merged with Tetra Tech Inc.

Throughout his life, Liao was committed to giving back to society. His philanthropic activities included supporting engineering students in Taiwan to pursue studies at the UW. In his retirement, Liao enjoyed sporting events of all kinds and continued to golf and travel extensively with his wife and children.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Darwin Liao, a Seattle ophthalmologist. He is survived by his wife, Mei-yea Liao, his daughters Darlene Liao (Angelo Chang) and Dahlia Mak (Robert) and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Wing Luke Museum, 719 South King St., Seattle, WA 98104 or Tzu Chi, 15800 S. Newport Way, Bellevue WA 98006.