Obituary for Dr. Gordon J. Van Wylen

"Dr. Gordon Van Wylen was the department chair and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where my father, Allan I-lin Chow was a Ph.D. graduate student from 1961-1962. In addition to being a mentor, he had a formative influence on my father's Christian faith. In addition, he, Margaret and family were good family friends of ours. In the summer of 1971, I (Martin) had the privilege of spending part of a summer with the Van Wylens. It was at this time that I experienced firsthand, everyday life in a large and loving family. I recall the time when Gordon, a junior high Sunday school teacher, asked me to read and give a presentation of C.S. Lewis' children's story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" in class, to which I agreed and did. This was a milestone event in the spiritual life of a 14-year old young Christian. In recent years, Gordon maintained contact with us through our ministry newsletters, and blessed us with his encouraging words, giving, prayers and friendship. He is a legendary member of 20th Century America's "Greatest Generation," as exemplified by a full life of love, devotion and service to God, country, education, community, church, publishing houses, family and friends. I will miss him dearly. My heartfelt condolences go to Liz, Steve, Ruth, Dave & Emily and families!"

"I fortuitously found that Prof. Van Wylen died at the beginning of November 2020. I want to say some words in his honor. He was a person, who I had not the possibility to meet personally but through his technical written work, it is recognized the compromise among love, dedication, inspiration, knowledge and truth that always he had present, characteristics considered and cultivated by an outstanding person. I am a mechanical engineer graduated many years ago from the National University of Mexico. Nowadays, I give some classes on Thermodynamics and I always have to go irremediably to one of his text books on Thermodynamics, where I practiced a lot in my students years, in spite of that there are many attractive new books on this topic. From a technical point of view, his work will be an inspiration to follow, because of its formality and compromise with the truth. My condolences to his family, that will accept soon his departure to the eternity."

"to the brother of Gordon( Wayne Van Wylen ) I Just would like you to know that I'm thinking about you and your family on the passing of your brother. After reading his obituary it sounds like he was a very wonderful person and he did many good things while he was here on earth. I miss not working at the bank and waiting on you but I just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers Your teller friend Maria"

"Dr. Gordon J. Van Wylen will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a man who loved his family and trusted God, had great integrity and absolute personal and professional honesty. Gordon was my friend and trusted advisor for more than 70 years from the time we first met as graduate students at MIT. Gordon was successful in whatever he undertook including Science and Technology, Academic Administration and productive involvement in the Christian Life. He authored many publications including the most widely used textbook in American Universities and throughout the World, "Introduction to Thermodynamics"."

"May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow."

"Rest in peace"