Waser passes away

Jürg Waser, retired professor of chemistry, died of congestive heart failure at his home in La Jolla in August. He was 85. Known for his memorable lecturing style and infamous pop quizzes, as well as his work in X-ray crystallography, he was synonymous with freshman chemistry for a generation of Caltech students. He was described as a dedicated teacher and supporter of the SURF program.

Born in 1916 in Switzerland, Waser attended the University of Zürich before coming to Caltech and completing a PhD in chemistry with Linus Pauling in 1944. He remained as a mathematics instructor, research fellow, and Noyes Fellow until 1948, when he returned to the University of Zürich. Waser came back to Caltech in 1958 as professor of chemistry, and for 12 years taught the Chem 1 general course. He was active in the American Crystallographic Association and other professional societies, and wrote numerous articles. Retiring in 1975, Waser stayed active writing textbooks, continuing in research, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Irma; three children, Peter, Nickolas, and Katherine; a stepson, Ray Weiss (Caltech BS 1964); and a grandson.
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