The Department of Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) is saddened to announce the passing of Professor Koncay Huseyin on June 2, 2022, at the age of 85.
Professor Huseyin dedicated 27 years to educating University of Waterloo engineers. He arrived at the university in 1969 as a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering. In 1972 Professor Huseyin moved to SYDE and served as department chair from 1978 to 1987. This was a formative era for the department and his leadership refined the curriculum to emphasize cultivating capable well-rounded people.
As a researcher, Professor Huseyin established himself as one of the world’s leading scholars in stability theory. He authored three books and was awarded the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of London. This degree denotes a stature above PhD and is awarded in recognition of substantial and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge. The legacy of his work in dynamics remains in the SYDE curriculum to this day.
In recognition of his dedication to teaching and learning, Professor Huseyin received the Centre for Teaching Excellence’s Distinguished Teacher Award in 1985. Current and former students organized his nomination through a letter-writing campaign that praised his conscientious teaching style. The letters and record of course critiques described his powerful intellect and ability to make the most difficult courses enjoyable for students. In 1997, he was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus.
After dedicating his professional career to engineering, Professor Huseyin opted for early retirement to spend more time with his family and explore wide-ranging passions, from classical music to astronomy to driving a Plymouth Barracuda.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Professor Huseyin’s family. He is survived by his wife Tuncay, daughters Neyzar, Zuhal, and Hulya, son-in-law Cahit, and granddaughter Seda.
Share online condolences and memories of Professor Huseyin on the memorial website.