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.
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.
Recollections from colleagues and alumni
Glen Bandiera
(BASc
'90)
Professor
of
Medicine, Temerty
Faculty
of
Medicine,
University
of
Toronto
Executive
Director,
Specialty
Education, Royal
College
of
Physicians
and
Surgeons
of
Canada
Professor Huseyin had such a sly smile when he told the stories! I remember like yesterday the twinkle in his eye as he anticipated our reaction. I found a book of Hoja stories when in Turkey a while back- not exactly the same thing as hearing Prof. Huseyin recount them but memorabilia nonetheless!
Kathleen Fraser (BASc '90)
Professor Huseyin was a wonderful professor. I greatly enjoyed Statics and Dynamics classes with him. He gave us the confidence to tackle any problem as he would show us how to solve almost every physics problem with a "free body diagram". He made physics classes so enjoyable and he always treated each and everyone of us with such respect.
It is with great sadness that I hear of his passing, but I want you to know that he made a positive impact on so many of us.
Sean
Maw (BASc
'90)
Jerry
G.
Huff
Chair
in
Innovative
Teaching
&
Associate
Professor
Ron
and
Jane
Graham
School
of
Professional
Development,
Biomedical
I always smile when I think of Professor Huseyin. His kind demeanour, the Hoja stories, and his charming accent always made lectures fun, wectors and all :) . He will be missed but not forgotten, as everyone has made clear.
Frank
Nauta
(BASc
'90)
Advisory
Solution
Architect, SAS
It was the highlight of the lectures when Professor Huseyin would come in and we’d all say “HOJA” HOJA" and he’d always have a new one! It's amazing that simple things like telling a joke, smiling, and laughing can relieve the worst pain/stress and angst. The world would be a better place if people told more HOJA jokes. Bless his surviving family!
Pino
Porciello (BASc
'90)
Chief
Innovation
Officer,
iS5
Communications
Inc.
Words that come to mind when I think of Professor Huseyin: titan and legend.
Linda
Traykovski
(BASc
'90)
Post-Doctoral
Investigator, Woods
Hole
Oceanographic
Institution
Professor Huseyin's whimsical stories always touched my heart and made me smile, in fact, even a passing thought of him and his anecdotes still does! We SYDE '90ers were SO LUCKY to have Statics and Dynamics delivered with such wisdom, charm, and grace - we were truly blessed in so many ways.
John
Vellinga
(BASc
'90)
Founder
&
Chief
Experience
Officer,
Zirkova
Vodka
He was such a great professor. One of my all time favourites. Who can forget the HOJA stories? He was such a charming man with a beautiful accent and demeanor. Kind and helpful always and brilliant too.