Condolence from Wu Ningxing, Wujing's father, Shenyang, Liaoning, China:

I first met Dr. Tom York in the early 1990s. At that time, my daughter Wu Jing was a graduate student at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Dr. York visited China at the invitation of Wu Jing's advisor, Professor Liu Daozhi, and my daughter got to know Dr. and Mrs. York.

From the end of 1995 to the end of 1996, Wu Jing went to the Department of Aerospace Engineering of The Ohio State University as a postdoctoral visiting scholar, and Professor York was my daughter's mentor.

Mrs. Mary regarded Wu Jing as her daughter with meticulous care. She also cared very much for my granddaughter and young grandson. Whether it was their growing up or going to school, Tom and Mary gave a lot of care and support.

Later, Dr. York's new book "Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics" came out, my daughter asked me to do the initial translate for publication in China. However, because I was not engaged in research in this specialized field, I have not dared to undertake the task of reading nor translation.

In 2011, Mr. York visited China again and invited me for a meeting. At that time, I was taking care of my grandson in Beijing, so I went to see Dr. York and expressed my concerns. Dr. York encouraged me: "Look first, it's the first thing, read it later."

Encouraged by Dr. York, I promised to take a look at the book first.

After a preliminary reading of the "Introduction", the first part is an introduction to fluid dynamics. I felt that I was still familiar with it, so I gathered the courage to continue reading. The following text was about the concept of magnetic fluid, plasma, etc., which was very unfamiliar, and I had to read with a dictionary.

Supported by the trust from Dr. York and Professor Tang Haibin of Beihang University (co-author of the book), I read the book while learning chapter by chapter. Dr. York revised the English version of the book four times, and I read all the versions from beginning to end. I have learned from Dr. York's extensive knowledge, rigorous academic attitude and persistent pursuit of excellence, throughout the process. I not only improved my English reading comprehension, but also broadened my professional horizon with foundational knowledge about plasma. It greatly enhanced my interest in English.

Dr. and Mrs. York are my respected American friends besides their being mentors and friends to my daughter Wu Jing. They have had a profound influence on me and Wu Jing’s family, and we will always remember their thoughtful friendship, altruistic help, and kind care.

Hereby, I deeply miss my old friend Dr. York.

I sincerely wish Mrs. Mary a healthy long happy life.

悼词

我与汤姆•约克先生初次相见是在1990年代初期。那时，女儿吴靖在北京航空航天大学读研。约克先生应吴靖导师刘导治教授之邀来华访问，由此认识了约克夫妇。

1995年底至1996年末，吴靖前往俄亥俄州立大学航天工程系做博士后访问学者，约克教授便是吾女儿的导师。

玛丽女士更把吴靖作为自己的女儿看待，给予无微不至的关怀，并对我的外孙女和小外孙十分关爱，无论是成长过程和上学读书，约克夫妇都给予很多关爱和支持。

后来，约克先生的新作“等离子体及等离子动力学导论”问世，经吴靖介绍让我译读并准备出版。但因本人并不从事该专业领域研究，故未敢承接译读任务。

2011年约克先生再次来华访问，并约我会面。当时我正在北京看护孙儿，故应邀到北航会见约克先生，并向约克先生表达了自己的想法。约克先生鼓励我道：“先看一下，这是首要的，读一下以后再说。”

在约克先生的鼓励下，我答应先看一下。

经过对“导论”的初步阅读，第一部分为流体动力学简介，感到自己还比较熟悉，于是鼓起勇气继续往下阅读。后面便是磁流体、等离子体等概念，很陌生，只得借助辞典续字续句地阅读。

鉴于约克先生的信任和重托，并有北航汤海滨教授（该书联合作者）作后盾，我便边读边学地逐章往下阅读。约克先生的“等离子体动力学导论”英文版先后修改了四遍，本人均从头至尾作了拜读，从中学到了约克先生的广博学识、严谨学风和执着追求的优良作风，使我不但大大提高了英语的阅读水平，也大大开阔了眼界，学到了不少等离子体方面的基本知识，极大地增强了我对英语的兴趣。

约克夫妇是我可敬的美国朋友，是吾女吴靖的良师益友。他们对我本人和吴靖一家都影响深厚，我们永远铭记他们的深情厚谊、无私帮助和亲切关怀。

在此，我深切怀念老朋友约克先生。

衷心祝愿玛丽夫人健康长寿，生活幸福。

作者： 吴宁兴 2022.1.27

中国.辽宁.沈阳

We first met Prof. York in September 2010, when he gave us an academic report on plasma physics and diagnosis. The first impression was that he was serious, rigorous and knowledgeable. Later, he taught us how to make probes, how to test signals and how to analyze data in great detail. He is a very respectable scholar.

Later, when he taught us how to make probes in the laboratory, he saw my teeth bleeding and suggested that I go to the dentist and check my blood. I didn't care much about it at that time, so I didn't go. Later, he asked me again if I had seen the dentist, and I said I hadn't. He thought I might be afraid of spending money to see a doctor because I was a student that time. So he came to me again and gave me $200. He told me seriously that you must pay attention to the tooth bleeding problem and go to the dentist as soon as possible. Therefore, I went to see the dentist with his advice and financial support. I was diagnosed with periodontitis and recovered after a period of treatment. Until now, I have always attached great importance to my dental health. At this time, he is a particularly kind and helpful person.

York also introduced Mary to us. They are in a very good state together. Both of them are very kind, humorous and passionate. We go to a restaurant to eat dumplings, go to the National Grand Theater to see a play, and do a little shopping on the way. We envy their love and companionship very much.

We will always miss you.

Zun(Zoe) ZHANG

Some time ago I had always wanted to write emails to you. But I was always afraid of disturbing your treatment and did not make up my mind to do so. The bad news still came, I am deeply immersed in grief. I knew your illness was serious, but I was still looking forward to miracles. You left us, I lost a mentor and beneficial friend. You and Mary are persons of deep thought and full of love. You are already a part of my life.

You and Mary brought many lovely memories to me and my family. I remember our first acquaintance in Beijing in 2009; I remember your passionate academic speeches to my research group; I remember those days and nights we wrote text book and research papers together; I remember the patience when you taught me the principles and techniques of plasma diagnosis; I remember the wonderful moments when I visited Penn State; I remember the warm dinners between our two families; I remember Yiqun's excitement and joy when she visited you alone. I looked through many photos of our time together. You and Mary have brought numerous inspirations and joys to me and my family. My family and I will miss you forever.

Thank you for your help in my academic research. I will carry forward your ideas and do what you want but have not finished.

May your soul rest in peace.

Haibin, Yan, and Yiqun

Today I received an email from Mary carrying the title sad news.

Upon reading this email I telephoned and spoke briefly with Mary.

Mary & Tom are like Tom and Jerry they are a team and

as a partnership they are a part of our lives.

Growing up as a young child in Wolverhampton England, their family visits

around Christmas would added that extra magical dust of Christmas.

The exchange of family sories and parties and of course the Monopoly board game

with children would be Tom’s greatest contribution.

After many years of invites to America I accepted and took the oportunity and ventured out.

Alongside Tom’s busy schedual and dedication to his work he managed to orchestrate

a dream summer trip for myself in 1984.

To travel from east to west by car.

Although times change and family and friend come and go Tom was one of those people

that would just pick up the conversation where he last left it .

So although we have to say our farewell to Tom we can always talk to him as he was

always there and a good listner too.

We were so saddened to hear about the passing of your husband

Please accept our condolences and know that our thoughts are with you at this time.

With our deepest sympathy,

Roman David

Tom was a truly wonderful, honest and caring person who will be greatly missed. As a cousin to Mary, I knew Tom throughout my life and had a true appreciation for Tom’s insight, knowledge and wisdom. He helped guide me into engineering and over the years we had many discussions on science, industry, politics, education and how they played into life. He and his true companion, Mary, also gave me support through a difficult period of my life during the passing of my parents in the years after college. Life went on and we grew closer and I started a family and Tom made a unique connection with each of my children and wife, Linda. We enjoyed many visits and outings with Tom and Mary over the years. These times spent together will be cherished and remembered. We will miss you Tom and may you have eternal rest and peace.

Andy, Linda, Rachel, Sarah and Katherine Glovatsky

Tom’s brilliance, wit, charm and adventurous spirit captivated me the first time I met him (through Mary) almost 30 years ago. I benefitted so much from his encyclopedic knowledge, insight and wisdom, most graciously and generously imparted throughout our years of friendship. I was truly blessed to have had him in my life! There are so many precious memories, from myriad conversations (pick a theme… we discussed it!) to cuisine and travel. He was Mary’s soulmate (as they say in Spanish, her “media naranja”), as I witnessed this love, devotion and commitment to each other. I will miss you, my “Renaissance man”, my dear friend!

Picture: Australia, 2001

Dr. York and Mary with Midshipman Joshua Hemsworth in Annapolis, MD in 2015 and 2019.