I know Dr Zhao since I was in Tsinghua University 32 years ago. Both Dr Zhao and I studied in the same physics major of Electronics Engineering department. We were in different classes. We took many lectures together during the college years.
Dr Zhao gave me a strong impression when he set up a committee across our four physics major classes and led the effort to plead our department adding electronics classes to our curriculum. I was part of the committee. He was brave, smart, confident, and he knew how to organize. He took a great personal risk helping us to achieve the goal. Eventually the electronics classes were added to our curriculum which benefited all our students in our physics major. He has great courage!
His class Electrophysics 87 has sent a wreath here. Now I will deliver eulogy on behalf of Dr Zhao’s class.
We, Dr. Zhao’s undergraduate classmates, Electrophysics 87’ of Electronic Engineering Department of Tsinghua University, were sad to hear that our dearest pal passed away after bravely fighting the cancer for the past decade. We always remember his unbridled laughter, humor stories, and most unforgettable of all - the delicious Ramen soups he cooked after 10pm at the university dorm, which made everyone jealous.
He was the General Secretary of our class for three years. Our class president recalled that Dr Zhao was always optimistic and friendly. He led us to win the 1st university level championship for our class; this was a big deal at that time, and such honor was featured on CCTV’s prime time. We were so proud of our collective achievement, and honored to have him as our leader.
He is a considerate husband and caring father. When we called him late nights, he always said that he needed to go to the study room; he’d lower his voice to ensure that our conversations would not be loud to disturb his family.
We believe that he is taking a journey full of love and sunshine.
We will miss you, our friend and brother! We wish the best for the family of Dr. Zhao.
Twenty seven years ago when we graduated from Tsinghua, we had said that the friendship we built during the 5 years at college would last forever. With this, let me relay our grievance on behalf of our whole class:
无比怀念,昔日同窗心系校园多趣事;
万分悲伤,今朝学友魂归天堂少知音
“永远的朋友” 清华大学电物7班全体同学,
Rest in Peace!