Dr. John Tsung-shun Ying

Dr. John Tsung-shun Ying, at age 84, died peacefully in his sleep on June 26, 2017, in Seattle, Washington. 

A native of Taiwan, John attended the prestigious National Taiwan University, receiving a B.A. in economics in 1955.  Soon thereafter, John immigrated to the United States, where he earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Minnesota.

With his love of teaching, John began his career as a college professor at South Dakota State University.  In 1963, he joined the faculty of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, as the college’s first economist hired as a professor.  During his 32 years at Rose-Hulman, John developed the Institute’s first economics degree program and taught hundreds of students the value of economics, including those who became leaders in business, engineering, entrepreneurship, and science.  John possessed a brilliant mind and a big heart for teaching, encouraging an appreciation of international perspectives and compassion for others.

John received numerous teaching awards, including the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the Institute’s Tau Beta Pi Chapter in 1971, the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Triangle Fraternity in 1970-71, and the Dean’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 1972.  He lectured as the guest of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, led a faculty trip to Japan, and authored scholarly articles. 

John was active with volunteer work in the community.  He taught Sunday school and served on governing boards at the Central Presbyterian Church, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America during his time in Terre Haute.  During his retirement, he actively participated in social justice and community building at Bethany United Church of Christ and the Formosan Association for Public Affairs in Seattle.

John married his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Chun-mei Lee), in 1959.  They met in church, fell in love, and were engaged in Taiwan.  They were married in Albert Lea, Minnesota after arriving in the United States three years apart, as graduate students.  John enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, and ping pong, and traveling the world.  He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, and later the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks.  John’s generosity and integrity touched so many lives.  He, along with Margaret, opened their home to countless students, colleagues, and friends to enjoy a delicious meal, a place to stay, and warm friendship.  Yet, John’s deepest love and joy by far were his family.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret; his three loving daughters and sons-in-law, Evelyn (Greg Lewis), Angela (John Ruhland), and Helga (Jonah Levy); six grandchildren, Henry, Olivia, Anne, Julien, Elijah, and Charlotte; and many relatives and friends throughout the world. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Seattle, WA.  Memorial gifts may be made in Dr. John T. Ying’s name to: 

Bethany United Church of Christ, 6230 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108;
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, c/o April Simma, Institutional Advancement, RHIT, 5500 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47803 (“Ying Endowment Fund” on check memo line) or online at: https://tinyurl.com/yaorfxro.