CWU Remembers Dr. Walter Kaminski

December 22, 2004

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

Courtesy of the Ellensburg Daily Record.

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Dr. Walter Kaminski, 69, died Dec. 15 in Ellensburg from transitional cell carcinoma.

Born in Hamtramck, Mich., Kaminski attended St. Ladislaus grade and high schools. He received his BSME (bachelor of science in mechanical engineering) from the University of Detroit, a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and, while employed with United Technologies/Pratt Whitney in Palm Beach, Fla., he received his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida.

Kaminski joined the CWU faculty in 1987, serving as a professor and chair of the Industrial and Engineering Technology (IET) department and directing the CWU Mechanical Engineering Technology program. In addition, he was faculty advisor for the student sections of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

His stated career philosophy was, "To teach with vigor and enthusiasm the principles and practice of mechanical engineering, a career field which I love and have been occupied in for many years."

His colleagues and students, on department course evaluation forms, uniformly rated "Dr. K" "excellent." He received the 1995 and 1998 ASME Region XIII Advisor of the Year awards. In addition, he was named ASME Fellow, conferred upon a member with at least 10 years active engineering practice who has made significant contributions to the field. And, he received the 1982 United Technologies Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science and Technology.

Kaminski received five patents, including for laser work, research in jet engines, hydrogen fuel cell and other energy systems. He also developed a variety of programs - including the master of science degree in engineering technology - at CWU.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Donahoe-Kaminski; sons, Mark (Terry) Kaminski and Michael Kaminski; daughters, Elaine (Larry) Yundt, Jane (Pat) Ashbrook, Karen (Al) Kaiser, Donna (Chris) Zender, Simone Stultz and Emilee Srubek; 14 grandchildren; sister, Betty (Ric) Burk of Pleasant Ridge, Mich.; and a nephew, Brian Burk.

A memorial service is planned for Monday, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Ellensburg. Steward & Williams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Suggested memorial donations to American Cancer Society to further cancer research.