2 Dec 97
A Remembrance: Frank W. von Flue, P.E., Fellow, ASME International
"By his work, so you shall know the Man."
On Friday Morning 28 Nov 97, Frank W. von Flue, P.E., succumbed to cancer of the thyroid. Frank's family lost a Father, a Husband, and a Family Member. ASME International, and specifically Region IX, lost a Friend, a Leader, and an "All Around Good Guy". Frank was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps. After WW II Frank went on to graduate from the University of Southern California (USC), with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), and a Master of Business Administration. He also became active in the activities and events of the Los Angeles Section (LAS). Specifically, the Management Division of LAS, which during the 1960's was quite active. Monthly Division meetings were held, and the group sponsored the "Evening Free Lecture Series", along with several other Engineering Societies and USC. Frank was a key player and organizer of these meetings.
From this beginning, Frank went on to become Chair of the LAS, and then of the "Southern California Coordinating Council", which coordinated Society activities in So Cal. Frank was also instrumental in developing various Professional Development Courses in t5he So Cal area, and became active at the Regional and National levels as a result. He served on the Board for Professional Development, as a Member from Industry Instead of Academe; and was awarded the "Edwin F. Church Professional Development Medal" of the Society for his efforts on behalf of the working engineer.
In addition, Frank and his wife Wahneta, were raising a family. And Frank was a Manager for North American Aviation / North American Rockwell (NAR), directing work on various major Aerospace Projects, such as the Space Shuttle. Even so, Frank found time to become the Pacific Region (IX) Vice President, and become involved in ASME's Public Affairs operations. He was honored by ASME making him a Fellow, and he also was recognized with the Society's Dedicated Service Award. Later, Frank was elected to the Board of Governers. In this capacity, Frank took on himself the leadership and organization of a continuing membership campaign, "Every Member Get a Member". As a result of Frank's many activities, his efforts and enthusiasm have influenced and guided thousands of Mechanical Engineers, and shaped our profession. After serving ASME and NAR for many years with distinction, Frank "Retired".
Frank retired from NAR, to devote more time to his family, and to ASME, locally. He was active and instrumental in establishing a Strategic Plan for Region IX, while also promoting Professional Development and Regional Public Affairs Meetings that attracted National Speakers. His last effort was "A Day at the Capital", held last May in Sacramento. It was immediately prior to this session that Frank actually "Retired" from his ASME posts. Frank did this with great reluctance. But it was necessary, due to his cancer having spread and his need for daily treatments. He was forced by these circumstances to become just a "receiver" of information, rather than an active "communicator". He still remained interested in the ASME and the many friends that he had developed over the decades. In mid September he sent his final message to Joe Falcon, ASME Past President. In part it said "Enjoy Life. Bless others with your friendship as you have blessed my family and Me." This message fairly well sums up Frank, his philosophy, and how he believed that life should be lived. Frank was a great engineer and manager. But more than that he was a great friend and human. Frank is and will be missed, by all who knew him.
E. N. Friesen, P.E., Fellow ASME International;
"A Friend of Frank's"
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