In memory of Zheng Wu

Zheng Wu (1960-2019) passed away on August 27 in Victoria, British Columbia after a short period of illness. He was Professor of Gerontology and Tier I Canada Research Chair in Aging and Health at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, B.C. He was Professor of Sociology at University of Victoria (1992-2018) and past Chair of the Sociology Department (2006-2011), and past President of Canadian Population Society (2008-2010).

Zheng’s research interests reached across numerous demographic and gerontological topics, with a long-standing interest in family demography over the life course. His recent research program addressed emerging patterns of aging populations in Canada and China, focusing on union formation and dissolution in later life, and physical and psychological wellbeing of older adults. His other research areas included immigration, social integration, and race and ethnicity. Zheng was an accomplished educator and scholar. Over his career, he published over 100 books, edited volumes, chapters in books and peer-reviewed journal articles. Zheng is survived by his wife Lanjing Li, brother Jun and sister Fei.

This comes as a tremendous shock and a great loss for his family, the gerontology department, SFU, the Canadian demography community, and the wider academic community. Zheng was a terrific colleague and friend who emoted the highest level of integrity, diligence, humility and kindness. He was a remarkable individual who was always willing to share his enthusiasm for investigating cutting-edge research questions and his incredible technical expertise with students and colleagues. We will celebrate his life, his inspiration, and legacy.