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Oswald ”O. J.” Wick
07/15/1914 — 11/14/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Fargo, North Dakota
Oswald ”O. J.” Wick
Oswald Justin Wick better known as O.J. or Oz, 90, passed away Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004 in Richland, WA. He was born to Calvin P. and Anna Wick, in Fargo, ND on July 15, 1914. After graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in Metallurgy from the Montana School of Mines in Butte, MT, he moved to Seattle, WA to teach at the University of Washington for 5 years. In 1941, he married Phyllis Burlum, of Spokane, WA. O.J. worked at the Bremerton Shipyards for 9 years before moving to Richland in 1950 to work for General Electric as Group Head for the Plutonium Metallurgy Unit at Hanford. In 1952, he became manager of GE's Plutonium Metallurgy Operation, where he worked until 1964. In 1964, he went to work for Battelle as a Research Scientist, where he remained until his retirement in 1984. During his distinguished 34-year career at Hanford, O.J. authored numerous metallurgy studies, served as a world expert in the metallurgy of plutonium, presented a paper at the second Atoms for Peace conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and won a patent for a process for treating fission waste. O.J.'s proudest achievement was the Plutonium Handbook, to which he contributed several chapters and served as editor. O.J. was a Fellow of the American Society for Metals and is listed in the Who's Who in Science directory. O.J. was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed skiing, fishing, and hiking his entire life.
O.J. was a dedicated father and grandfather, never letting his work or achievements interfere with his family life. He passed his curiosity and passion for learning on to his children and grandchildren, while learning as much from them as they did from him. He was the best father and grandfather anyone could have, and he and his French Toast will be sorely missed by all.
O.J. is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Wick, of Richland; daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and David Watson of Kennewick, WA, Nancy and Jim Hamilton of Kirkland, WA, and Sharon and Alan Aamot of Burlington, WA; five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Viewing will be at Einan's Funeral Home, Thursday, Nov. 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Friday, Nov. 19, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Einan's Funeral Home Friday, Nov. 19, at 2:00 pm. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Sharon, Nancy, Carolyn & families and Phyllis;
My father, Matt Napora, respected and appreciated Oz for his intelligence, integrity and professionalism on the job; but mostly because he was such a good, responsible, loving man in all aspects of his life. I remember him as the nicest father of any of my friends; with such a fun sense of humor. Sharon, he loved you dearly and was so proud of you! I know you will all miss him terribly and am so sorry for the pain his absence will bring to your lives. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you have, and remember all the joy he created. He was a gift to all who knew him. I’m sure my dad was there to shake his hand when he crossed over, along with all of his friends, family and co-workers that had already passed on.
Much love and Many prayers,
Shari, Darlene and families.
Sharon, Nancy, Carolyn & families and Phyllis;
My father, Matt Napora, respected and appreciated Oz for his intelligence, integrity and professionalism on the job; but mostly because he was such a good, responsible, loving man in all aspects of his life. I remember him as the nicest father of any of my friends; with such a fun sense of humor. Sharon, he loved you dearly and was so proud of you! I know you will all miss him terribly and am so sorry for the pain his absence will bring to your lives. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you have, and remember all the joy he created. He was a gift to all who knew him. I’m sure my dad was there to shake his hand when he crossed over, along with all of his friends, family and co-workers that had already passed on.
Much love and Many prayers,
Shari, Darlene and families.
Although Oz was out of the “work” loop for a number of years, I recall him well as a highly professional individual. As a neighbor there could be none better – even in troublesome times he was always the true gentleman.
Hi Nancy. You and your wonderful family are in our thoughts. Don Winston JR.
My sympathy to the Oz Wick family. Those of us who either worked for Oz or with him were influenced by his leadership, mentoring, wisdom, high integrity, insights, and professionalism. The “Plutonium Handbook” is still a primary reference that has been translated into many languages thoughout the world, including Russian. People frequently ask me about Mr. Wick or affectionately comment about him as a great person. I greatly appreciate his mentoring and his influence on my professional life.
It was a pleasure knowing Oz these past few years and being his barber also enjoyed the times that I was able to cut his air at the Guardian Angle. My sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
Wayne
My sincere sympathy during this time to your entire family. Kate Cuenoud cousin of Bill Wymer
We will always cherish our wonderful memories we have of
Grandpa Wick.
We love you and we will take good care of Grandma.
Love,
Annie, Bill, Jessie and Michael
Dear Phyllis:
I am sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. With loving thoughts and prayers,
with deep sympathy,
Vicky W.
Guestbook for
Oswald ”O. J.” Wick