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In Memoriam: Ryuji Yamada

Source: This article was originally published in the Fermilab Newsroom, October 14, 2022

Ryuji Yamada

Retired Fermilab physicist Ryuji Yamada peacefully passed away in Honolulu on Oct. 10, 2022, from complications with his long battle with liver cancer.

Born Jan. 3, 1932, in Hiroshima City, Japan, he and his family were atomic bomb survivors. Yamada was driven to comprehend the science behind the natural forces that had wrought so much destruction. He earned his Bachelor of Science in physics at Hiroshima University and doctorate in physics at the University of Tokyo. The bulk of his research was completed at Fermilab, where he worked for more than 30 years. He was part of the team that discovered the top quark, as well as validated evidence of the Higgs boson. His final title was scientist emeritus.

He is survived by his wife Nanako; sons Seiji (Fumiko) and Kouji (Tomoko); and grandchildren Kent, Sean, Kyle, Marina and Dan.

According to his wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a special snack be prepared and shared with pets and other loved ones.