Electrical and Computer Engineering

News from Summer 2018

Professor Richard Bednar

Dr. Richard Bednar

We are saddened to share the news that Professor Emeritus Richard "Dick" Bednar, who served the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for 25 years, passed away August 7. He was 74. Born March 9, 1944, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and a PhD in mathematical systems theory, which provided the basis for the many contributions he would eventually make in his field of research. After working at the Naval Air Weapons Center (NAWS), Bednar was hired as a faculty member at Chico State in 1979 and became chair of the electrical engineering department soon thereafter. He was methodical and thorough in fulfilling his responsibilities, recalled Professor Emeritus Roy Crosbie, who also served as chair of the then-Department of Computer Engineering.

Colleagues remember him as a prolific reader of technical material, and he often brought papers, books, and reports of interest to their attention. “He could always be found from early morning in his O’Connell office, always ready for a chat about the research and other issues,” Crosbie said. “He was an ever-present, positive influence on his colleagues and he will be very sadly missed.”

A memorial was held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 31, 2018 at Brusie Funeral Home. The University flag was lowered Tuesday, September 4, 2018 in Bednar’s honor.

 We extend our condolences to his family and friends.