Dr. Paul Brownlee Parks

January 26, 1949 - August 12, 2022

LA JOLLA — Dr. Paul B. Parks, 73, of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully with family by his side Friday morning, August 12, 2022. Paul battled cancer for 10 years, while continuing his life’s work in nuclear fusion and plasma physics theory the entire time. Paul was born in Oak Park, Illinois, raised in Western Springs and attended Lyons Township High School where he remained a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association. Paul was inquisitive, competitive and harbored a keen interest in science. His younger years are perhaps best remembered by his science projects in his basement laboratory, which were not without incident and to this day are legendary! Some of Paul’s fondest memories were spending his childhood summers at the family cottage in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where he honed his competitive skills with early morning water-skiing and enjoyed the long summer nights with family and friends.

Paul attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-champaign where he received a Bachelor of Science in Physics with high honors and high distinction, a Masters of Science, and ultimately his Doctorate Degree. He was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity. Paul was a Life Member of the University of Illinois Foundation, the American Physical Society, and Order of Merit of the Republican Party.

After completing his education, Paul moved to San Diego, where he worked at General Atomics as a Principal

Scientist for his entire 45-year career in the field of nuclear energy. Having been preceded by two generations of engineers including his father, uncle, and a grandfather with multiple patents, it should be no surprise that Paul carried on the legacy with several patents in areas only a scientist could understand. Paul was one of the select few theoretical physicists operating in energy development and complex systems. His models are certain to be used for years to come in the development of nuclear fusion reactors as a safe source of nuclear energy. Paul was an expert on numerous fusion-related topics and published over 30 papers which are frequently cited by scientists worldwide to this day.

Paul’s interests also included astronomy, other fields of engineering, and politics where he was well versed on social, philosophical, religious and economic matters. With his incredibly agile mind, Paul was truly a fascinating person to know and share ideas. He’ll surely be missed.

Paul is survived by his brothers, Richard Parks, Jr. and his wife, Jean, Robert Parks and his wife, Lorri, and his sister Patricia Parks, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at the La Jolla Women’s Club, 7791 Draper Avenue, La Jolla, California 92037 on October 23, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Paul has asked that any donations be made to the University of Illinois Foundation and directed to the Department of Physics in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-champaign in the name of “Dr. Paul Parks Physics Lab Support Fund.” A plaque will be placed at the University’s Physics Laboratory entrance in Paul’s honor. Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com