Ming Gao, age 87, of Middletown, DE, and formerly of Houston, TX, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023.
In Loving Memory of Dr. Ming Gao
It is with profound respect and deep affection that we gather to commemorate Dr. Ming Gao, a cherished friend, esteemed mentor, and respected colleague whose remarkable journey spanned over four-and-a-half decades across the academic, oil and gas, and consulting sectors.
Dr. Gao’s foray into the realms of pipeline integrity has left an indelible mark on the field, highlighted by his authorship of over 100 scholarly articles, and seminal contributions to numerous academic volumes. His pioneering efforts in fracture mechanics, stress corrosion cracking, crack assessment, dent strain and damage evaluation, in-line inspection performance, and failure analysis have not only advanced our understanding but have also set new benchmarks for excellence.
Yet, it was Dr. Gao’s unparalleled work ethic, coupled with his extraordinary intellect, keen insight, and meticulous attention to detail, that truly set him apart. More than his professional accomplishments, it was Ming’s profound humanity that touched the lives of all who knew him. He was a beacon of kindness, thoughtfulness, and love – qualities that transcended the confines of our Blade community and reached the hearts of individuals worldwide.
We are immensely grateful to have been part of Dr. Gao’s remarkable life. His spirit, wisdom, and compassion have irrevocably transformed us, and through us, his legacy will continue to flourish. Today, as we remember Ming, we celebrate not only a life well-lived but also the countless lives he enriched. In his memory, let us carry forward the light of his kindness and the depth of his understanding.
Dr. Gao’s warmth, guidance, and benevolent influence will forever remain a guiding star for many. We are all undoubtedly better for having known him. In his absence, we hold tight to the memories and the lessons he bestowed upon us, cherishing the indelible impact of his presence in our lives.
Farewell, dear Ming, your spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those you’ve touched.
Please take this opportunity to write a few words remembering Ming.
13 entries.
Cameron Seward from Houston wrote on April 18, 2024 at 5:55 pm
Thank you, Ming, for all the mentorship and knowledge you provided me. It impacted me more than can be described. I will always fondly remember the experiences shared on the few projects we worked together when I was young kid starting in the industry. Rest in peace.
Peggy Jammer from Houston wrote on April 18, 2024 at 2:01 pm
Amazing legacy and person!
Pablo Cazenave from Houston wrote on April 18, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Ming was more than a respected colleague and fantastic mentor, he was family.
I will miss him.
Pablo.
Sean Riccardelli from Salt Lake City wrote on April 18, 2024 at 1:43 pm
An incredible human and mentor. I was always extra excited to visit with him on the rare occasions I did. I was so honored to have worked beside him and observe his scientific approach. He often knew the answers well in advance of anyone else. RIP my friend.
Tom Burnett from Houston wrote on April 18, 2024 at 1:38 pm
Thank you, Ming, for the fond memories. For your smile and genuine interest in others. And for making everyone feel like you were talking directly to them. God bless your family in this sad time - may the grieving be brief and the happy memories endure.
David Lewis from Flower Mount, Texas wrote on April 18, 2024 at 1:24 pm
Dear Ming, we have known each other for over 30 years. I remember when you joined Mobil in Lynda's group. I have always enjoyed being with you and how kind you are to everyone you came in contact with. You will be missed.
Ken George from Houston wrote on April 18, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Luv you Ming
Sharat Chandrasekhar from Dallas wrote on April 18, 2024 at 1:01 pm
Dr Ming, as I always insisted on calling him personified the phrase “a scholar and a gentleman”. His guidance on a pipeline inspection utility was invaluable. Every time I visited the Houston office, It was an honour to drop by his office even if just to shake his hand. I will miss that that. I am sure that the many fond memories of Dr Ming will be treasured by his family in the decades ahead.
Udaya B Sathuvalli from Minnetonka, MN wrote on April 18, 2024 at 12:52 pm
There is no doubt that Ming was a scientist beyond compare. His extraordinary contributions have played a significant role in Blade's history. However, what is more important is his kindness and attitude to work. I don;t recall a time when he was without a smile. He always had a good word to say about what others did. His was a rare spirit. He will be sorely missed.
Ron Sherstan from Edmonton wrote on April 18, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Ming was technically brilliant but I still had to connect his TV and his new surround sound speakers after helping with the purchases. Haha I was rewarded with Loretta’s home cooking. Mmmm A good friend who will be missed.
Richard Kania from Calgary, AB, Canada wrote on April 18, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Ever since i met him in the early 2000, Ming was like a father to me and a grandfather to my kids. Such a humble, kind and happy spirit. He was the smartest guy i have ever met, scientist, cortical thinker, with unparallel abilities. He could solve just abut any technical problem that we would give him and saved us man, many times. I miss him dearly... Condolences to the family. Our industry has lost one of their greatest...
Shahani Kariyawasam from Calgary wrote on April 18, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Ming was an exceptional colleague and friend. He was brilliant but always humble and caring. He took time to discuss and answer questions from everyone. I will miss him!
Lisa Primeau wrote on April 18, 2024 at 11:08 am
I count myself blessed and fortunate to have known Ming and been a part of his life at Blade, albeit a short time since I've only been with Blade since 2022. I will always fondly remember his kindness, compassion, and still chuckle at how he would apologetically ask me to help him with something. Reading all the memories people have of him and how many lives he touched shows what a gifted and remarkable person Dr. Gao was and will continue to be. I consider it an honor to have had the privilege of calling him a friend. I'll never forget how he would approach me and greet me, grasping my hand within both of his and smile a hello. Rest in peace, Ming.
wrote on April 18, 2024 at 5:55 pm 
