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Prakash Krishnaswami, 51, a long-time resident of Manhattan, died on Oct. 30, 2008.

Dr. Krishnaswami died at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in India to Mr. C.S. Krishnaswami and Padma Krishnaswami. He leaves behind his dear wife Sujatha and son Azad, his parents, brothers Ravi of Detroit, Mich. and Suresh of Cupertino, Calif., and their families.

Prakash Krishnaswami, professor at Kansas State University, was an optimistic, humane, and devoted scholar. He was known for the clarity, precision, and high standards with which he lectured. His desk and office floor were piled high with manuscripts, turned machine parts, and gears. His focus was always on research of lasting impact.

"Prakash was a talented colleague and caring teacher. He was a scholar, beloved friend, and free-spirited individual," said Mo Hosni, head of the mechanical and nuclear engineering department.

"Prakash had a solid technical background and vast knowledge of contemporary topics. He specifically sought and worked on those research projects that would have a lasting impact on the betterment of human lives," Hosni said, adding that Prakash was a "thoughtful and demanding teacher who gave crystal clear lectures without notes and often offered help sessions to ensure that his students learned the materials covered in class.

"Since the summer of 2007 when he was diagnosed with leukemia, he remained hopeful and positive until the very end. We all will dearly miss him, his sense of humor, and his contagious laughter."

He joined the mechanical and nuclear engineering department in 1984, after formal education at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, SUNY (M.S.), and the University of Iowa (Ph. D). Throughout his career, he taught more than 21 different classes, ranging from introductory graphics to advanced mathematics.

His research was in the areas of design optimization, computer-aided manufacturing, and solution methods for structural analysis. He was the major advisor for six Ph.D. students and 27 master's students. He authored more than 70 papers and was active in organizing international conferences. In 2003 he spent a year on sabbatical at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, India.

He served on many committees in the department, engineering college and university. Much of his service to the university reflected his commitment to fairness and cross-cultural communication. He loved music and helped the India Students Association bring live performances to Manhattan; some rousing ragas ending with the audience leaping to their feet in shouts and applause.

While a student in the Indian Institute of Technology (Madras, India), he honed his writing skills as the editor of the "Campastimes," a college newspaper. Ever since, he was known for his flair for writing. He had multiple interests — a keen quiz competitor, a sports enthusiast appreciative of the finer points of tournament sports like basketball and football and himself was a keen volleyball player. He was passionate about solving crossword puzzles and his interest in music ranged from Rock to Ragas.

In the Manhattan community, he was a Good Samaritan with a helping hand and was loved and admired for his ever-smiling and cheerful temperament. Children loved him and young people were inspired by his leadership qualities.

He, his wife Sujatha and their son, Azad, a sophomore at Manhattan High School, made an adorable family circle. They were mutually reinforcing and supportive. Their hospitality at their home on festive occasions has always been widely talked about. Friends, students and the Indian community in Manhattan simply summed him up: "A good man."

The family of Dr. Krishnaswami will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home Web site at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Kansas 66502