U Ba Than

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Introduction

• My saya at RIT. He taught Mechanical Drawing and Strength of Materials.
• Gave me rides to RIT in his white Zephyr. Several thought I was his nephew.
• My cousin. His father is my mom’s elder brother. His mother is my dad’s elder sister.
• Had many photo albums. He would show them to me and former students.
• Several years ago, he has a Stroke. His family members hired nurses & assistants to speed up his recuperation.
• His son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren provided him with tender, loving care.
• His physical and mental health declined in his 90s.
• He passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.

Brief Bio

• Born on October 2, 1930.
• He is the second among nine siblings.
• Siblings : U Tin U, U Ba Than (GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Daw Myint Thwe (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon, U Myo Min, U Thaung Lwin, Daw Cho Cho Hlaing

• Spouse : Daw Mya Mya
• Son : U Ye Than (Winner Inn)
• DIL : Daw Lwin Mar Oo
• Grandchildren : Aung Myo Myint & Ei Khine

• Matriculated from St. John’s Dio in 1947. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
• In 1949, received Gold Medal for Highest Marks in I.Sc (Combined).
• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London University
• Joined Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer
• Colombo Plan Scholar to study Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College
• Promoted to Lecturer
• Retired as Professor
• Early supporter of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education). Hosted inaugural meeting. Donated photos.
• Invited former colleagues & students to his Birthday Soon Kyway
• Donated almost all of the Garawa money to selected charities.
• Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday.

Garawa

Paid respect to Saya U Ba Toke

By 69ers

U Aung Min (M69) & team would organize 69ers to pay respect to Saya around his Birthday.

Earlier events were at Winner Inn.

The photo below was taken at Saya’s new house.

By M75

Maurice Chee, U Win Khaing (GBNF) and several M75 had a reunion. They then visited Winner Inn to pay respect to Saya.

78th Birthday in 2008

He distributed his Memoirs.

82nd Birthday in 2012

90th Birthday in 2020

He received a Photo Album from his younger brother U Tin Htoon (A60).

Double Dana

He donated the Garawa money that he had received from the SPZPs to charities

• Jivitadana
• Little Sisters for the Poor
• Mary Chapman’s school for Deaf & Dumb
• …

Paying respect to Saya U Ba Toke