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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Henn Kilkson

Henn Kilkson passed away June 9, 2019. Henn was born in Tartu, Estonia and fled with his family to escape occupation during World War II.  After living in refugee camps in Germany, Henn immigrated with his family to the United States and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder upon his arrival. While at the University of Colorado, he attained a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science, also in Chemical Engineering.  He then received a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University.  He was a member of American Chemical Society, American Institute Chemical Engineers, New York Academy of Sciences, and Sigma Xi. Henn possessed great passion and curiosity in the field of Chemical Engineering and set forth on a long, successful career in the field.

Henn started his career with the DuPont Company as a Research Engineer in Gibbstown, New Jersey, later transferring to the Engineering R&D Division in 1960.  During his time with DuPont, he was widely recognized for his contributions to the development of commercial processes for many successful polymers.  Later, Henn moved to the newer field of Life Sciences where he contributed to the commercialization of several biomedical products.  In 1989, He was awarded by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers the Thomas H. Chilton Award for his contributions in the field of Chemical Engineering that led to successful commercial applications.  Later, in 1990, Henn was promoted to the position of Departmental Fellow (DuPont Fellow), becoming the first engineer in the Engineering Department to receive the honor.   The position recognized the highest level of technical achievement and peer respect.  In 1996, after a career marked by passion and expertise in chemical engineering, Henn retired from Dupont.

During his time while working and into retirement Henn was passionate about sailing, reading, music and the arts.  In retirement he and his wife Reet developed a passion for traveling the world and dancing, two activities that helped them make many friendships.

Memories of Henn will be cherished by his family and friends and he will be missed.

Henn is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Rein and Are.  Survivors include his loving wife Reet, children Tiia Maxwell and Eero Kilkson, and grandchildren Taylor, Austin, and Courtney. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers who made his last year comfortable, especially Sunrise Senior Living in Wilmington.

A celebration of Henn’s life will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 where the family will receive beginning at 10:00 am.  Interment will be private.

 

 

 

 

 

Funeral Services

A celebration of Henn’s life will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 where a family reception will begin at 10:00 am. Interment will be private.

 

 

 

 

Condolences

    Peter Popper lit a candle and writes,
    Henn was not only a brilliant engineer, he was a wonderful person, admired by everyone.
    06/14/2019 05:36 pm
    Heikki Kilkson lit a candle and writes,
    Meie kaastunne. Heikki perega
    06/15/2019 03:30 am
    Connie Logothetis writes,
    Andy and I are so sorry to hear this news. We met the Henn and Reet through our daughter who was a Friends School classmate of Eero. In 2001 we enjoyed travelling with them on a trip to Egypt. We extend our deepest sympathy to all in the family. Connie Logothetis
    06/17/2019 09:10 pm
    Madis Mägiste writes,
    Avaldan kaastunnet kõigi Kalmarisugulaste nimel. Ühisest lapsepõlvest Tartus on ju möödunud palju aastaid, aga rõõmustav on siiski et meil on olnud võimalik ka isiklikult kohtuda nii Wilmingtonis kui Kalmaris, kuigi jõud ja tervis viimastel aastatel on raskendanud ühenduse pidamist. Mõtleme eriti teie peale just täna,
    06/18/2019 05:45 am
    Elo lit a candle and writes,
    Dear family, On behalf of the Valdsaar’s, we express our great appreciation for the life of your father. The Wilmington Estonian’s were such a emotional support for one another and got together to celebrate many events - including your births Tiia and Eero. Your parents were constant and dependable. He was very focused on your futures. I remember how he did not want to dwell on your bad accident Tiia, but wanted to focus on how you were doing well and how grateful he was for that. Eero I remember how your father was stroking your hair and how everyone laughed at how cute you were! The last time I saw him he talked about the war. I think he was able to survive because he was so careful and thinking through his actions. All the oldest people sat and talked about how they felt during that time. Their can do attitude showed through all their stories. When I dropped your Dad off after my Dad’s memorial at Helena Otsa’s house I saw how your Dad was struggling with his own health but how he was still lovingly organizing your mother and trying to keep her in a routine. I know that it was a real final challenge. God bless you and a special hug to your Mom from Elo - the eldest daughter of Herbert ( fellow Duponter) and Ellen Valdsaar ( the singer). Maybe your Mom is still able to remember them. Your Mom added a real warm happy atmosphere to the Estonian ladies get-togethers. She was so sweet to everyone. We wish your family further strength as you draw together. Our heart- felt condolences to your whole family. Elo Valdsaar, husband James Law, daughters Elle and Mailiis Law Living in North Carolina
    06/19/2019 08:01 am

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