John Shupe, renewable energy expert, dead at 77

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

John W. Shupe, former dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, died Aug. 23 in San Diego of congestive heart failure. He was 77.

Shupe was one of the leading experts for renewable energy in Hawai'i and served as consultant for state, county and city projects concerned with energy problems.

Shupe wrote more than 50 technical reports and publications, frequently on renewable energy resources such as geothermal, wind, solar and biomass.

"John Shupe was an outstanding, effective, productive person who brought Hawai'i many lasting benefits," said Wytze Gorter, professor emeritus of economics at UH. "The state and the nation benefited from his interest in the harnessing of alternate forms of natural energy."

During his tenure at UH, Shupe was chosen Hawai'i's "Engineer of the Year" for his contributions to education, leadership in energy research and community activities, according to the Hawai'i Society of Professional Engineers.

Shupe, who was born in Kansas, was stationed in England during World War II and flew numerous missions over Germany as a B-17 navigator. In a flight over Leipzig, he suffered near-fatal shrapnel wounds. For that, he received a Purple Heart and distinguished flying cross.

Following the war, his college studies emphasized engineering and teaching, and prior to moving to Hawai'i in 1965, his time was largely spent at Kansas State University.

When he left Hawai'i, he became director of the Pacific Site Office of the U.S. Department of Energy in San Diego. He had lived in San Diego since 1996.

"He was a very vibrant guy," said longtime friend David W. Eyre. "He had a nice sense of humor."

Shupe is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; sons John, George, Steven and daughter, Christine; and 10 grandchildren.

Services were held on the Mainland. Contributions in his memory can be made to the San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, Calif., 92103.