Thomas G. Krzewinski, an internationally recognized expert in cold regions geotechnical engineering who shared his knowledge as an ASCE leader, has died. He was 73.
An ASCE life member, he was president of the ASCE Duluth (Minnesota) Section and a past Region 8 governor representing Alaska. He also served on the ASCE Codes and Standards Committee.
Krzewinski, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, worked across North America on large infrastructure and industrial development projects such as the Trans Alaska Pipeline, the Red Dog Mine in northwestern Alaska, multiple bridges and realignment of the Alaska Railway, and a new railway to the Ring of Fire mining area in Ontario, Canada. He also worked on local, state, and federal transportation projects, railroad facilities, and foundations for hundreds of bridges, buildings, and earth embankments.
His career had an auspicious start, aiding in the design and construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline almost immediately after graduating from the University of Minnesota. Afterward, he managed the Alaska operation of consulting network Dames and Moore, beginning an engagement with the Red Dog Mine that continued until his passing. While at Dames and Moore he was also very active in development of the infrastructure supporting oil development on Alaska's North Slope and other development projects across the state.
Krzewinski left Alaska for 15 years to return to his native Duluth, Minnesota, and be closer to family while working for American Engineering. Returning to Alaska in 2002, he worked for Golder Associates and WSP through the end of his career, continuing to support development in Alaska and other northern environments.
He was an active contributor to furthering cold regions engineering through involvement in ASCE’s Technical Council for Cold Regions Engineering, which was succeeded by the Cold Regions Engineering Division, as well as the United States Permafrost Association, the International Permafrost Association, and the International Association for Cold Regions Development Studies, as well as being active on organizing committees for multiple international conferences and publishing extensively about his work.
He received many accolades for his cold regions research, among them ASCE’s Harold R. Peyton Award in 1998, and the Construction Specifications Institute's Technical Certificate of Merit in 1999.
Krzewinski was named Alaska Engineer of the Year for 2009, and the next year was honored with ASCE’s Can-Am Amity Award. He was a past president of USPA and had once served as official U.S. representative to the International Permafrost Association.
Krzewinski was an avid fisherman and Boy Scout leader, and with his wife raised three children.
