Bing Poon

During his 35-year career in pharmacology, Bing Poon helped enhance the lives of many fellow American soldiers. His gift to ACS will benefit other chemists aspiring to change lives through science.

Bing Poon approached life with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. A 60-year member of ACS, Bing seized every opportunity to improve the lives of those around him.

When his college education was interrupted by World War II, Bing enlisted in the army and served overseas. Returning home with numerous commendations, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroic achievement, Bing completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley and earned his master's degree and Ph.D. at the University of Colorado.

Merging his love for chemistry with his allegiance to the Army, Bing spent 35 years working in pharmacology at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C., as part of a team that developed anti-parasitic drugs for military use. Even after his retirement, Bing was fascinated with the latest developments in chemistry and those who benefited from them, attending conferences and visiting with wounded soldiers at Walter Reed.

Enjoying All Life Had to Offer
While his professional life was dedicated to chemistry, Bing's personal passion was skiing. He rigorously pursued his goal of becoming a certified ski instructor and reached associate certification (Level II) with the Professional Ski Instructors of America. In his personal fashion of living life to the fullest, Bing died at age 85 while skiing in Vermont.

"He had a love for life," says Bing's skiing instructor and friend, Mac Jackson. "He believed in doing as much as he could do while he was alive."

Preserving the Things That Mattered Most
But Bing also believed in planning his estate so his resources would continue to enrich other people's lives after his death. He wanted to help sustain organizations that had been important to him-his schools, veteran groups and ACS.

Because he wanted to give back in a way that would allow ACS to determine the best use of his funds, Bing opted for an unrestricted charitable gift annuity. The gift annuity provided him with extra payments during his lifetime and now supports ACS and its programs.

Bing's determination to make a difference through chemistry will live on in his legacy at ACS.