STEPAN GEORGIEVICH MASHNIK June 1, 1952 – Sept. 8, 2016

A beloved father, husband, grandfather and accomplished scientist, Stepan Mashnik, died after bravely battling lung cancer for 10 years on September 8, 2016 at the age of 64. Stepan’s life journey is a true testament of inner strength, perseverance and passion.

He was born in a small rural village of Republic of Moldova in Soviet Union and found a passion for physics and science at the age of 14, to which he dedicated his entire life. He received his PhD in Physics from Lomonosov Moscow State University and worked at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia after his postdoctoral research. In 1997, he immigrated with his family to Los Alamos, United States where Stepan continued his scientific journey at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for the next 20 years until a few days before his death (Theoretical Division, followed by the X-Division).

He has made a great contribution to the scientific community, publishing hundreds of papers, presenting at countless international conferences and mentoring young researchers. He loved and found great purpose in his work until his last days.

In addition to work, Stepan immensely enjoyed travelling all around the world with his wife, Nadia Mashnik, having travelled to numerous countries in Europe, Asia and South America. He loved swimming, cross country skiing, going on runs with his dog, and making video montages of places he had visited. He appreciated aesthetics and art and spent countless hours working on DIY house and garden projects.

Stepan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nadia Mashnik of Los Alamos, his daughters Paulina Mashnik-Muying of California and Daria Mashnik of Washington, DC, and his grandson Luke Myung. Stepan and his constant optimism, loyalty and integrity will be deeply missed by his family and friends and all those who knew him. The memorial service will be held at Fuller Lodge on Monday, October 3, at noon.