Dowon Hahn

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Do Won HAHN, beloved husband, father, grandfather, dear friend, and esteemed colleague. He passed away peacefully at 93, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family.

Born in 1931 in North Korea to HAHN Sung Bum and CHO Won Ok, Do Won was the eldest of seven children. His father, a successful businessman, was imprisoned by the Communist government and his mother, with foresight, sent young Do Won south with the hopes that he would continue his education and make a better life for himself. He left his home and family behind and made the perilous journey to South Korea on foot and became a refugee.

Do Won remained committed to his education and completed high school in Seoul working as a street vendor to pay his way. Against all odds, he arrived in the US with only $8. Here, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture-related fields from Michigan State University, and later a PhD in endocrinology from the University of Missouri. He was subsequently selected as a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, where he investigated areas of fertility regulation as he “decided to focus on something that would be of help universally, rather than just helping Korea’s farm industry.”

He overcame many daunting challenges with remarkable strength, perseverance, and courage, stemming from the values his parents instilled in him at an early age. Amidst so many hardships, he still considered himself to be lucky because someone came to his aid whenever he was in a dire situation. These experiences of personal struggle and the generosity of others laid the foundation for the compassionate and resilient person he became.

Do Won went on to become a leading figure in contraceptive and reproductive science with worldwide recognition. He had an outstanding career which spanned 30+ years with Johnson & Johnson, where he was the first to reach the top scientific position of Distinguished Research Fellow and received the company’s highest awards, including the prestigious Johnson Medal for the discovery and development of Norgestimate, the 1st oral contraceptive approved by the FDA in more than 20 years. He valued collaboration and mentorship and was considered the senior mentor to the entire field of contraceptive technologies.

Do Won was a devoted husband to his wife of 61 years, Myung Yun, creating an exceptional partnership built on everlasting love, respect, and shared adventures. He was the proud father of Charles Hahn (spouse Cortnee Blaser Hahn), Helen Fisher (spouse Eric Fisher), and Anna Hahn. As a grandfather, he loved and supported his grandchildren, Peter, Emma, and Abby Fisher, and his step-grandchildren, Mackenzee and Bryce Blaser. Do Won’s family was his greatest treasure, and he found endless pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow.

Known for his kindness, wisdom, intellect, and generous heart, Do Won possessed a quiet strength. His presence was both gentle and substantial. He was a supportive listener and trustworthy advisor. His love and support extended far beyond his immediate family and his dear friends. Keen to help others in meaningful ways, he made the whole world a better place. His brilliant mind was only surpassed by the brilliance of his heart. He was a beacon in life and remains one in our hearts.

A private memorial service will be held in his honor. The family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anna L. Blair Scholarship at Missouri State University, which is a scholarship that he established at the place where his life and education in the United States began in 1955.

About the scholarship:

Anna L. Blair Scholarship

Awarded annually to a full-time student majoring in a Foreign Language.

To learn who Anna Blair was to our father, please read this article in an MSU alumni newsletter: https://blogs.missouristate.edu/bearbulletin/2013/01/09/global-bears/

To donate to the Anna L. Blair Scholarship:

1. Go to The Missouri State Foundation Gift website - click here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1691/lg23/form.aspx?sid=1691&gid=2&pgid=508&cid=1177

2. Add your Gift amount.

3. Select “I would like to write in my designation.”

4. At “Additional Gift Details” type “Anna L. Blair Scholarship”

5. Further down the page, just above the “Personal Information” section, select “My gift is in honor or memory of someone,” click on the arrow and fill in the blanks.

6. Complete the rest of the form and submit.

Thank you!