Last Days with Dr. Deming

Dr. W. Edwards Deming worked harder and enjoyed his job more than anyone else. At the age of 93, he conducted one of his 4-day seminars in Los Angeles two weeks before his death. His inspiring presentations of continual improvement for western management continued to adapt as he learned new ideas. His approach to management and methodologies on quality management continue to be followed today. Many look at William Edwards Deming's work with Japanese industries and company executives as real-life examples of Continuous improvement.

Last Days of Dr. Deming's Four-Day Seminars

A student from one of his seminars recalled attending one of his classes earlier that year. As described by the student, W. Edwards Deming was 93 years old, he weighed less than 100 pounds, and his body had basically been destroyed. On his belt was an oxygen tank, and oxygen was being pumped into his nose. The seminar was coming to an end. On the final day, William Edwards Deming gave the first part of his lecture. While he coughed and wheezed, he was shaking and had trouble reading his notes. After the first break, a student came up to him and said, Dr. Deming, you're old, you're tired, you're sick, you're coughing and wheezing. Why don't you cancel the next six hours of the seminar and go home to rest? Nobody will be upset. Everyone will understand. Looking the student in the eye, William Edwards Deming replied, I'm doing this because I am responsible for making a difference. Deming passed away on 20 December 1993 at his Washington home, where he had lived since 1946, just ten days after completing his final four-day seminar in California. Approximately a quarter of a million people attended Dr. Deming's four-day seminars between 1980 and 1993. Deming’s lasting legacy is best exemplified by his System of Profound Knowledge.