Yu was one of the most compassionate, brilliant, and inspiring men I have had the pleasure of working with. A true force for good in this world. His work and wisdom will live on forever. Yours in gratitude and education, Joel Thomas

Dr. Yu was one of the most compassionate, brilliant, and inspiring people I have ever had the honor of working with. The world lost a great man and I lost a good friend. He touched so many lives through education and saved so many through his Sponge Cities. I know his work and spirit will live on forever.

译文：

余博士是我有幸共事过的最富同理心、才华横溢且令人敬仰的学者之一。他是世间真正的善念践行者。他的事业与智慧必将永垂不朽。
——心怀感恩与教育之情的乔尔·托马斯

余博士是我有幸共事过的最富同理心、才华横溢且令人敬仰的人之一。世界失去了一位伟人，而我失去了一位挚友。他通过教育事业启迪了无数生命，又凭借“海绵城市”理念拯救了万千生灵。他的事业与精神必将永垂不朽。