Tribute Given by Ruth Eng

Loving. Considerate. Warm. Gentle. Dependable. Persevering. Forgiving. A Provider. An Instructor. A People Lover...

So many ways to describe a full and varied life, but it came down to my dad being a loving family man who treasured what really matters. As his youngest child who came along as a “surprise” when my parents already thought their family was complete, my dad always treated me like his bonus. My earliest memories of him are of being carried around by his strapping 6' frame and him bringing treats home for me after a long day at work.

He always put his family and friends first. If you had Ching Fang Hsu as your friend, you had a friend for life. When it came to names and faces, he had the memory of a 20-year-old, because people mattered so much to him.

My dad had real magnetism and often would turn a stranger into a buddy within a short time. Restaurant customers were always greeted warmly, like old friends. Once, on a flight home, he charmed the flight attendant so much that she commented to my family on the plane how adorable he was. When they landed, she even handed him a slip of paper with her name, address, and phone number!

He had a way of nabbing good deals, and this was evident to the very end. NW Hospital recently began charging for parking, but none of the dozens and dozens of visitors who came to see him had to pay a dime. That’s because he was there on Sat. and Sun., when parking is free. Lots of phone calling was going on, but because it was the weekend, we had plenty of cell phone minutes. I like to think this was also a reflection of his consideration for others. We also can’t help but get a kick out of the fact that this memorial is being held on the one day out of the whole year that the church comes together to clean... so his final stop at his home of worship is occurring when the grounds are in such good shape.

As the years wore on and more and more of his friends passed on, my dad and mom regularly attended hospital bedsides and funerals like today. Yet he didn’t despair, and expressed to me years ago that he had no fear of the journey to the other side. Before my dad slipped into unconsciousness, he told me he felt no pain. It must be that it was just his time to go. Even the prophet Elijah, who did not have to shed his mortal tabernacle like the rest of us, had his appointed time on earth, and God removed him at his set time. May my dad’s faith and virtues continue to be an inspiration to us all.