Dear Chuck,

I am deeply grateful for the profound impact you've had on my journey as a graduate student. Your passion for science ignited a fire within me and led me to your lab, where I experienced unforgettable growth and learning.

Throughout my studies, your unwavering encouragement, resilience, and kindness were beacons of light, guiding me through both challenges and triumphs. Despite your mentorship role, you remained approachable and ever-eager to lend a helping hand.

Your guidance has shaped me into the scientist I am today, and for that, I am forever thankful. Your legacy will endure in our hearts and through the scientific pursuits you championed. Your absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt, yet your spirit will continue to inspire us all.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Malachia

Dear Chuck,

Elisa and I are both devastated by the news. You were beyond significant in my life as a scientist, and I will always remember you as a great collaborator and a friend. Your passion and dedication for research and new discoveries are what keeps me motivated even to this date. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. You will always be remembered.

Our hearts go out to Wan-Jin and the family. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Chuck was an amazing human-being, and we will miss him very much.

Jin

Dr. Chan,

Thank you for your mentorship and the amazing research experience you gave my daughter, Sophia. As an untrained high school student, you accepted her into your lab amidst COVID and inspired her to love scientific research. She was passionate about your lab each week and was excited to learn the different techniques you and Eri taught her. You greeted me and my husband with hospitality and graciousness and took time from your busy day to show us around, explain your research, and take photos. Sophia and I will never forget you and we are so thankful to have met you. You are an inspiration to all. You left an indelible mark on Sophia as a role model and teacher. We will miss you. Thank you, Dr. Chan!

Tracy, Dennis and Sophia

Dear Chuck,

I was one of the many grad students whom you selflessly helped and guided along even though I was not in your lab or under your wing. Thank you for your generosity and inspiring journey.

Si Hui

Dear Chuck,
Like many others, I am devastated to learn about your early departure.
I had the rare privilege of meeting and collaborating with you, and I wish it would not be over. From the first moment I met you, I was struck by your kindness, generosity, sweet personality, and crazy hair ;-). Your scientific genius left an unerasable path that many will follow and carry the torch of discovery you lit forward.
Thank you for spending the brief 48 years here with us. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Oh Chuck,
I so enjoyed seeing your big smile every time I saw you, and I was awed by your incredible positivity and humor in the face of struggles. You will always be an inspiration to those who knew you. I will miss you.
-Tom

Dearest Chuck,

My heart is heavy from this news, but I found great solace in reading the tributes and stories on this website. I still remember sitting in on your seminar my first year of medical school and thinking to myself, "I've got to work with this guy." Your pure love and fascination with science was contagious and, as you know, was a big inspiration for me to eventually pursue a PhD. I found in you more than just a mentor, but a friend, who I could trust and rely on through thick and thin. I will remember all the laughs and the late-night stories in the FACS room. I will remember how you always went out of your way to help me or others, no matter the ask or time. Your selflessness, kindness, and warmth were boundless. You will live on in all the people you've touched and your science will continue to inspire generations to come. Thanks for all you've done for me and those around you, Chuck, and you will be dearly missed.

Best,

Gun

Dear Chuck,
The tributes here say it all. I am so saddened by your too soon departure. My deepest condolences to your family, loved ones and world-wide colleagues.
It was an honor to work right outside your office door and watch your successes that came with so much hard work, sacrifice and long hours.
I am grateful for the very fun times we've had with you, Wan-Jin and the gang, both in the Sierras and at the beach (although you were still working most of the time)! You will always be in our hearts.
Judy

Our sincerest condolences go out to Charles' family, friends, and colleagues from the entire team at the Arthritis National Research Foundation.

We were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Dr. Chan's work was immensely impactful and we are so grateful to have been a part of his research journey.

We would love to find a way to honor his legacy at the Foundation that you feel comfortable with.

Dear Chuck, it has been such an amazing experience to be a neighbor and colleague of you, and I am incredibly grateful for the amazing support and the brainstorming sessions we had on setting up novel single-cell experiment, and just being inspired by your science has been such a treasure that I'll forever miss. My deepest condolences and wishes to your family. We will be building on the knowledge you've fiercely generated to continue the science. Thank you!

Chuck,

your kind, caring personality and brilliant scientific mind are a huge loss to all of us who were lucky enough to know you and had the chance to work with you. I miss you and hope that you are at peace.

To Chuck's family:
Treasure the memories of Chuck, think about him as he was when he was happy and healthy. Sending you strength to make it through his difficult time.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Andrea

Dear Chuckles,

Many conversations, even sometimes in canto, were an inspiration to think bigger! I'll miss those times in the present, and hope to restart them again in the future. May you rest in perfect peace.

Missing you,
Adriel

I was very saddened to hear the news of Chuck's passing and the thought of our loss still makes my heart heavy. I feel very thankful for getting to spend time with him in person at the last Weissman retreat, and for the many zoom calls we spent during the pandemic. I miss Chuck's smile, his contagious enthusiasm, his creative mind and his kind nature. You passed too soon, my friend, but you sure left your mark.

Kim

Dear Chuck: Few have accomplished so much in so little time. I'm so sad to hear about your loss and my heart goes out to your loved ones and family.

You leave an increadible legacy of scholarship - work that is timeless and holds such potential to change lives.

I'm grateful to have learned from you many years ago when I entered Irv's lab - you were incredibly patient with me and taught me how to think (& work deep into the night!) like a scientist.

I also got to watch you grow into a leader and saw you build and work with an incredible team. Your passion was infectious for your work and, yes, it was just amazingly creative.
You and your family are in my thoughts. With deepest sympathy, Daniel Corey MD

Dear Chuck,

I am grateful that you took me on as a rotation student, all those years ago. I remember when you welcomed me, drove me around (I didn't have a car), and got me Chinese food and bubble tea. It was kind of you.

Your way of doing science was incredibly unique. Even to this day, I deeply admire your creative and out of the box approach to synthetically build stem cell niches "from the ground up" to explore aspects of niche biology that would be almost impossible to explore by "breaking down" existing stem cell niches, which is what almost everyone else does.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely yours,
Kyle

Chuck, my friend!! I miss you. I hope you rest in peace.

We have so much memories together. This news came to me as a shock!
I still can't digest it. I will always wonder what we would have done together.

You have always inspired us with high hopes and big dreams.
I offer my deepest condolences to your family.

Hey Chuck,

I still remember the day you asked me to do a journal club as a rising college sophomore who had barely a grasp on the field of skeletal biology. I was super stressed, but I remember you were there guiding me along as I was presenting the paper to the lab. I think this really exemplified the professor you were, so kind, so helpful, and always so generous with your time in helping students, all the way from undergraduates to postdocs, with their future aspirations. I wish there was more time so I could you tell that I will be heading to UCSF for the summer. Words can't describe what Stanford and the stem cell community have lost.

I will always miss your mentorship

-Alvin

Dear Chuck,

Thank you for dreaming big dreams and being a beacon of inspiration, for checking in on me during late nights in lab and for having my back during key moments in my graduate career -- from my qualifying exam to my postdoctoral search. You always made time for me and had spot-on advice. You were brilliant in every way.

Amy

I'm going to miss our conversations and your advice. You were a compassionate friend and talented scientist. Things won't be the same without you.

Dear Chuck,
You went out of your way to be a great colleague and mentor. You approached science with dedication and purpose, and you approached people with positivity, encouragement, and support. You touched a lot of people and your presence will be profoundly missed.

Dear Chuck,
I was deeply saddened and taken aback by the news of your untimely departure. I can’t even find the right words to express the profound sense of loss I felt. You were not just incredibly talented and hardworking, but also one of the kindest souls I've had the pleasure to work with. Our times collaborating over years at Stanford are memories I'll always cherish. You were taken from us way too soon. My thoughts are with your family, your team, and all your friends who are feeling this loss deeply. We’re going to miss you more than words can say. I hope you’re somewhere peaceful now, chasing after all those wonderful ideas and questions like only you could.
Fan Yang

Dear Chuck,

Working with you was a privilege. You combined a kind, gentle spirit with a brilliant mind. The world has lost one of the good ones.

Pam Sherwood

Dear Chuck,
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study under a scientist like you. I have never met someone so dedicated to their work. Everyday, you were there to encourage us, offer advice, or simply sit around the lab and crack jokes. I learned so much in such a short period of time, I felt so supported and appreciated working with you. You created a place that was both fun and challenging to work in.
I am proud to call you my mentor and friend, I hope you find peace and rest. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.

You will be missed,
Suzan Stavitsky

Dear Chuck
I am so sad. I miss you already.
Love
Your friend Derrick

Lieber Chuck,

letzte Woche hast Du zu früh diese Welt verlassen. Ich werde Deine Hilfe während meiner Zeit in Stanford nie vergessen. Du hast mir gezeigt, dass exzellente Wissenschaft und Forschung auf der einen Seite und Menschlichkeit, Aufrichtigkeit und Integrität auf der anderen Seite zusammengehören. Ich bin sicher, dass das Leben mit dem Irdischen nicht endet und ich freue mich darauf, Dir, Deinem Interesse, Deiner Offenheit und Deiner Menschlichkeit in Zukunft wieder zu begegnen.

Tristan

Dear Chuck,

Your passion for science has always been ahead of us.
You will be missed.

-Jun

Dear Chuck,

We are so saddened that you are no longer here with us. I will very much miss our conversations about science and the chance to experience your brilliance. On behalf of the Immunology program, thank you for everything you contributed, for teaching, mentoring, and inspiring our students, and for always being willing to pitch in and help. Your legacy will live on with everyone you’ve touched here. 

Olivia

Dear Chuck,

May your kindness and legacy inspire generations of scientists to continue the quest for knowledge and understanding.

Evelyn Hernandez

Dear Chuck,

It doesn't feel real to me. The last time we met in person was at Malachia's defense. You were so cheerful and energetic. I'm thankful that I got the opportunity to be a CIRM intern in your lab for a year. You were always there to answer questions and provide support in the lab. Such as demonstrating surgeries. You made me enthusiastic about science. Thank you for helping me with my PhD applications this year. I hope one day I can become a scientist you'll be proud of.

You will always be missed,
Alina Alam

Dear Chuck,

It’s hard to grasp that you’re no longer with us. Reflecting back, I still remember the feeling of being awe-struck by your talk in Vienna in 2018, where I first met you. From our initial meeting in your office during my first week at Stanford—where we discussed lab rotation project at 9pm —to countless late-night conversations about experiments, and memories shared at the flow cytometer, these memories are as vivid as if they had happened yesterday.

Your fervent passion for science and unwavering motivation have not only inspired but also profoundly impacted many students. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been one of those touched by your generosity and dedication.

As a mentor, you embodied generosity and hard work within the stem cell institute, setting a high benchmark for us all. Your commitment as a teacher and mentor was unwavering, and your hard work and drive for science has been a continuous source of inspiration for me. I am lucky to have the opportunity to tell you this while you were still right in front of me.

You were a true pioneer in the field of skeletal stem cell biology. Though my time learning from you was brief, it was immensely impactful and unforgettable. Your legacy continues to motivate me to work even harder to diligently pursue advancements in the blood and bone stem cell field, honoring your memory in the most fitting way possible!

You will be terribly missed, yet your influence endures, guiding many, including myself, to forge ahead with the same courage and commitment you exemplified.

Dear Chuck,

I am sad that you are no longer with us. I will cherish how your kind and enthusiastic greetings along the hallway and conversations during institute events gave me a warm sense of collegiality and belonging. My heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to your family.

-Lay Teng

Dear Chuck,
I can't believe you're no longer with us. Our encounters on the third floor of the institute, where your smile always greeted me, now feel like cherished memories. I had no idea about your illness, and I'm deeply sorry that our science couldn't prevent your untimely passing. I liked your biological approach and had high hopes that you would shine in the next generation of regenerative medicine. Your loss, as a talented and promising scientist, motivates me to work even harder to advance our research. We'll all miss you terribly. The world feels a little less vibrant without you."

Dear Chuck,

I still couldn't believe that you would not be present in the lab and chat with us anymore. You were such a brilliant scientist and supportive mentor who was always ready to help advance my research and career. Even during our last conversation, two days before you left, you were still helping me by establishing connections with other institutes, paving the way for my future. I am so glad and proud to be your student. Your absence will forever be felt.

Liming

Dear Chuck,

You were a real pioneer that changed the world forever with your science. The rest of us will be left walking down the scientific paths you cleared. Wish that we'd had longer together to talk and learn from you. I wish comfort and peace to your family and friends.

Matt

Dear Chuck,
It's been incredibly hard to accept that you're gone, and your memories linger in my thoughts, even manifesting in my dreams. You were not just a brilliant scientist, but also remarkably down-to-earth, kind, humorous, full of life and always ready to help. Your youth, intelligence, humility, and simplicity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know you.
I'll always remember the night when, of your own accord, you stayed up until 3 a.m. to help Debashis during your visit to us. Your presence made Stanford feel like home in our every visit even after Debashis had been away for so long. I will never forget your encouragement of my improved English skills and introduction to ChatGPT will forever be cherished as part of your legacy.
May your impactful work be preserved for generations to come. My prayers go out to Wanjin, family and friends, wishing them strength during this difficult time.

Dear Chuck,
We miss you and how you always had a kind word to say; how you always stepped up to help someone when they asked for your help; how you passionately believed in science; how you always had a moment when we ran into you on campus/in the mouse house or called you; the list is long. The Immunology Program lost its kindest soul when you left us, we will forever honor your memory and think with fondness of all the times you made us smile ❤ Big hugs, Lina and Grete

Chuck,

You changed so many people for the better in ways you probably didn't even realize. Always positive, gracious, and kind, even after one of your epic but routine 20 hour days in the lab (I remember once trying to set a curfew for you just so you would sleep!). I wish I had told you in life, but your legacy will live on in those you touched. I'll miss you, Chuck.

Dear Chuck,

It is heartbreaking to hear that you are no longer with us. You were a brilliant and fearless scientist, illuminating the field with groundbreaking work, 'soil-and-tree', 'fountain of youth', and beyond. You were a generous and humorous brother, always ready with a silly joke and your infectious laughter. We will miss you deeply!

Rong

Dearest Chuck,

Your zest for life, passion for science, patience and guidance as a mentor, kindness and warm as a dear friend will be so missed. From the moment we first met in January 2016 when you kindly picked me up from the Caltrain to meet with Dr Longaker you showed me nothing but kindness. You were like my academic big brother…funny, cool, super smart and charming. We had such fun over the years and discovered some amazing things! Even in the depths of those overnight experiments you always made it fun…you made work fun and life fun. Without exception you brought a smile to my face every time we talked. Dear Chuck we had so many dreams and aspirations…and in your honour those aspirations will come to be. You live on in all those you mentored and all those who had the opportunity to bear witness to your genius! You will always be an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace my dear friend. Síocháin air/ Rest in Peace.

Im devastated by this horrible news. The world lost a great mind and we lost a brother and friend. Chuck, you have touched the heart of many and will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to the family.

Dear Chuck,
You were one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people I knew. I will always be immensely grateful for the unconditional support you provided me when I most needed it, and for always leaving your door open for me to discuss research projects or life goals. Thank you so much for everything! I will dearly miss you!

Chuck, I'm going to miss your quirky humor, gentle smile, insatiable curiosity, and kindness. You were the scientist's scientist - always pushing yourself and others to think bigger and to do things the right way, even when it wasn't expedient. You remain an inspiration to me and to so many others who were lucky enough to call you their colleague and friend. Rest in peace, my brother.

Dearest Chuck,
What an amazing, passionate life you led! I was so lucky to be your friend and will forever cherish your memory. All my love to Wan-Jin and your family,
Cindy

Dear Chuck,

Looking forward to chatting more about our adorable, cute, and silly cats sometimes. 

Thank you for everything. We already miss you dearly.

Dear Chuck,

You are the forever sunshine that lights up my life. I miss all your kind words of encouragement, the quirky lines of humor, and your firm steps of action. Your life was stolen too quickly, but your impact will continue, on all who you cared and all who cared for you.

Yunxiao

Dear Chuck family, team members and colleagues, I am deeply saddened to hear about Chuck's passing. He radiated exceptional intellect, positive energy, and kindness. His accomplishments in research were remarkable, yet he remained humble and down-to-earth. He had a way of making everyone feel smarter and kinder, just by being around him. His absence will be deeply felt, and his memory cherished dearly. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. Heike E. Daldrup-Link

Chuck was a kind, brilliant, and fearless scientist. He was a source of joy in the lab and beyond, and he will be sorely missed by all of us. I'm so sorry he left us so soon.
Warmly,
Lauren

Dear Chuck,

You were my sounding board for many scientific discussions and life updates. I will miss the times when we grumbled, about grant writing and things we mutually disliked. Thank you for being my friend, for introducing me to some of my best friends and for always being there. You led your life with such integrity and strength. I will miss you.

Melanie

Chuck,
I am greatly saddened to hear that you are no longer with us. You have always been kind and warm, and a source of strength and comfort for me during difficult times. I cannot recall how many late night lab sessions we have had together, where your wisdom and humor kept me going the extra mile. Your empathy and presence were constant sources of support for me during those times.

Your passion for science and research was inspirational, and you pushed the boundaries of knowledge greatly with your work. But for you life was always so much more than that. It was about family, friendships, relationships, people, and all the values that makes us better people. You have left the people around you better than when we first met you. I will mourn you and miss you dearly, but I wish you bon voyage on your last journey.

Ming

Chuck,
   You were such a bright light in our close and large community. Your pure passion for science, generosity in helping people and fun personality will be dearly missed but always remembered. You will continue to be an inspiration to me and many others. 

-Mark