ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our belovec friend,王强 John Wang. We will remember him forever.
November 22, 2022
November 22, 2022
又一年的感恩节快到了,王强,想念你!希望你在天国还好!小鹿很坚强,我们会相处如姐妹…
April 24, 2022
April 24, 2022
一首老歌,好似这一年的心境
谢谢你三十年的相识相爱,相知相守
你一直在我的心里,永不离开

I wanted you for life
You and me
In the wind
I never thought there come a time
That our story would end
It's hard to understand
But I guess I'll have to try
It's not easy
To say goodbye.

For all the joy we shared
All that time we had to spend
Now if I had one wish
I'd want forever back again
To look into your eyes
And hold you when you cry
It's not easy
To say goodbye

I can remember
All those great times we had
There were so many memories
Some good some bad
Yes and through it all
Those memories will last
Forever

There's peace in where you are
May be all I need to know
And if I listen to my heart
I'll hear your laughter once more
And so I got to say
I'm just glad you came my way
It's not easy to say
Goodbye

Goodbye ❤️❤️❤️️️️
May 25, 2021
May 25, 2021
I was shocked and deeply sadden by the loss of my dear friend, John Wang today. I met John when we both started our Job at Sprint in Kansas in 1995. Since then, we became close friends for more than 25 years. When John moved to San Francisco in 1997, I met him every time I traveled to San Francisco. John always took me to tour the scenic view in San Francisco and to enjoy authentic Chinese food in China Town. I still remembered the delicious seafood and steak that John prepared at home for me. We also met each other in Charlotte, whenever John had business trip to the city. The last time, I had lunch with him was at China Town in San Francisco in 2018. He was strong in the good spirit. I saw his Wechat Moment that he was enjoying the ski trip at Tahoe. I could not believe that he left us. To me, John always lives in my heart as a friend and brother. May he rest in peace in heaven.
May 22, 2021
May 22, 2021
John,

I am borrowing a historian’s tribute to image your last words at the hospital bed from your soul:

"Friends and relatives, the seasonable period of my departure is now arrived, and I discharge, with the cheerfulness of a ready debtor, the demands of nature.
I have learned from philosophy how much the soul is more excellent than the body; and that the separation of the nobler substance should be the subject of joy, rather than of affliction. I have learned from religion that an earlier death has often been the reward of piety; and I accept, as a favor of the gods, the mortal stroke that secures me from the danger of disgracing a character which has hitherto been supported by virtue and fortitude.
I die without remorse, as I have lived without guilt. I am pleased to reflect on the innocence of my private life; and I can affirm with confidence that the supreme authority, that emanation of the Divine Power, has been preserved in my hands pure and immaculate. Submitting my actions to the laws of prudence, of justice, and of moderation, I have trusted the event to the care of Providence.
I now offer my tribute of gratitude to the Eternal Being. He has given me, in the midst of an honorable career, a splendid and glorious departure from this world."

Peace upon you.
May 16, 2021
May 16, 2021
昨天在小鹿家里见到了他们的两个女儿。两个孩子都非常美丽聪明。更让我们印象深刻的是她们那么懂事,善解人意,待人接物礼貌又得体。好让人喜爱!有这样好的孩子陪伴妈妈,王强应该放心了。

昨天从孩子们那里拿了几包勿忘我(Forget Me Not)的种子,作为对王强的纪念。老董上网查了一下,这种花适宜在潮湿的环境生长。老董说如果把它们撒在有人管理的地方,长大以后就会被当作杂草除掉。所以我们选择了一处保护的比较好的野生环境--San Pablo Creek running through Orinda. 今早我们把大部分种子撒在了那里,一小部分留下种在自己家里。王强会永远被他热爱的大自然所怀抱,也会永远留在喜爱他的朋友们的心中。
May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
From Pascal Cai 菜田鼠:

Although I didn’t get to work with John during the Providian days, it was our tenure at Wells during which we got to know each other not only professionally, but also on a personally level. John always had a way to make someone feel at ease with his infectious laugh and his curiosity on any topic guaranteed an engaging conversation every time I stepped into his office. John is also one of the most spontaneous guys I know; he’d pop into my cube from time to time and exclaimed “Hey, Pascal, such a great day outside…let’s go grab lunch together!” We’d go to Julie’s Kitchen and enjoyed a meal under the warm sun, while chatting about any interesting topics of the day.

One story I’d like to share about John: Many years ago, when he realized I was in a serious relationship with a girl who moved to China to work as an expat, he was very happy for me while worried about the long-distance nature of this relationship. One day he called me into his office and told me he was aware of a recruiting efforts from a Chinese bank and he happened to know the hiring manager. “Pascal, you should give it a shot. This should be a great opportunity.” Little did I know, he had already pulled out all stops to make sure the hiring manager offer me the job. I eventually turned down the offer due to other reasons, but I will never forget how genuinely caring and empathetic John was. There are individuals in this world whom you are always glad you could call him/her a friend; a friend who makes your gloomy days brighter and cold nights warmer; John was a quintessential prototype. One of those days, I hope I would get another chance to sit under the warm California sun and enjoy a salad with you, John.

- Pascal Cai 菜田鼠
 
May 10, 2021
May 10, 2021
知道 John在跟疾病搏斗,接到他离去的消息,还是很震惊。我和 John在Concord office一起工作有三年多,一直到他因病离职,我们的办公位置很近,中间只隔着一条很窄的过道,工作时彼此都能看到对方,讨论问题也很方便。因为他的腰部有些不适,大多数时间,John是站着工作。John上班每天早上几乎必做的事是叫上周围的同事一起去大约两个街区远的咖啡店买咖啡,在来回的路上,和大家一起海阔天空地聊天。John的思想很活跃,兴奋点很多。
John是我们部们的主管,每天工作很忙,记得刚去时, John要约我吃午饭,结果那天一直等到快下午两点,他才开完电话会议。后来发现,大都数时候的中午午饭时间,John都在忙于各种会议。有一段时间,在 John 的秘书组织下,每个月末找一个时间,我们在concord工作的5,6个同事和 John一起挑一家好餐馆,大家可以放松就坐,一边品尝美食,一边开心畅谈。在Concord附近的多家餐馆,都留下了我们的欢声笑语。
John: 怀念和你一起经历的时光:我们在咖啡休息时间和午餐聚会中的闲聊,为了工作上的精益求精所进行的无数次专业讨论,你对工作,经济,和生活等方面的经验与智慧的分享,以及我们一起参与的许多丰富多彩的团队建设活动。有了爱和美好的回忆,你将永远活在我们的心中。
May 5, 2021
May 5, 2021
Dear Dad - happy 58th birthday. Wish we could celebrate it with you in person.

Us 4 girls (Mom, Tori, Steffi, and I) drove to Alameda to picnic by the seashore and walk along Crab Cove memory lane - where it all started for our family ~24 years ago, when you and mom moved from SF to Alameda. I still remember flipping rocks at low tide to find critters and sitting in your lap, soaking up the sun at outdoor parties and concerts.

Thanks for all the family adventures, outdoor escapades, and loving memories. They will always live on. Love is eternal, so that will have to do for now - until we see you again.

Yours always,
Iris
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
第一次见到John是2016年9月,我刚入职Wells的时候,在525,他的办公室。对John的第一印象是和蔼,干练,且有渊博的行业知识,正是这样的会面让我对这份工作充满憧憬。记得第一次做完大组内的presentation以后,得到了John的亲口赞扬,这也是对我莫大的鼓励。唯一一次跟John的私下的单独交流是一次在餐厅偶遇他,听他聊到了家中可爱的德国牧羊犬,让我对他有了更多的了解。在John因病离开工作一段时间后,他带着并未痊愈的身体再次回到岗位上,让我看到了他的专业与坚韧。一直希望John能再次回来,遗憾未能如愿,希望他一路走好,也希望爱他的家人们节哀顺变。
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
John, I will always remember your smiling face and contagious laughter. Such a down to earth and kind boss. You made everyone feel WELCOME! 
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
John是CIRM的代名词,也是一个我比较欣赏的那种当官不像官不是官的平易近人的老板。跟John交集不多,公司reorg离开CIRM前,跟John两个人单独一起到店里吃中饭只有一次,早知John会跳过人生中的老年生活,至少会一起多吃几次中饭的。一直祈盼John重回office工作,但终归未能如愿,很是sad。一路走好,John!也希望John的家人们节哀顺变!
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
有幸和John在525 market 23 楼共事多年。因为他的名字和我先生的英文名字一样,所以我对他有一种天然的亲近。John平易近人,和蔼可亲,乐观开朗,完全没有身居高位的遥不可及。他的办公室在去休息间打水的路上,每次路过,时常听见从他的办公室里发出的爽朗的笑声,让人也不禁会心一笑。记得有一次加班,打水从他的办公室经过。John关切的问我怎么还没回家。我苦着脸说,有个问题比较复杂,还没想好怎么做。他出主意说,请老板帮忙看看,把问题simplify。现在回想起来,算算时间,彼时他自己正在饱受病痛的困扰,却仍然热心地关心和帮助着别人。

翻看着大家的回忆,仿佛John就在我们的身边。一边微笑,一边泪水在眼里打转。John 并没有离去,他活在我们很多人的心间。
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
I first met John 20 years ago, back in 2001-2002, at Providian. I was at John’s team and built my first credit risk model under his guidance. After we went to different team/company, I met John couple time at ex-colleague’s home parties. Even though we haven’t been in touch in recent years, I always remember his energetic, outgoing, caring , optimistic and cheerful personality. John, you’ll be solely missed. May you rest in the peace you so deserve.
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
非常难过更难相信,为失去一位好朋友好领导而感到痛心不己。往日的一切就像电影翻片历历在目,John的音容相貌,开朗的性格,爽朗的笑声依然清晰。

还记得每逢春节好友们带着孩子们到我家来聚会,John和Xiaohong都是唱karaoke的高手 。好朋友们之间的友谊随孩子们的年龄一同成长。除了唱歌John还是滑雪的爱好者也是能手,冬天里经常和YIPING 一起相约去滑雪,有时和YIPING 一起带着小孩们一起去滑雪,这些美好的记忆会永远珍藏在心里。John是我的好同事好领导,从Providian到Wellsfargo几十载,我从John那里学到到许多的知识,得到了许多的帮助,滴滴在心。

John, 我们可亲可近的的好朋友,愿你在天堂得到安息。
May 1, 2021
May 1, 2021
John是我们在Wells Fargo 的同事。他才华横溢, 性格开朗, 知识渊博,虽然我们分管不同的portfolios, 在每个季度的portfolio review 总能看到他的深度分析,听到他爽朗的笑声, 睿智的点评。
我们同住在Lafayette , 如果在地铁上遇到通勤的john, 也是一大乐事,他丰富的知识, 总能把 当天的新闻, 各种经济分析说得非常有趣, 让我学到很多知识。
John生病以后, 他的乐观开朗让我印象深刻, 他对同事的热情关心, 对家人的关爱一丝一毫没有因为疾病而变化, John真的是我们的人生的榜样。

John, 愿你在天堂得到安息。
May 1, 2021
May 1, 2021
John and I went to the same college 40 years ago. We bonded by studied in the same campus for 5 years and then living in the same Lamorinda community for past decade. He is so energetic and inspirational whether on dinning tables or hiking trails. 一年半前我们一起去Lake Chabot hiking还记忆犹新, 那时的王强已经在进行各种痛苦的治疗,但仍然谈笑风生地走完九个多英里,一路关心大家。一帮年过半百的同学仿佛回到少年展翅高飞,连王强的爱犬都惊喜地看着我们。远足后野餐,喝酒,聊天吹牛。我们三位零字班的Lamorinda校友也有一种特别的Bond。自从得知师兄病危去世,心里面一直觉得很沉重。每每想起师兄神采奕奕的笑语,对夫人学妹的关爱和对两位女儿的自豪,心里充满了不舍。愿师兄一路走好,天堂安息!
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
"I am so sorry to hear about John’s death, and I send my condolences to Xun Lu. I am thinking about John and remembering his intelligence, kindness, and diligence."

From Anne Sibert, John's PhD advisor

April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
John's the kind of boss many would hope for. He's always thoughtful, supportive, calm, and trusting. It's been a blessing to be in his team for many years. He fought a good fight fearlessly and left behind fond memories of friendship, laughter, and courage that we'll never forget.
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
John hired me, so I could join my husband in the bay area. He is bright, cheerful, and full of life wisdom. Remember that he loved snowboarding and provided advices on from where to go ski, how to manage ski trip finance , to how to choose ski equipment. John wish you are in a comfortable place and continue to do what you love to do. I will miss you dearly. 
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
John and I were in adjacent offices that shared a common wall for years. The wall was thin enough that I would hear him laugh every day on the phone or with colleague in his office. It was a heart-felt and joyful laugh that seemed to carry him through the work day and invited others to join him. As a lucky neighbor, I received so much frank advice and genuine interest from John, and we'd generally end up laughing together when we talked in our offices. John, I will always remember your courage in facing your illness, your genuine concern for others -- and your laughter. Rest in peace, my friend.   
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
John, it has been a while since we last worked together but the memories of our work together over the years are still fresh in my mind. I admired your intellect, your positive approach and your tenacity for always looking for a positive path forward. I asked you an endless array (of what probably seemed like elementary questions ) questions and you always took time to make sure i understood before you moved on. Thank you for being a great example thru whatever adversity was put in front of you.  Rest in Peace dear friend.   
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
John was a dear colleague and friend. Our paths began to cross in 2006 when he brought me out of the asphalt melting Texas summer to a breezy yet chilly San Francisco. First thing he told me when I moved to the Bay Area was “buy a house now. Actually buy two houses. Don’t wait until you think you can afford it!” I wish I had listened to his wise words then and there.

There were so many fond memories of John, at work, casual, or close friendship. He had the cleanest office desk yet the messiest office floor at 525 Market St. 23rd floor. He scattered printouts and files around on the floor, seemingly chaotically. Yet for some magical reasons, he always managed to locate any files in a flash. He proudly called himself an order-less librarian.

John was a fun person to be around with. His laughs were contagious and his trademark. They illuminated the room and travelled to far away corners in the building, lightening up the entire office space. He didn’t take himself too seriously and always knew how to diffuse a contentious situation with jokes.

I learned a lot from John, professionally and personally. He was one of the few minority leaders back then who opened the doors and fostered a trusted environment for other minorities to start their careers in a banking industry. For that, we are forever indebted to him.

Rest In Peace John. May your memory be a blessing to your wife, your kids, your loved ones, and everyone fortunate enough to have known you.

Menglin Cao
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
"明月不归沉碧海,白云愁色满苍梧“
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
John,

You always had a smile and looked for opportunities to laugh.
You were a great listener. You always carried yourself with dignity and humility. You sought to create and preserve harmony. I always thought of you as my close friend. I will miss you very much.

God bless you and your family, David
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
小鹿传来然以置信的消息,两天了,王强和小鹿俩口子的身影停留在了92年,那时我们过得简单且很有目标,就是抓紧时间多学习,然后找工作,王强是我们这一群里第1个找到工作的,那时我们羡慕他开着新车去KC上班,他还给我们展示怎样在车前贴防晒反光的塑料薄膜 ,周末我们在校园的草坪上玩飞碟,打牌还用大伙赢的钱去KC中国餐馆改善生活,5年的学生生活我们都是混在一起的,那时我们真是过得简单而且开心,直到97年夏,王强带着小鹿去了加州,阴差阳错两次去都没有见到他们,所幸的是每年的节日问候和小鹿送来的家庭照,都让我为他们的生活的点点滴滴感到高兴 ,王强是幸运且幸福的,每张照片里都能看到了他对生活的满足和感恩,我们会永远记住你那充满自信的笑容,小鹿也永远是我们的好妹妹!
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
昨天惊闻王强因病撒手人寰,久久难以相信。记得大约五年前,我去美国,王强鹿迅和两个可爱的女儿在旧金山的香港餐馆请我吃了在德国吃不到的正统广式点心。席间王强款款而谈,跟二十多年前在KU时一样健康帅气、乐观开朗,仿佛岁月宠他,不忍心在他身上留下任何痕迹(证明不是只有美女喜欢帅哥)。当他说到高兴处,开怀大笑,像在KU时打牌嬴了时一样.....  两年前,王强和鹿迅的大女儿 Iris 在去Oxford上学之前,到我家住了几天。这么礼貌友好、开朗阳光、独立努力的优秀孩子真是凤毛麟角,从侧面反映了父母的高修养和高素质。Dear John, your willingness to render help , your contagious and cheerful laughter will be dearly missed. R.I.P. 走好安息。
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
认识John20多年了。有幸和他在两个公司同事,亦师亦友。好怀念一起吃午饭侃大山的日子。最后一次午饭是2019年夏天我去Concord上班时。那时他已经在家病休了。可当我看到一个身穿T恤短裤,精神头十足,开车来接我的John,是多么的感动和欣慰!谈起疾病,John是那么平和坦然,让我佩服,让我心疼。

好怀念John能量十足的样子。记得大约15年前在Lake Tahoe offsite meeting,当我笨手笨脚地和kayak争夺控制权时,看到John驾驶着一个jet ski在水上飞!

好怀念John那爽朗的笑声。印象很深的一次是我和John在staff meeting前排队领早饭,当时John是我们department的interim leader。我说,“Hey, it is John’s first staff meeting!” 他悄然回答,“also the last.” 我俩顿时爆发出哈哈大笑。真是一种风轻云淡的洒脱和爽快。

好怀念看到John的office开着门,就随意走进去聊几句的日子。聊聊家常,谈谈孩子,调侃中满满的是对妻子孩子的爱。有时不愿相信这种日子回不来了...... John,很感恩认识你。一路走好,我们天堂再会!
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
王强,早就知道你的身体不佳,可没有想到会这样发展下去。记得你在学校时学习优异,笑容满脸,是大学学习的榜样。后来到广东工作,还和苏青到蛇口见过你,你那时雄心万仗,很想大展一番拳脚。后来到了美国,则音信全无,直到2015年聚会时相见,已经是中年人的模样,但身体精神状态仍然不错。人生有许多困难的地方,也有许多不如意之处,希望兄弟经过一番磨难,能得到安详和平静。向你的家属表示慰问,节哀,向前看。
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
Jonh 兄,刚开始工作在Providian那会儿,说到risk说到modeling 你的名字如雷贯耳。后来有幸在Wells又跟你在工作上有了更多交集。你常来Concord Office 上班,记忆中印象最深刻的是下午上班困了的时候一起约到Office 后面的trail上一边hiking一边聊天,听你海阔天空的畅聊每次都让人开心的很,再回去工作也不困了。不觉得你离去了,你的音容笑貌犹在眼前犹在耳边。咱们hiking trail上再见。
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
A chance encounter with John was truly a delight. His smile and his laugh were contagious. Such a beautiful mind and a great big heart. I will miss you very much John. 
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
惊悉王强老兄仙逝,万分悲痛。与王强兄的密集相处已是30多年前的事了,细节都已模糊。不过,强兄之豁达开朗,就如同其爽朗的笑声一样留给我深刻的印象。同强兄的最后一次见面,是在2015年的4月26日,与经研七的十几位兄弟晚餐小聚,人多,也没能同强兄聊上几句,但得知他是银行业风险控制的大拿级人物。值得庆幸的是,此前不足两个星期,我到旧金山公干,与强兄在其办公室旁的一个咖啡馆共聚了两个小时左右。在春日的下午,我们坐在露天,欣赏着漂亮的街景,叙旧谈新,好不畅快。旧金山,美丽的城市,让我很开心。但最开心的莫过于与强兄的他乡遇故知,莫过于得知他有两个优秀的女儿。强兄很少在班里的微信群里发言,但他在群里分享了其女儿的一篇文章“Forgotten History and Erased Memories: Confronting Japanese World War II Atrocities”。由此可见一个慈父的女儿的欣赏。我也为我们能有这样的优秀下一代(不管他们是在中国、美国或世界上任何一个地方)而欣喜自豪。这篇文章,我至今保存。

人生无常,没有想到,2015年的这两次见面,竟成了从清华毕业以后30多年仅有的两次见面。

王强兄一路走好。今生我们有缘成为同窗好友。愿来生我们有缘继续做兄弟。

洪波
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
跟王强作邻居六年了。他是我聚会时用来“砸挂”的对象。我说他在老家还有一门包办的婚事,我说他跟小鹿恋爱时隐瞒年龄导致时间线出现问题…我天马行空地编造各种关于他的段子,王强从来都哈哈哈地跟着笑,像个尽责的捧哏演员。他生病之后我们也没断了聚会,我们一起爬山,一起吃饭打牌,一起去看西洋歌剧。爬山时他比我走的还快,还把帽子借给我;听完歌剧我抱怨男主演音色不够饱满,他说行了行了,声儿够大了!打牌吃饭的时候他依然喜欢评论时政并且固执己见。2020年时局动荡,王强开始研究枪,他说他自己无所谓,但是要是他老婆孩子在家,他就得跟劫匪拼命。他生病以后的表现让我们谈起来全是佩服—不只是勇敢和乐观,他的那份平和坦然真是不多见,很难得……痛失王强!一个宽厚有趣的朋友,博学多识的学长,尽心负责的父亲和丈夫。天堂无恙,请尽情享受。你美丽的妻子我们会尽心陪伴。后会有期。
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
王强兄弟一路走好,回想以前在一起的点点滴滴:一起打网球、一起playing golf ️‍♀️ 一起喝酒聊天…总之很多很多仿佛就在昨天。兄弟你在天堂好好休息!我们下辈子还做好兄弟
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
John, 脑海里浮现着你亲切的笑容,挥挥手,你就这么远去了。认识你二十多年了,习惯了每年的新年问候,习惯了互问孩子们的近况,习惯了有问题向你请教和商量。感恩可以认识你!一路走好,如果有来生,热情真诚的你必将宏德无边。John, 想念你!
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
亦兄亦友的John就这么走了,心中非常的不舍。John是早我九年入校的师兄,也是我97年来湾区后认识的第一个朋友,到后来又前后搬到Alameda, 成了邻居及同事。记忆中那时的John永远是那么平和及开朗,像大哥一样,在工作和生活上一直关心和照顾着我们,也一起分享了很多美好的人生时光。到后来我们搬到南湾工作,大家聚的次数虽然少了很多,但每次相聚都有聊不完的话题,从育儿聊到读书,从格林斯潘聊到比特币,每次都聊得特别开心。他生性乐观,虽然这几年疾病缠身,但去年和他Zoom聊天时还是那么开朗,谈生活谈治疗,最近微信里还商量好疫苗都打好后一起小聚一下。John虽然去了,我们心中的乐于助人,热情开朗,亦兄亦友的他永远留下了。大哥,走好!
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
昨晚惊悉王强的离去,懵了半天都没缓过神来.....和王强鹿迅的相识,还是邻里第一次组织大学校友们在Walnut creek的聚餐上,互报姓名时,知道他喜欢被称王小强,自此,每次见面,我就一直叫他王小强[Smile]后来跟迅儿熟悉了,可跟王强见面的次数并不多,但对他热情开朗的印象极其深刻,得病后的王小强表现出的乐观坚强更是让我佩服,聚会时很坦然地谈及病情,既不假充无畏,又能乐观面对!两年前他为鹿迅办的庆生活动,从程序到细节,充分展示了理工男逻辑之外的细腻与温柔[Rose]王强在我心中就是那个点点滴滴合成的活生生的样子……

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Recent Tributes
November 22, 2022
November 22, 2022
又一年的感恩节快到了,王强,想念你!希望你在天国还好!小鹿很坚强,我们会相处如姐妹…
April 24, 2022
April 24, 2022
一首老歌,好似这一年的心境
谢谢你三十年的相识相爱,相知相守
你一直在我的心里,永不离开

I wanted you for life
You and me
In the wind
I never thought there come a time
That our story would end
It's hard to understand
But I guess I'll have to try
It's not easy
To say goodbye.

For all the joy we shared
All that time we had to spend
Now if I had one wish
I'd want forever back again
To look into your eyes
And hold you when you cry
It's not easy
To say goodbye

I can remember
All those great times we had
There were so many memories
Some good some bad
Yes and through it all
Those memories will last
Forever

There's peace in where you are
May be all I need to know
And if I listen to my heart
I'll hear your laughter once more
And so I got to say
I'm just glad you came my way
It's not easy to say
Goodbye

Goodbye ❤️❤️❤️️️️
May 25, 2021
May 25, 2021
I was shocked and deeply sadden by the loss of my dear friend, John Wang today. I met John when we both started our Job at Sprint in Kansas in 1995. Since then, we became close friends for more than 25 years. When John moved to San Francisco in 1997, I met him every time I traveled to San Francisco. John always took me to tour the scenic view in San Francisco and to enjoy authentic Chinese food in China Town. I still remembered the delicious seafood and steak that John prepared at home for me. We also met each other in Charlotte, whenever John had business trip to the city. The last time, I had lunch with him was at China Town in San Francisco in 2018. He was strong in the good spirit. I saw his Wechat Moment that he was enjoying the ski trip at Tahoe. I could not believe that he left us. To me, John always lives in my heart as a friend and brother. May he rest in peace in heaven.
His Life
May 8, 2021
John (王强) was born on May 5, 1963 in Zhengzhou, Henan, China as the youngest in a family of five. He was beloved by his parents and two older siblings, and he used to tell us stories about the delicious Nanjing dishes that his grandpa would cook for Chinese New Year.

As a child, John was an energetic and clever troublemaker. He would slingshot squirrels, swipe eggs, play ball with friends, and fool around in class. After seeing his older sister go to university, John was inspired to excel in his academics.

John attended 清华大学 (Tsinghua University) in Beijing in 1980, as part of the 水工02 (hydraulic engineering 02) class. For five years He lived with five roommates that he studied, ate, bunked, and adventured with. His classmates told us their stories, including field trips to dams, soccer and handball, doing laundry by hand, snowball fights, ice skating and winter swimming, exploring Beijing, scaling walls for a midnight stroll in 圆明园 (the Old Summer Palace), learning to waltz from roommates and biking to 北大 (Peking University) for dances, getting lost all day while hiking in the hills and finding a farmhouse canteen to share a delicious meal together.

After graduating in 1985, John worked in Shenzhen for two years in customs, which opened his eyes to global commerce and the world’s horizons. He also discovered his love of fresh seafood, like 石斑鱼。

Back at Tsinghua for his master’s, John switched from engineering to economics and management, which cemented his lifelong interest in business and economics. John and my mom met at a Tsinghua dance in the 12th canteen, waltzing together all night. My mom says he was a wonderful dancer, tall and lanky, and he had a full head of jet black hair at the time.

In 1990 John immigrated to the US to attend Kansas University for his PhD in economics. He and his classmates spent countless hours writing papers and conducting  econometric analyses on 9-inch Macintosh computer screens. He always said that his nearsightedness came from staring at a tiny screen while writing his PhD thesis on global trade. My mom later joined him at KU, and with their friends they made time for fun even as immigrant college students – road trips to Disneyland, Chicago and Texas, fishing and playing mahjong and cooking Chinese dishes together.

John got his first job at Sprint and celebrated by buying his first new car. Their days in Kansas City didn’t last long as John set his eyes on going west to “strike California gold”. He worked at Providian (Unbanked Credit) and then Wells Fargo (CIRM team) with close friends and colleagues for many years.

Meanwhile, at home, Iris was born in April 1998 and Tori followed in March 2002. John spearheaded countless family adventures – skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, biking, swimming, rafting, chasing sunset views on ocean beaches and mountain peaks, from Yosemite to Hawaii to Lake Tahoe – in all seasons, with Mom steadfastly planning and organizing to make everything possible. Tori and Iris also spent years doing gymnastics, and John attended every competition all over California to cheer us on. We were joined by our loyal german shepherd puppy Steffi in early 2014, and she became Dad’s steadfast companion during daily walks and hottub stargazing. 

Around 2013-2016, John frequently returned to China, including as a guest speaker at conferences and at 清华大学. In 2015 he returned for his 30year college reunion, where for the first time he reunited with many college friends he hadn’t seen for decades. In 2016 John took Iris to China, to see family in Zhengzhou and meet his college friends during a reunion trip in Sichuan, exploring China’s best sights from Chengdu to 泸沽湖。

In early summer 2018, John was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. For 3 years he fought bravely, undergoing several forms of treatment and continuing to enjoy the best life had to offer – sushi and swimming, photographing the moon, hikes around the Bay and long sunset bike rides, and dinners with family and old friends. He even returned to work for half a year, and commuted together with Iris to San Francisco. Due to Covid-19, he was not able to travel as much as hoped, but we were blessed that all of our family was home together for the last year – Tori virtually starting college at UCLA, and Iris graduating from Dartmouth and working from home.

My last conversation with him was the night before he had a fatal cancer-induced stroke. We discussed WWII history, including why Pearl Harbor was attacked and Stalin’s military strategies, with mom listening on. He was just as sharp and bright and free thinking as he’s always been, as full of life and laughter as ever. Wherever he is now, I know he’s enjoying colorful sunsets, lively debate and music, and a mojito. John, we love you always.
- Iris, Tori, and Lisa

王强(JOHN)1963年5月5日生于中国河南省郑州市。他是五口之家的老疙瘩,父母和姐姐哥哥对他疼爱有加。 他以前常常跟我们提到他姥爷春节专门烹饪的美味南京菜肴。

儿时的王强精力充沛,调皮捣蛋。他用弹弓射松鼠,掏鸡窝,跟小伙伴打球,在教室里瞎闹。姐姐考上大学鼓舞了王強,他下决心要在学业上出类拔萃。

王强1980年考入清华大学水利工程系,在水工02班。清华的五年里,他与五个舍友同吃,同住,同学习,同冒险。他的同学跟我们讲过许多往事,包括去水坝工地实习,踢足球和玩手球,手洗衣裳,打雪仗,溜冰和冬泳,到北京各处踩点,半夜翻校园围墙去圆明园,和室友学跳华尔兹,骑车去北大舞会,爬山时迷路整天后在农家小馆里一起大快朵颐。

1985年大学毕业后,王强在深圳海关工作。这个经历让他大开眼界,看到国际商务和世界的广阔天地。也是在深圳时他爱上吃海鲜,比如石斑鱼。

两年后王强回到清华园,改行就读经济管理专业的研究生,从此铸造了他一生对商业和经济学的浓厚兴趣。王强和我母亲在清华十二食堂里的舞会上相识,他俩共舞了一整晚。妈妈说爸爸舞跳得极好,歌也唱得好。那时的他高高瘦瘦,满头浓密乌发。

1990年王强移居美国,在堪萨斯大学攻读经济学博士。他和同学常常耗时无数写论文,在九英寸大的苹果电脑屏幕上作计量经济分析。他常说他的近视要归功于长时间盯着这么小的电脑屏幕写关于国际贸易的博士论文。我妈妈后来也到堪萨斯大学就读,虽然是穷学生,他们苦中作乐,和朋友们一起游迪斯尼乐园,自驾到芝加哥,德州游玩,钓鱼,打麻将,一起烹调中国美食。

王强从Sprint收获了在美的第一个工作,他买了生平第一辆新车以示庆贺。他们在堪萨斯城的时间并不长,因为王强把目光转向了西部,开始他们的加州开拓旅程。他先是在Providian作无银行账户者的信用业务,然后加盟富国银行的CIRM团队,与很多亲近的朋友和同事共事多年。

家庭生活里,Iris在1998年,Tori在2002年出生。一年四季,王强率领妻女三个出游无数-滑雪,远足,露营,钓鱼,骑车,游泳,泛舟,到海岸山巅看日出日落,从优山美地到夏威夷到太浩湖;妈妈则是那位可靠的规划组织,让一切想法变为现实的人。Tori和Iris练体操多年,不管比赛在加州的哪个角落,王强都会到场为我们加油。2014年初,我们家多了一名家庭成员:忠诚的德国牧羊犬Steffi,她成了爸爸每天步行和在温泉浴里仰望星空的可靠伴侣。

2013-2016年间,王强屡次返华,在研讨会上和清华大学作客座讲员。2015年他回到北京参加清华大学毕业30年重聚,第一次和许多久违的老同学重逢。2016年王强带着Iris回国,到郑州探访家人,到四川参加大学同学的重聚之旅,遍游了成都和泸沽湖之间的名山大川。

2018年初夏,王强被诊断出肺癌四期。三年以来,他顽强地与癌症作斗争,接受了多重方法的治疗,同时继续尽情享受生活给予他的一切-寿司,星空下的温泉浴,拍下明月的倩影,踏遍湾区的青山步道,黄昏时长距离骑自行车出游,还有与亲朋好友一起享受美食。有半年他回公司上班,每日和Iris一起坐捷运通勤。新冠疫情爆发后,他无法如愿旅行,但幸运的是全家能在一起渡过一年的时光-Tori在网上开始了她在UCLA的新生生涯,Iris从达特茅斯大学毕业开始在家上班-实在也是一种美好的祝福。

在王强因癌症引发致命中风的前夜,我与他有过最后一次对话。我们谈起了第二次世界大战,包括珍珠港被袭,斯大林的军事策略,妈妈在旁含笑倾听。他依然是那么聪敏,睿智,思维如常活跃,生命力如常饱满,笑声如常爽朗。不管他此刻在哪儿,我知道王强,我的爸爸,正享受着绚丽的落日,活力四射的辩论,美妙的音乐,和一杯莫吉托美酒。王强,爸爸,我们永远爱你。

Recent stories

Qiang, Rest in Peace

May 21, 2021
Reminiscences of Qiang from his friends in Lamorinda Chinese American community

In Memory of John

May 15, 2021
谨以此卡寄托我们对 John 深切的哀思和怀念,愿这些美好的回忆为John的亲人带来些许安慰!
May 5, 2021
一个多星期前,收到小鹿的信息说王强临终了,震惊不已,当时我还在外州,第二天才能飞回湾区,心里祈祷能赶回去与强哥最后道别。可惜还是没来得及,很是遗憾。

与王强鹿迅夫妇结识于Lamorinda三镇,和他俩既是校友,还与小鹿是老乡,不时会找各种名目聚聚,强哥的风趣幽默,和他对时事政治的侃侃而谈给我留下很深的印象,他是个有趣儿,有亲和力的人。

两年多前知道王强诊断出癌症晚期,非常难过与惋惜,对癌症的凶险也很恐惧,时光一下变得很宝贵,和他的聚会频繁起来,想尽量留住和王强在一起美好的时光,强哥面对治疗的坦然和坚强,以致我们很难把他和病人联系起来,节假日的party,周末的搓麻聊天,一起赶场湾区举办的演唱会,和强哥疯跑在三镇和海边的hiking trails上,他的乐观和豁达让我敬佩不已,癌症病人还可以这样积极充满活力的生活!他第一次治疗效果很好,我们多盼望强哥就逃过了这一劫啊!听小鹿说后面的治疗很艰难,但强哥在化疗中间恢复的那一周会尽量带着女儿和爱犬跟朋友们一起爬山,一起享受大自然,从他身上看到他对生活的热爱!跟强哥比,小鹿比较宅,如果哪次小鹿跟我们一起来hiking,他有时会私信我感谢把小鹿叫动来锻炼身体,我常常会心一笑回复他对小鹿的体贴爱护,我们会和小鹿继续hiking,替强哥照顾好她的~

跟强哥交往中,时时能感受到他对朋友细致入微,真诚的关怀,去年春天,疫情终于袭击到美国,口罩严重短缺,邻居们组织捐赠口罩给附近的医院和社区,我作为组织者之一,那段时间比较忙碌,一天强哥跟我说,“我治病的诊所口罩也短缺,希望能送一些过来,你一定要自己来送!”我心说,还嫌我不够忙啊。到了诊所,强哥已经在门外等着我,他说,“叫你来,就是想给你和医护人员一起拍张合影,你们的活动非常有意义,应该记录下来。”我当时真的很感动,他在治疗中,还时时关注着朋友们,为他们着想。

强哥特别喜欢户外活动,与他一起hiking,他总是乐呵呵地和我们分享他知道的信息,和好友爬Broines Regional Park,总是信心满满,因为那是强哥家的后院,他闭着眼都能踏遍那里所有的trails,万一迷路,可以找强哥救援,他就是一位温暖可以依靠的大哥。强哥说过要找个好天带我们骑车横穿三藩市和金门大桥,还要带我们走环绕Broines水库一周的trail,还有他家门口一条神秘的小路,这些都变成了永久的遗憾,我想我们这些朋友们会找机会完成强哥的愿望作为纪念吧。
强哥一路走好!天堂没有病痛,RIP!


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