Happy Birthday, Uncle!

親愛的約瑟叔叔
您在天家一定一切都好，因為有主同在，您一定很喜樂！時常想起您，是從境界上認識您，看您的文章，感謝主，主通過您的文章給我喜樂和安慰！如今我來到了美國，去了洛杉磯，離您近些了，您卻不在了⋯⋯但是感謝主，您卸了地上的勞苦，我經常把您的見證講給病人聽，希望她們可以獲得安慰和從主而來的盼望，希望我的生命也帶給別人祝福！
永遠想念您！

Dear Uncle Joseph,
Today is Chinese New Year, I believe that you must watch us from heaven. All the talks between us by WeChat are still on my phone but I didn’t listen again, I just watched them over and over without click on the voice bar. I am afraid to fall in the deep memory. But I always talk to you in my prayer, I think it may reaches you. Please give me your blessings.

Dear Joseph,
How I missed you so much! Today is the second anniversary of you leaving us. I went through all our chats. It was so emotional, but I love the time spending together with you. In our chat, I see that on Feb 4th, 2019 at 10:30am I sent you a photo of me standing on my roof shouting in Chinese: “Happy New Year! Can you hear me?” I want to tell you that as I am writing now it just passed the old tiger year and entered the new rabbit year of 2023. Yes, I did made dumplings and exchanged New Year greetings with all my friends, wishing them a happy new year, and I left you a greeting too. But I am now missing you in tears……
Loving you as always,
Your sister Angela

亲爱的约瑟，
我好想你！ 今天是你离开我们两周年纪念日。 我浏览了我们所有的聊天记录。 太激动了，但我喜欢和你在一起度过这时光。 在我们的聊天中，我看到 2019 年 2 月 4 日上午 10:30，我发给你一张我站在房顶上挥手给你拜年的照片，上面写着，”我在喊话：春节快乐！ 你听见我了吗？” 。 我想告诉你，写到这里，此时此刻，刚过完虎年，进入了新的兔年2023。是的，我包了饺子，和所有的朋友拜过年，祝他们新春快乐， 也给你留下了问候。 可我却在深夜里泪流满面地想你……
一如既往地爱你的三姐

亲爱的约瑟弟，分别已经两周年了，你好吗！
今年的2月21日适逢中国的第一大节——春节的除夕夜。也是你去天国，与我们分别的纪念日。“每逢佳节倍思亲”，看到安斯三姐站在高高的房顶和你喊话的照片，我十分感动。因为这是她心情的写照，又何尝不是为兄我的心思。
你走后，两年我们互相没能通微信，可是我仍然把我们过去的互通微信，宝贵的存在微信栏里。经常垃开看看，每当此时就如同弟就在我面前，笑容可掬地交谈。总是高兴而不舍的眼泪外流。我想你呀！
这两年这里发生了许多事情，想弟能知道。可是有神的护佑，有弟的榜样，我们大家都平安健康地度过来了。请弟不要牵挂。
期盼弟一切安好！
老九兄天宾敬启
于2023年2月21日春节除夕

Dear uncle, we are here to remember you. You are forever in our hearts. - Roger, Rachel, Aaron, Chris

Dear Joseph:

A year has passed without you, and this triggers my interest of your presence with the Lord. What is it like, exactly? 

Of course, you cannot come back to share with us the joy and enlightenment in paradise, a place all genuine Christians long to go one day.

Here on earth, you may or may not be aware of the crises human faces: Covid-19's havoc, weapons of mass destruction, armament race, authoritarian iron rules.... A total mess caused by unrepentant and ungodly people.

It is therefore my wish that Christ would return soon to alleviate us of all the sins and injustice and suffering around the world, ushering in a righteous and divine kingdom of God where there is no tears, no suffering, no injustice, but a joyful reunion with you, my mom and all those faithful in Christ.

What a glorious hope we Christians have!
See you again soon in heaven!
Caleb

Dear Uncle Chang,

Today is the 1st anniversary of your passing. I took out the book that you mailed to me. It has your signature on it together with your smile, your voice, your laugh, and all the beautiful memories.  Our family missed you and talked about you all the time. You forever live in our hearts. I am sure that you enjoy your new life in heaven. Just like every time I left your home, I want to say take care to you. We will be back to visit you again.

Love,

The Wei Family

Dear Chang Family,

We are extremely sad to have learned of Joseph’s passing. Christina and Allison have grown up playing violin with Joseph by their side, accompanying them on the piano. He was always a comforting presence and encouraging mentor during recitals and competitions. Joseph was a positive and caring person who has left an impact on our lives. We will miss him very much and remember him fondly.

The Hong Family (Charles, Pamela, Christina, Allison)

沉痛悼念我的好弟兄常约瑟

得知常约瑟弟弟于2021年1月21日逝世的消息，多日来我一直沉浸在万分悲痛中。特写此文悼念并释缓心里的不舍与痛疼。

我和约瑟弟相识有六十多年了。六十多年中一直以哥弟相称，从没有断绝联系。是相知互信的好弟兄好朋友。
约瑟弟的一生，是传奇的一生，
他青少年时期，很像旧约中的约瑟，异常聪明却饱受苦难。
母亲怀他不久，因莫须有的罪名，被关进监狱，直到快出生了，才允许请短假，回到家里。约瑟出生后，母亲又立马被关回了监狱。约瑟是在监狱里发育成婴的，婴儿时期，是在没有母亲哺乳和养育成长的。
小学还没毕业，就经受了文化大革命的灾难。那时哥哥姐姐都在外地，只有十四岁的他日日夜夜陪伴在年迈的父母亲身边。在那腥风血雨中，家被抄，东西被烧，父亲母亲遭受红卫兵肆虐暴打，被赶出家门。在极恐怖和艰难的环境里，他在父母身边，给了父母亲以帮助和极大的安慰。
他十六岁不得不随群下乡。干农活，拾马粪，过着他从未听说过的苦生活。

1977年二十五岁时，他生命中迎来了第一次大转折。
他身在农村，神奇的考入中国音乐的最高学府——中央音乐学院并毕业。
他自修英文，八十年代，他到了美国，神奇的考上大学，专修财会专业。以优异成绩毕业。
1986年在美国的农夫保险公司任会计师。
1995年在跨国公司的苏黎世保险公司北美公司从事IT财务管理和投资的予測评估工作。做到了财务高级主管经理职务。
他在北京登记结婚的美丽贤惠能干的妻子陈娜到了美国。他们生了两儿一女，现都已大学毕业，成为优秀人才。约瑟和陈娜营造了个温馨，幸福家庭。
正当他各方面，顺顺利利，事业如日中天的时候，2008年检查出患肾癌晚期，第一次肾切除手术后四个多月，又做了第二次大手术，切除了胰脏，这次手术后，医生估计，他有一年的生命期。此后大小手术又做了约有七八次之多。

2013年他从苏黎世高职上正式离职。他的命运又一个大转折，他开始写作。
这最后十三年，他用心和血，写出了几十万字的优秀文学作品，见证神的大爱，宣講上帝的真理和救赎的恩典。使无数人受益，一部分作品已紙印成书出版。广受基督徒和世人的热爱。

由于约瑟弟久病，对他的离世，我早有心理准备。可是当真成为现实，我的心是那么不舍。翻开他的作品，看到他留下那么多熟悉亲切和蔼的像片，看着他给我发过来热情扬溢的微信，泪水不停的往外湧。往事，像电影一样在心里一遍遍走过。
文化大革命红卫兵最猖狂肆虐的时候，他还不到14岁。但很机智。常趁红卫兵不注意时，翻墙逃出来，打听消息，商量办法。他把四本小版本圣经等送到我家藏起来。我们三五天能见一次，互通情况，他像小说电影虚拟的交通员一样，沉着机灵。
他下乡的前一天，我们见面，两个人都是那样的渺茫和无奈。
他准备去美国上学，可是不会英文，他拿着初中一年级的英文课本，和我俩外出也书不离手，挎着我的手臂边走路边念。我对他的毅力和胆量惊叹不已。
约瑟弟对父母亲孝敬，给别人尽力帮助。对别人给他的点滴帮助总是念念不忘。姊妹弟兄中，他最挂心的是有智障的五姐沙伯。
上个世纪八九十年代，我两次出差去美国，洛杉矶是一站。有幸我们见面。一次是夜里到，他白天上班，借公司面包车夜里去机场接我们，休息时间领我去迪士尼乐园，去参观市容，到中国餐館吃中餐。他晚上把正在洛杉矶的大姐和四姐都叫到他家，大家欢乐相聚。最让我感动的是，我临走时，他把平日节省的钱让我捎给在青岛的五姐沙伯。那时约瑟的孩子们还小，他的经济并不十分宽裕。
后来他因工作偶尔回国，我们有机会见面，有一次我俩到饭店吃饭，他说：天宾哥，我把五姐带着吧？我欣然同意。吃饭时，他只顾细心地给五姐弄吃弄喝，自己没怎么吃。此情此景总是感动着我。

约瑟弟的每篇作品都发给我，我总是细细品读。很感动我的心。他国内只在小学和初中一年级时受过汉语教育和训练，可是汉语的写作水平不亚于专业作家。
第一，真实。他写的作品涉及到国内的人和事，我多数了解些。他书里写的每件事，每个人，每个情节都没有夸张，更没有虚构。
二是他的作品没有恨，只有爱。就是对他施暴肆虐过的”仇人”，他也是用宽容的心和語调去講述。
三是他的每篇作品都在宣布神的道。颂扬神的恩典。
四是每篇作品都充满了信心。教育启示了许多人。正是由于这恒久坚定的信心，医生予估他活一年，他却奇迹的活了十三年。
约瑟弟是个好人，是难得的好弟兄好朋友。
他具有优秀品质，是做人的典笵。
他坚定的信仰是基督徒的榜样。
我永远怀念我的约瑟弟弟。
高天宾2021年1月31日

Dear Joseph:

It has been many years since I last saw you, but it feels like just yesterday that I was playing my violin by your side. You taught me how to play music with passion and emotion; I will never forget your laugh and your wonderful sense of humor. You and Diana helped mold me into the person I am today, and I will always be so grateful for the lessons that you taught me about life and music. Your spirit will always live within my heart, and I will miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.

-Andrew Tye (on behalf of Kenneth and Sabrina Tye)

亲爱的三叔：
这封信，我无法发给您了，您已安息在天父的怀抱里了，但对您的强烈的思念之情催促我必须要重温您对我生命的影响....您的音容笑貌时不时涌现出来......
记得上个世纪70年代初爷爷在北京因病住在大姑的家里，爸爸带着我去北京看望爷爷，那时你也去了北京，虽然你的时间是那么有限，但你仍然带着我们去北京动物园，我非常地开心.....，爷爷去世以后，奶奶回到青岛居住，我和哥哥回去看望奶奶，记得一年的春节你也回来了，给奶奶买年货，和奶奶聊天，带给她很大的安慰，时间很快就过去了，一天早晨你离开青岛要回潍坊，和你在一起度过的快乐的时光的情景催逼我赶快跑出去追你，希望能在和您再说说话能再多呆一会.....，只记得我失望地带着眼泪回到家中......！1977年高考恢复以后，记得是78年我爸爸单位的同事很兴奋地说“常大夫，祝贺你的儿子被中央音乐学院录取了......”，我爸爸一看是您的录取通知书送到了他的单位，我们欣喜非常！后来奶奶写信给我们，告诉我们您是班里的高材生，我们为你感恩！记得上个世纪的80年代我爸爸因病住在北京友谊医院，大姑帮助我爸爸找到合适的医生使我爸爸多年误诊的疾病得到了正确的诊断并且住进了医院做了手术，住院期间大姑，二姑，四姑都不辞辛苦，奔波于医院、工作单位和家庭之间，无微不至地照顾我的爸爸，尤其是在我爸爸术后的当天，您在那里陪床，第二天是您的重要的期末考试，但是您却执意一定要在那夜陪床，看见我爸爸术后疼痛非常，您就对我爸爸说：“大哥哥，你疼的时候就抓住我的胳膊......” ，第二天我父亲很难过地发现您的胳膊竟然都被他抓破了......，因着照顾病人，您一夜没有合眼，然而您的考试却是取得了优异的成绩！您虽然是家中最小的，但作为老大的我的爸爸每每提到你的时候，都是被你的善解人意，温暖人心的话语，对他的体贴入微所动情......1999年8月份，我爸爸突然的离世，那时您的工作是那样地忙碌，您和三婶却不惜一切代价还是带着三个幼小的孩子特意赶回来参加葬礼，给我的妈妈和我们带来了极大的安慰。进入了21世纪后，每一次您到青岛，都来看望我的妈妈，每一次我们都听不够您的分享。在青岛的我的有智障五姑是您最大的牵挂，您牵挂她的一切，把她看作是您义不容辞的责任，尽您一切所能的来关照她，即使身居异国他乡对她的牵挂从不止息......
记得您最后一次到青岛来是2008年，您来到我们的家中告诉我腰有些不舒服，我们都以为您是太劳累了，还记得帮您买了一个周林频谱仪，哪里想到其实那就是您的疾病的其中的一个症状了，回美国后不久，我们就很难过地得知了您被诊断出晚期肾癌这晴天霹雳的消息......。
我很感恩能在2012年的春节有机会去看望您，仅仅4-5天的时间您就给我安排了去环球影城及迪斯尼乐园，可是我仅仅去了环球影城，因我只想能有更多的时间和您在一起，那时候您已经很容易疲劳，需要日间有小息，但只要您稍微有点体力就和我说话，我们甚至一起出去散步，记得您还亲自给我做大龙虾，那也是我第一次吃龙虾，看着您专心致志地做着，然后盛在盘子中，让我坐下享受您亲手做的美味，那情那景俨然慈父般的爱让我双眼湿润了......，我记得您对我说您把每一天都作为生命的最后一天，预备迎见迎见主！您还告诉我您每天都要看一张照片那就是奶奶和您的8个兄弟姊妹的合影……
亲爱的三叔，让我们特别为您感恩的是您有一位非常贤惠勇敢刚强果断的妻子，正如您自己所说是您生命中最大的祝福，我记得三婶告诉我，当您的疾病一诊断出来后，她就请教会的肢体为您祷告，她迫切地祈求主来医治您，延长您的时间......，她鼓励您振作起来，不自艾自怜，无微不至地照顾您......，肩负起一切重担，我们和您一起为您的生命中有这样的祝福特别的感恩！
三叔，疫情阻止了我们去看望您的脚步，但我们却期盼有一天在天上的相见，那时再也不用担心时间的限制，空间的阻隔了。我们可以畅所欲言了！！！

80-90年代，有五年多，常老師是我們兩個孩子的鋼琴老師，每個星期見面。後來我們搬到弗羅里逹，失去了聯繫。直到在網上見了“與癌共舞”的文章，才再跟常老師聯絡上。之後常老師的文章陸續的發表，每篇總是那麽感人，文筆之細膩，用詞之恰當與優美，怎麽會是出自小學四年級中文程度之手，而且在美國生活多年，還保有這麽好的中文表逹能力，所以讀者越來越多，真是佩服常老師。 2013年聖誕節時，我們全家去拜訪常老師，師母，他看到我們倆孩子都長成大人了，而且有了下一代，非常高興，那天也是我們一家難忘的一天，在多年後能相聚。 2016年，我自己又去探望常老師，那天我問常老師，如何能在文章中敘述這麽多年前，在青島老家的細節，怎麽會記得，他笑著說，我也不知道，寫著寫著，細節就冒出來。這十二年多，常老師寫了62篇文章在網路發表，去年十月第一本書出版了，他寄了一本給我，我跟他打電話聊了半個多小時，他非常的高興，我手上掂著他厚實的精心之作，隔著電話，都可以感受他那份喜悅。我們談到如何保持腦子清楚，常老師鼓勵我可嘗試在留言欄裏留言，是一個鍛練用腦子的事情。最後一次接到常老師的微信，是在一月八日，他告訴我，在海外文軒上有朗讀介紹他的故事。再看常老師多年來寫的文章，及“與癌共舞十二年”的書，還有讀者的廻響，為何有這麽多人受感動，得激勵，因為是常老師自己的親身經歷，他有紮實的信仰，明白神的心意，從文章裏讓人看到那生命的美好和愛。感謝常老師給我們留下的作品，信仰，與愛心，永遠懷念此生的一位好朋友。常老師安息。

常约瑟先生的辞世令人悲痛不已。前些日子，我看到海外文轩上有篇文章说，《青岛是个海》是常先生的第二本书，他正忙着编辑，很快就要出版了，我想着一定要买这本儿书，可是他怎么突然就走了呢，真是太可惜了。我上个月刚买到了常先生的书《与癌共舞十二年》，其中女儿的婚礼一章，常先生写道：‘’我感谢上帝，让我活到今天来参加这场婚礼，这在一年前是不可想象的，感谢上帝的恩典和怜悯，在我身上彰显了一个奇迹，让我今天在这场婚礼中陪伴她”。看到这里，我眼含泪水，十分感动，为常先生能幸运地参加女儿的婚礼而高兴。
常约瑟先生接受过多次大的手术，一直是以顽强的毅力与癌细胞作斗争，生活中总是充满了乐观精神，心中总是充满了爱，这种精神在影响和激励着许多的人。
常先生写过那么多的文章，赢得了千万读者的喜爱，那些文章记录了历史，传承了文化，是留给后人的宝贵财富。
常先生，您非凡的一生带给我们那么多的美好，大家会永远怀念您，您在天堂安息吧！

Justin and I have known Joseph since I was 7. I will always remember his positive demeanor and funny personality. Joseph always believed in me, even when I seemed impossible. He was always patient with us and gave it his all every time, regardless of his situation. He would always drive us to improve and be the best version of ourselves, whether he was being our accompanist or just dropping into our lessons. Justin and I will always remember Joseph for what he did for us, and we will miss him dearly.

There are many facets of Mr. Chang's life that I can be thankful for. One in particular that stands above all is his love for Jesus Christ and the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4ff). He boasted in God. He drew strength from His Savior and Lord in order to live with purpose and hope. Because of that, he was able to demonstrate that you can still be a vessel for God's glory while living and fighting cancer for 13 years.  I am so thankful for Mr. Chang's courage and bravery during his time on earth. Dancing with cancer reminded me of Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." His life reminded me that suffering though hard is not wasted and ultimately points to God who is sovereign over our lives and it is He who we must depend upon. I will miss my conversations with him and serving with him for the cause of the Gospel.  And I will always be grateful and cherish the memories of him and his family using their musical talents in my church and wedding.

Lord, Mr. Chang is no longer dancing with cancer, but he is now dancing with Christ, the Son of God who died on the cross and rose from the dead for his sins. I look forward to spending eternity with him while worshipping the Son of God. I know he is being cared for beyond our imagination!

In Christ,

The Mel Family
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

昨天在微信朋友圈里看到您去世的消息时，不敢相信这是真的——因为经常读到您的文章，也经常能在微信朋友圈里看到您的消息。虽然从未谋面，但却总感觉异常亲切，就像熟识的老朋友一样。
今天又重新阅读了您以前的部分文章，刚刚又在ijingjie里收听了您2018年2月关于抗癌十年的音频，最后听您唱Amazing Grace时眼泪不由自主地流了下来——感谢您这么多年以来为主做的见证，让我们对主的话语有了更深刻的理解。
青岛老乡对您致以最亲切的问候——等待天堂再相会！

Joseph was the first person to give me a chance at Farmers. He hired me after college and gave me the opportunity to go on an adventure in Los Angeles. He showed me the ropes at Farmers and he loved sharing real Chinese food with anyone he could convince to go to lunch with. When I was alone in LA he invited me to come over and celebrate thanksgiving with his family. He was very proud of his hometown Qingdao and I don’t know how often he told me the story of the German beer from China coming from his hometown. He invited me to see his daughter play music and I’ll be forever grateful to him to have given me a chance to start my career. A sad day and you’ll be missed!!!

小舅时刻感恩神把他原本只剩余两个月的生命变成了十三年，他身体里的器官因为癌细胞的扩散已被切除了很多，几乎每个礼拜都要去医生那儿，身体上的痛苦不言而喻。他也气馁过，刚开始发现癌症时问自己的问题是为什么癌症找到他，后来他经常开心的问自己的问题变成了我怎么还活着。在过去的十三年里，在亲友群里包括每次和他聊天的时候，我们看到的只有乐观的他，我能记住的就是他每次爽朗的笑声和每次他都感谢今天还能开心的和我通话。因为心里有信仰，因为感谢主，所以他这十三年里的心路一直是平静安详的。他带给我的是对生命的热爱和对新生事物的好奇。他的好奇心一直是零零后的好奇，而且一好奇就想去搞清楚。 和他在一起聊天，我就觉得世界上总有那么多好玩的东西要去探索。 小舅和小舅妈都是中央音乐学院的高材生。 圣诞节前我们家小朋友的小提琴汇演他还专门连线进来参加。小舅妈也很伟大，是个有名的小提琴家，培养了几百个学生。她的女儿Melody曾经获得过在香港的世界小提琴大赛的一等奖，现在是加州Biola大学的年轻的 artist professor。Biola大学也曾是小舅的母校。我们家俩儿子也很荣幸能在Melody之前深造的音乐学院上课。 这十三年小舅妈对小舅的陪伴可想而知会有多么的不容易，但是她真的很坚强，也很乐观，她带给小舅的阳光只有内心热爱并感恩生命的人才能源源不断的产生能量并传递能量。如果生死都不是事，那么还有什么生活中的困难和烦恼是事呢？生命中出现的每一个人每一件事都是为了让未来的自己更好，都值得感谢。感谢神，也感谢小舅亲身为世界上的很多人（包括我）见证了对待生命的态度，心里有爱，世界才能是美好的，包括在生命中有可能出现的每件事，无论好坏。小舅的音容笑貌会永远留在我的心中。

My beloved brother and I had the closest relationship. During tough times, we would always reach out to each other and have one another to lean on. His support was a blessing that I will forever be grateful for. 14 days before his last day, he gave me two live lobsters as my 80th birthday present. Even though he had so many extremely difficult struggles of his own, he always thought of others and brought happiness to them.
The longest time I spent with my beloved Joseph in the U.S. was 12 years ago, four months after his kidney removal when he had his 2nd surgery pancreatectomy on December 15th. I remembered that day outside the surgery room: Diana was wearing brightly colored clothes and the smile on her face showed everyone her faith and trust in God. I remember the days after the surgery. Joseph, with his arm laying around my shoulder, took his first step, and then the second… as if his life had started anew. However, I believed this new life would last only a year, as sentenced by professionals. 
We celebrated Christmas together, then I departed home with a heavy heart. These precious difficult days we stayed together will be forever commemorated in my heart.
Among our eight siblings, Joseph is the youngest, yet he contributed the most to our family through his unforgettable filiality, like helping our parents and comforting them the most. In the wake of China's Cultural Revolution in the last century, Joseph, who was only 12 years old, was the only one who accompanied our parents and braved through the hard times with them. After he came to the States he constantly helped every family member who was in need, while asking his own children to get loans for education. Even if we didn’t want to burden him, he always miraculously detected each of our difficulties and helped us out of his kind and giving nature.
His love is always pouring out for others. On behalf of my siblings, I would say “Thank you, our little brother!”
To my surprise, Joseph lived much longer than one year and his life became increasingly productive. Every time I visited him, I saw more strength and happiness in him—especially since he started writing. In those moments I knew writing was his mission bestowed by God, for he had never written before and was too young to remember the past in its entirety; it’s just impossible to be such an amazing writer without previous practice and training. His writings inspire me and many others. His life was a miracle that strengthened our faith.
I have to give thanks to dear Diana, an amazing wife, mother, and sister, as she made everything possible, even though everything seemed impossible. She carried all the burden of taking care of Joseph and the whole family, while simultaneously maintaining a holiday atmosphere in all corners of the house and creating a family full of holy spirit. I would also like to thank Melody, Luke, and Mark for giving joy and pride to Joseph! Thank you to all of our friends and Joseph’s fans for supporting him and encouraging him to stay happy. Joseph would often share with me everyone’s moving comments. We appreciate them deeply.
Lord took Joseph to heaven while he was soundly sleeping, it went fast and peacefully—the best reward one can get.
Joseph, I will miss your smiles and chatting with you all the time! We will meet in heaven!

My Dearest Joseph:

How can I forget our 40 years of friendship from Biola College since 1980. I am proud to be your friend as you have achieved so much with so little. You were an accomplished pianist, a prolific writer, and a professional accountant— admired by friends & inspiring for many.

Moreover, you have raised an exceptional family– a musician, a physician, & a banker, topping that with a beloved wife, Diana-- a well-known Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra violinist whose multitude of students covers LA, US and beyond. Praise God, you’ve left a rich legacy indeed.

Miracle defines your life. In China, you survived the most brutal & inhumane Cultural Revolution, and in US, you boldly faced the challenge of kidney cancer for 13 long years. As our common good friend, Roberta Innes, once said: Joseph is a “Walking Miracle”. You truly were.

Now that you have gone to meet our loving savior, we are sad and miss you, but happy that you had fought these earthly trials & sufferings valiantly & victoriously—Keeping Your Faith—and are now welcomed into the eternal blissful Kingdom of Heaven. Halleluiah!

Your Roommate at Biola University,
Caleb of Vancouver, Canada
2021-1-22

One of the last acts of Joseph at Farmers was to interview and hire me. I still remember him finding my resume online and calling me directly asking to interview me. For some reason, God led him down this path and it forever changed my life.

I remember thinking this was too good to be true and was skeptical of the call but had to take a chance. Joseph even offered to interview me at his own home since he knew I lived far away from the office at the time. While I countered to meet in a more public place like Starbucks, that showed the trusting nature of Joseph.

Since then, my career has taken off in ways I’ve never imagined possible but I will forever be grateful to Joseph and the Finance team at Farmers for training me and giving me my start.

One of the crazy memories I have of Joseph was finding out he was a sheep herder of some sort. He had bought sheep in China not for profit but was giving them to strangers so that they could have a way to make a living. At the time I could not believe anyone could be this generous and thoughtful but as I got to know Joseph, it made sense and was just part of who he was as a person always trying to better the world.

Joseph you are missed dearly from all of us.

Not only an amazing person, great uncle Joseph Chang was also an incredible writer. I loved reading his blogs, which inspired me to have faith and taught me a lot about his remarkable character that was so full of hope, love, and spirit. Transmitting from generation to generation, Joseph's positive influence is definitely eternal.
His family is also remarkably strong and admirable. At Melody's wedding, I noticed how aunt Melody, and uncles Luke and Mark were all so kind, welcoming, and funny, and how great aunt Diana Chang was so considerate, giving my sister and I pretty hair accessories despite it being our first time meeting. I pray that God gives them strength, comfort, and healing.
He greatly influenced the lives of many more than he probably expected, including mine. His generous portrait commission (evident by the fact I was only a freshmen) and his kind praise of the piece were things that I often thought about if I was feeling dejected and inspires me about the future.
It's clear to everyone who has met him or heard his story knows that he was resilient, courageous, kind-hearted, and faithful.
God has welcomed home another saint, but we will miss him greatly.

May God Bless you my friend Joseph. Our deepest condolences and Love to the Chang family for your loss. I want you to remember that Joseph is not a loss from us all because he left his Love in our hearts that we will always cherish. A life filled with the gift of God and Love that he so willingly shared with his family and friends. His appreciation of the arts and music will forever play in our minds and hearts. His writings have traveled the world with not only words but the Love and Glory of God.

Joseph made such a difference in this lifetime and has selflessly given so much to others that I don’t think he even realized. Thank you, Joseph, for touching me and my son in such a profound way. You were an Angel from God that delivered Love and Hope at our most difficult time. In a waiting room at the City of Hope, you became a true friend with a Love and Compassion we will never forget. Both you and Matthew have provided the great medical teams at the City of Hope with such valuable research and testing that will save lives throughout the world in the future with providing a cure for this disease. Your strength and sacrifice is truly inspiring and something that will be an inspiration for us all. We promise to carry on your name and spirit forever.

Thinking of you reminds me of one of my favorite quotes -
“ Heroes are remembered, but Legends never die “.
Thank you for this legendary life and all of the gifts you left for us all. Peace be with you, my brother.

Love,
Matthew

Joseph was my faithful accompanist throughout middle school and high school, for every recital and competition. He knew when to guide me when I was lost, and he knew when to let me play when I was enjoying the music. Having known Joseph for more than half my life, he felt more like a family member I would visit on a weekly basis. Joseph was always warm and inviting, and his laugh was infectious at every dinner table. It was a true pleasure having Joseph in my life, and I hope that he has finally found rest after years of fighting for his. May God Bless you Joseph, and May God bless your family. I will miss you a lot.

It was such an honor to get to know Joseph. He was one of the first patients to join my practice, and over the past decade (more than that now!) he has become a part of my family. I loved Joseph's kind heart and gentle nature. I loved the way that he approached life with such vim and vigor.

Joseph has contributed greatly to the lives of others in so many ways. In a very tangible fashion, he has contributed to extending the lives of others through his participation in clinical trials. Through these, we have gained knowledge and insights that will benefit patients everywhere.

In a less direct fashion, I have learned important life lessions from Joseph ... and Diana. I have witnessed first hand how to be a kind and caring husband, and no one has done better than Diana to take care of their loved one through sickness and in health as Diana has. Diana, you were an amazing partner to Joseph. I hope that if my wife or I are ever in the same dire straits, we will care for eachother in the way that you cared for Joseph.

Joseph also showed me how to be an amazing father. I have met Luke and Melody, but spent the most time with Mark. Mark and I met when he was in high school, and it's amazing that he is now making his way through residency. Through mentoring Mark at City of Hope, it was clear that Joseph was his motivation to enter into medicine and make a positive impact on the field. I am confident that he will.

To the Chang family, I want to thank you for the opportunity to get to know you over the years. I have learned so much from you all and I know we will always remain in touch.

Sincerely,

Monty Pal (City of Hope) 

Joseph was the bravest man I have ever met. He was incredibly optimistic, and had such a persevering soul because God was kept at the center of his heart. He always found his strength and his hope in Christ and I am so encouraged by his faithfulness to our Lord.

Psalm‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

He was a gifted writer and I always loved to read his work. Joseph, along with his writings, always encouraged me to praise God for all of His blessings.

Joseph was a mentor for both of my children. He patiently and lovingly taught them the beauty of music. I can not thank him enough for his steadfastness in coaching them.

He will always be kept in our hearts.

Love,
The Hao Family

Joseph,

You are a great follower and disciple of God. Your life and faith have inspired so many people. I love the little chats with you, and your writings are always inspirational for me. I can really see how a Christian’s life should be in you. I admire your courage and your faith. You have exemplified God’s love in your life. 
Your coaching sessions with Serena were always so fun. Your comments and your encouragement have been essential before her performances. We will miss these fun sessions. We will miss feeling your passion for music and students. We will miss your encouragement. We will miss your talk. We will miss your laughter. We will miss you, Joseph. You will always be in our hearts.