ForeverMissed
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5/22 Virtual Memorial Service for Maurice Man-Lai Shiu
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us live during the Virtual Memorial Service.  Even if you were unable to attend, you can still view the Zoom recording, as well as the video tributes from family, friends, and colleagues.

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, 邵文澧 Maurice Shiu. 

Maurice Man-Lai Shiu was born on December 7, 1946 in Guangzhou, China to Canson Shiu and Yathan Chui. A few years later, he moved with his family to Hong Kong in 1949. As he developed, his parents sought structure for his rambunctious and mischievous traits by sending him to the parochial True Light Elementary School. He then earned a coveted 5 year scholarship to Wah Yan College, Kowloon, a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys. It was through school that the seeds of his faith began to grow, leading him to accept our Lord Jesus and get baptized at the age of 14. After matriculation, he immigrated to the United States in 1964 for his college education. Maurice received his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1970. It was during his studies that Maurice met his sweetheart, Esther Luk. They married on August 4, 1973 and together they raised two children and four grandchildren here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He worked for Contra Costa County for almost 40 years, retiring in 2008 from his position as Public Works Director. Some of his most recognized projects were the State Route 4 Bypass Project including the Willow Pass Grade Project, and the "Kids at Work" Expansion Project. He also served as President of the County Engineers Association, receiving the Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association in 2008.

Post retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world, playing golf, cherishing his grandchildren and serving his church. Maurice faithfully attended Logos Baptist Church in Los Altos, CA where he served as a Council Member chair and enjoyed sharing the gospel during Coffee Time and Morning Light small group meetings.  

Maurice was 74 years old when he returned to the Lord on April 26, 2021, after battling Stage IV pancreatic cancer for several months. He is survived by his wife Esther, his two children Perkin (spouse Angela) and Vanessa, and his four grandchildren Jaden, Justin, Noelle, and Gabriella.
We hope this online memorial website will serve as a way for us to virtually come together to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved Maurice.  Please feel free to post a tribute below, share stories, and pictures to a shared Google Photos Album
His love and legacy will live in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please kindly consider a charitable donation.   Logos Baptist Church is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization (EIN 27-0477513).  Donations to LBC are deductible under section 170 of the IRS code.  Checks Payable to Logos Baptist Church can be mailed to:
Logos Baptist Church, Attn: Vivian Shieh
In Memory of Maurice Shiu
10740 Maxine Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
It made me sad to learn of Maurice’s passing at way too young an age and brought back many memories. Maurice was a kind and caring man and always wanted the best for people. I first met Maurice at the Contra Costa County Public Works Department when he was the Division Head for “Road Engineering”. I was just a staff engineer at the time and sat in a cubicle with other engineers. Maurice would often pop back to say hello, see how we were doing and we’d end up having a nice conversation. He didn’t just stay in his office but got out and around and talked to people. He was this way all the way up through his position of Public Works Director years later. He cared about his employees and wanted to know them. He also enjoyed tossing a surprise technical question to new engineers to see if they could answer it. I remember sitting in my cubicle and when he appeared wondering if I’d get a question. He wanted to challenge people and always encouraged us to be our best - get out of our comfort zone and look towards the future. Maurice also believed in the importance of family and supported the work/life balance at Public Works that benefitted so many of us. He had a great sense of humor, was very funny and often laughed as he was telling a joke. I send my love and prayers to his family and friends
May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
Maurice and I were Form 5 classmates in Wah Yan College Kowloon. He wore thick-rimmed glasses that made him looking serious and studious. Nevertheless, he was always polite, sincere and genuine. After the School Certificate Examination in 1964, he emigrated and we lost contact.
We reconnected again in 2004 in Hong Kong during our first class reunion 40 years after graduation. Thereafter, we met in the bi-annual class reunions and other times as well. When he and Esther visited Vanessa, his daughter, who had just started working in Hong Kong, I and my wife, Helen, had dim sums with them. Once, I and Helen visited my cousin and stayed at her home on the outskirt of Oakland. We had diner with Maurice and Esther in a Chinese restaurant somewhere between SF and his home after pick-up from a BART station. After dinner, he insisted on sending us back to my cousin's home that was on the opposite direction to save us the trouble to arrange a pick up by my cousin. I didn't know how far it was, it probably took him an extra 1-1/2 or 2 hours drive home in the dark. We had so much to share and catch up during these gatherings.
Maurice impressed me as a cheerful, helpful, learned and humorous guy. He cared a lot for his family especially for Esther. It was sad to see him leaving us so soon and I really missed the opportunity to learn from him again. I am sure that he is in a better place now. Rest in peace, Maurice!!
May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
I worked directly for Maurice in the mid- to late-80s, when he was the head of the Road Engineering Division at Contra Costa County Public Works Department and he most certainly was one of my mentors in the early years of my career. He saw the talents in every individual and encouraged -- and pushed -- those he worked with to reach higher and wider. While he had a passion for his work, he also had a fun and playful side and seeing the photos of him with a smirk or silly gesture is a great reminder.

I value my time with him.
May 23, 2021
May 23, 2021
Maurice's memorial service yesterday was very touching and brought back a lot of memories of Maurice. I would like to share a couple of those memories from our time working together at the Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

Maurice was a change agent at the Public Works Department. He was always interested in how things could be done better – better service and better service delivery. Many years ago, Maurice championed methods to improve the department's business practices, processes, and overall management. He led noontime informal training sessions on Total Quality Management and focused on a chapter of Deming's book during each session. Edward Deming's was the father of TQM and his book was the TQM bible. Maurice loved the department and the work we did as a department, he loved to teach, and he loved to mentor young engineers. These sessions allowed him to advance all three at one time. With pen in hand, standing at the white board, Maurice discussed the intricacies of Deming's theories, and the small group of managers devoted to the topic learned a tremendous amount. And it worked. Besides the changes that Maurice himself made, his cadre of managers went on to make changes and improvements throughout their careers that made the department more efficient, more effective, and a better place to work at.

Maurice was a strong supporter of the environment. He stood out in a department of engineers who were comfortable doing things in their traditional manner and opposed anything that slowed down their project or cost more money. The department's fledgling Environmental Section was in the division that also planned and built road projects. Recognizing the difficulty of that division providing objective direction and management of the Environmental Section, Maurice moved the Section to a division that provided services to a variety of customer bases. Having no vested interest in the decisions made by the Environmental Section, the new division allowed the Section to grow and push the department in a more environmental direction. And Maurice supported those managers, sections, or divisions that proposed to expand the envelope of the department's standard practice to try something new that would meet department goals but also have a better outcome for the environment. He was a champion's champion.

Maurice had a huge impact on many people he worked with at the Public Works Department. He mentored us, he taught us, he made us think. We were all changed by Maurice and all changed for the better. I will miss him very much.

Mitch Avalon
May 22, 2021
May 22, 2021
Your smile keeps appear in my memory and we always have nice conversation. Your spouse, Esther, and your family are my envy. We meet often as the True Light luncheon and you were so alive and pleasant. Suddenly, you departed. We miss you, your smile, your book of knowledge, conversation, and proper body language. Rest in peace and walking with the all mighty.
May 22, 2021
May 22, 2021
We are going to miss you at our TrueLight gathering. You presence and humor always made our meeting more cheerful.
陆卓華請
May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021
I loved having Maurice as a neighbor to my parents! He had a particular way of saying my name and it was great. He was always kind with a hello and how are you. When we were kids, his home and yard (and magnolia tree) were always comfortable, welcoming places. I am deeply saddened by your loss, our loss. Sending love and hugs to his family, and keeping warm memories in my heart. May his memory be a blessing to all of us. 
May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021
I will deeply miss Maurice our Dear Brother in Christ. I first met him in the
fellowship and we participated in many Church tasks and activities. Most
notable Maurice is my partner in the Coffee Time Sunday School as we
studied the Old and New Testament. He was knowledgeable, sensible,
and yet fun as he shared his rock solid faith with us. He not only Talk the
Talk, but Walk the Walk as I vividly remember him climbing the scaffolding
to paint the outside Church walls. I will forever remember him in my heart.
May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021
My deepest condolences to Maurice's family. Maurice was one of my classmates at Wah Yan College Kowloon for many years. He was sitting 3 seats behind me in the next row. Unfortunately we lost touch with each other for 55 years ever since I came to USA for my college educations. I vividly remember his face after all these years. He still looked so young, honest, kind, and sincere! May he rested in peace and he will be forever remember in my memories!
May 18, 2021
May 18, 2021
I first met Maurice when I interviewed him for a senior civil engineer opening with the City of Berkeley. He frankly stated at the beginning of the interview that he would not accept the position if he was offered. A short time later he was promoted to a similar position with Contra Costa County. We became friend since then through APWA Northern California Chapter activities. 

After I changed job to San Mateo County, we frequently joked about waving to each other frequently on San Mateo Bridge as he lived in Menlo Park and I lived in Walnut Creek. In other words he lived in the County I worked and I lived in the County he worked. 

Over the years, we worked together frequently related to public works issues in the Bay Area and California before we retired. I treasured him for informing me of his Stage 4 cancer condition a couple months ago. Maurice, I will missed your wisdom and laugh.

My deepest condolences to Esther and Shiu family!
May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
I was on the oral board that selected Maurice to be an employee of the Contra Costa County Public Works Department. Ever since that day he excelled in everything he did or attempted to do, attaining the highest position in the department. In doing so, he became highly respected as an expert in the field of transportation and his advice and council were sought by both other employees of the department and statewide. My favorite memories of him were his attempts to make other people's lives better.
May 16, 2021
May 16, 2021
I am sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. My deepest condolences to his family.

It was a blessing that Maurice passed away peacefully in his sleep. It also gave a relief to all family members as the caregivers.

I have a precious childhood memories of Maurice. He always remain young & active in my heart!

Cousin Johnny Wong,
Markham, Ontario, Canada.

我和文澧表哥年紀相差十歲,但他們(包括我的哥哥)都是我小時候學習的對象。童年回憶的點滴,都不時會浮現在腦海裡,那是一些開心和難忘的的動人時光,就如時光倒流一樣,永遠留在我的心中!

五表弟黃庸

May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
Truly a caring and giving man of solid character, and one I took notice of to try to be more like. As I got older and had my own kids and more perspective, I was touched by how active a role he had in his kids' and grandkids' lives. Will miss you Uncle Maurice.
May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
Even now, I have a hard time believing Maurice is gone!
 When I first visited Baptist Logos Church, Maurice gave me a big welcome to the church. He was one of the first persons who talked to me and gave me a tour in the church.
 During coffee time, he often asked us interesting questions which led to fascinating conversations.
 
 One of the most memorable experiences was he organized a workshop about career and how to deal with difficult coworkers. It was fascinating and he gave us many valuable insights !
  At that time, I was about to give birth so I stopped going to the church. But I kept a mental note to myself that one day, I would say ‘Thank you’ to Maurice, when I see him in person !
  Later on, the COVID-19 prevented us to attend the church in person altogether but I still remembered that one day, I would need to say ‘Thank you’ to him!

  Now, I cannot believe Maurice is gone! But I still remembered his voice, big smile and kindness. I know that one day, I would be able to see him in Heaven and say ‘thank you’ to him !

  May the Lord bless his soul and family! I will remember him forever !

 
 
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
Maurice was a kind soul with a warm heart and outgoing spirit. He was a great neighbor. We would often stand in each other’s yard or on the street chatting about our children or gardens.

Maurice loved his children and was very proud of them. And he adored his grandchildren. He and Esther loved family time which included vacations and cruises together. They’d return home tired but ready to go again.

I’m sure these wonderful memories will continue to bring smiles to your family.

Tom joins me as we send our love and sympathy to Esther, Perkin, Angela, Vanessa, and the grandchildren
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
What a blessing for my family and me that Maurice was our next door neighbor. I will always remember his thoughtfulness, his understanding, his gentle nature, and his warm smile. 

Carol joins me in sending our love to Esther, Perkin, Vanessa and your families.
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
Maurice was a very caring and gentle uncle that we got to know each other better through church. He made a banana bread as an appreciation and support and I was touched and surprised by his loving gesture. I got to attend his Sunday School classes where Maurice shared about his faith journey and mistakes learned through his career and working with many people. I learned that he was very sincere and honest about who he was and encouraged us with his life.
In the recent year we had deeper conversations on life and struggles and conflicts, he tried his best to encourage and support me. One day he surprised me with homemade banana bread and made extra for I can freeze them for future! I miss him and am grateful for him and his life and getting to know him and experience his gentle love as a brother who cares about the younger generation and I. I'm grateful that he is with God where there is no pain and sorrow and I look forward to worship with him and our Creator God.
Father, I thank You for Maurice and giving me a loving role model who lift me up and walked through a difficult time with me.
I will continue my journey with your love for God's people and I will see you again, my friend Maurice.
May 12, 2021
May 12, 2021
I was in the same year in WYK but never in the same class. I think we knew each other's existence while in Wah Yan. We met again twelve years ago in HK when we followed each other walking from the Kowloon Tong MTR station to the Kowloon Club where we had our reunion dinner. Maurice turned around and said that I looked familiar and I said likewise. Since then we met regularly in our WYK reunion activities. Maurice and Esther are warm and friendly. My wife Helena and I had always enjoyed their companry and chatting with them. The last time we met was the reunion in HK in 2018. Maurice was in good spirits then. It was a real shock to learn that he has left us permanently. May him rest in peace. Our most sincere condolensces to Esther and the family.

Question: I would like to send flowers to the memorial service. But then I read that the family would prefer a charitable donation. Since I am in HK, can you suggest an easy way for me to send donations? I don't have any bank account in the US.
May 10, 2021
May 10, 2021
Maurice and I overlapped only a few years at Public Works before he retired. He once postulated to our orientation group, "if you're not dedicated to public service, you won't last." Endurance is not my strength, but after a decade here, apparently those words resonated. Just before retirement, he sought me out to notice and compliment my contributions. The impact of his dedication, conviction, and mentorship continues on. Godspeed, Maurice.
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
I was in the same class as Maurice when he joined us at Wah Yah College, Kowloon. He sat 5 rows in front of me, right in front of the teacher, the most dreaded seat in the whole classroom.  At that young age, he showed that he was ready for a challenge.

I did not hang out with him much during the high school days and we lost contact after that.  We met again during the 50th school reunion in Hong Kong.  When he offered, on behalf of all four classmates in the Bay Area, to host the next reunion, I uttered a silent cuss.  How could the four of us take on a huge project like that?  In the ensuing months, nobody heard anything from Maurice. Then one day, 8 months after it started, Maurice called a meeting. He had already laid out the whole plan, down to the every last detail. The rest of us were stunned. The reunion in the Bay Area was a great success.

It was during this time that Maurice and I got to know each other better. I've learned so much from him, his calm demeanor, his meticulous planning, and his broad range of knowledge. But what I admired most about him is how he and Esther raised a beautiful family.

I am going to miss Maurice a lot. There is still so much yet I can learn from him.  May you Rest In Peace, Maurice.
May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021
Maurice, It amazed me when we were in high school of your knowledge of cars. You could name the make and model of cars just by looking at them, especially those big American driving machine of the 50’s and 60’s.  You would describe those classic cars with spikey rear end as “Shark’s Tail”. Whenever I see one of those “Shark’s Tail” now I will be thinking of you. I was lucky to reconnect with you a few years ago since you emigrated from Hong Kong after high school. You never changed. You were still the same kind, righteous and most helpful person that I have always known. My dear friend, we will all miss you!
May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021
It is shocking and devastating to hear about the sudden loss of one of our best and true, life-long friends, since college at Cal. He will be sorely missed. It was hard to conjecture that about a year and a half ago in the Bay Area was the last time we saw and spoke to him, always gentle, kind, and mild-mannered. He was often proud of and thankful for the accomplishment of his children and grateful for the next generations of children and grandchildren who will forever retain his kindness and lasting legacy.  Although we, Edison and I, are saddened by the loss, he will forever remain in our memories. 
May 4, 2021
May 4, 2021
Dad: Thank you for being the rock upon which we could rely for so many years. I see you fully reflected in the way Perkin cares for our own household as a proactive husband and father. And, it's always been so magical watching your face light up every time our kids jumped into your arms. We're glad you were able to share the story of The Shiu Family heritage with Jaden when you were still strong enough to take a walk with him earlier this year. Your memory will continue to live strongly in all of our hearts.

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Recent Tributes
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
It made me sad to learn of Maurice’s passing at way too young an age and brought back many memories. Maurice was a kind and caring man and always wanted the best for people. I first met Maurice at the Contra Costa County Public Works Department when he was the Division Head for “Road Engineering”. I was just a staff engineer at the time and sat in a cubicle with other engineers. Maurice would often pop back to say hello, see how we were doing and we’d end up having a nice conversation. He didn’t just stay in his office but got out and around and talked to people. He was this way all the way up through his position of Public Works Director years later. He cared about his employees and wanted to know them. He also enjoyed tossing a surprise technical question to new engineers to see if they could answer it. I remember sitting in my cubicle and when he appeared wondering if I’d get a question. He wanted to challenge people and always encouraged us to be our best - get out of our comfort zone and look towards the future. Maurice also believed in the importance of family and supported the work/life balance at Public Works that benefitted so many of us. He had a great sense of humor, was very funny and often laughed as he was telling a joke. I send my love and prayers to his family and friends
May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
Maurice and I were Form 5 classmates in Wah Yan College Kowloon. He wore thick-rimmed glasses that made him looking serious and studious. Nevertheless, he was always polite, sincere and genuine. After the School Certificate Examination in 1964, he emigrated and we lost contact.
We reconnected again in 2004 in Hong Kong during our first class reunion 40 years after graduation. Thereafter, we met in the bi-annual class reunions and other times as well. When he and Esther visited Vanessa, his daughter, who had just started working in Hong Kong, I and my wife, Helen, had dim sums with them. Once, I and Helen visited my cousin and stayed at her home on the outskirt of Oakland. We had diner with Maurice and Esther in a Chinese restaurant somewhere between SF and his home after pick-up from a BART station. After dinner, he insisted on sending us back to my cousin's home that was on the opposite direction to save us the trouble to arrange a pick up by my cousin. I didn't know how far it was, it probably took him an extra 1-1/2 or 2 hours drive home in the dark. We had so much to share and catch up during these gatherings.
Maurice impressed me as a cheerful, helpful, learned and humorous guy. He cared a lot for his family especially for Esther. It was sad to see him leaving us so soon and I really missed the opportunity to learn from him again. I am sure that he is in a better place now. Rest in peace, Maurice!!
May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
I worked directly for Maurice in the mid- to late-80s, when he was the head of the Road Engineering Division at Contra Costa County Public Works Department and he most certainly was one of my mentors in the early years of my career. He saw the talents in every individual and encouraged -- and pushed -- those he worked with to reach higher and wider. While he had a passion for his work, he also had a fun and playful side and seeing the photos of him with a smirk or silly gesture is a great reminder.

I value my time with him.
His Life

Maurice Shiu: His Life

October 26, 2021
Maurice Man-Lai Shiu was born on December 7, 1946 in Guangzhou, China to Canson Shiu and Yathan Chui. A few years later, he moved with his family to Hong Kong in 1949. As he developed, his parents sought structure for his rambunctious and mischievous traits by sending him to the parochial True Light Elementary School. He then earned a coveted 5 year scholarship to Wah Yan College, Kowloon, a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys. It was through school that the seeds of his faith began to grow, leading him to accept our Lord Jesus and get baptized at the age of 14. After matriculation, he immigrated to the United States in 1964 for his college education. Maurice received his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1970. It was during his studies that Maurice met his sweetheart, Esther Luk. They married on August 4, 1973 and together they raised two children and four grandchildren here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He worked for Contra Costa County for almost 40 years, retiring in 2008 from his position as Public Works Director. Some of his most recognized projects were the State Route 4 Bypass Project including the Willow Pass Grade Project, and the "Kids at Work" Expansion Project. He also served as President of the County Engineers Association, receiving the Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association in 2008.

Post retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world, playing golf, cherishing his grandchildren and serving his church. Maurice faithfully attended Logos Baptist Church in Los Altos, CA where he served as a Council Member chair and enjoyed sharing the gospel during Coffee Time and Morning Light small group meetings.  

Maurice was 74 years old when he returned to the Lord on April 26, 2021, after battling Stage IV pancreatic cancer for several months. He is survived by his wife Esther, his two children Perkin (spouse Angela) and Vanessa, and his four grandchildren Jaden, Justin, Noelle, and Gabriella.

Maurice Shiu: Professional Biography

May 8, 2021
Maurice received his Civil Engineering Degree and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and began his career with Contra Costa County Public Works Department in 1971 as a Junior Civil Engineer, was promoted to Assistant Engineer in 1972, Associate Civil Engineer in 1974, Senior Civil Engineer in 1978, Assistant Public Works Director in 1982, Deputy Public Works Director in 1992, and appointed to Public Works Director in 2000.
As Public Works Director, Maurice took a lead role and was successful in meeting the transportation, flood control and recreational needs of the citizens of Contra Costa County by implementing many important projects, such as the supervision and planning of the $175 million State Route 4 Bypass Project, he led the project team to design the $45 million State Route 4 Willow Pass Grade Project, the development of Contra Costa County’s $300 million Traffic Mitigation Program, and initiated the California Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment Study.
Maurice also secured funding and approval for the 12,500 square foot Public Works Office and “Kids at Work” Expansion Project.
In July 2001, Public Works became the first county public works department in California to be accredited by the American Public Works Association, and under his leadership, the Public Works Department was awarded Employer of the Year in 2004 from the Women’s Transportation Seminar San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
Maurice actively participated with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Contra Costa Transportation Authority as well as the Bay Area Transportation Partnership and the County Engineers Association of California (CEAC) to promote transportation initiatives for the region and for Contra Costa County. He was past President of CEAC and chaired the CEAC Transportation Committee for many years, and was chair of the State of California’s Transportation Technology Transfer Committee. He was recognized by his peers, in 2003 with the Ed Hanna Memorial Award for Engineer of the Year from the County Engineers Association of California, in 2006 was elected the President of the County Engineers Association, and in 2008 he received the Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association
Maurice retired in 2008 after 37 years of service to the County.
Recent stories

Virtual Memorial Service for Maurice Man-Lai Shiu (5/22/21)

May 27, 2021
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us live during the service.  Even if you were unable to attend, you can still take time to view the Zoom recording, as well as the video tributes from family, friends, and colleagues.

In Memory of Maurice Man-Lai Shiu - Slideshow

May 23, 2021
We are truly touched and overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of love and support in memory of our beloved Maurice.  

Here is the slideshow highlighting various aspects of his life, as shown at the beginning of the May 22nd Virtual Memorial Service.

VIEW THE SLIDESHOW HERE

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