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.
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.