ForeverMissed
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As you will read in the messages here that so many of his friends and family sent to him in his final weeks of life, my brother Steven was literally the life of any gathering, in the sense that his presence enlivened and enriched the event.  I am thankful that he heard all of your messages, some having been reread to him at his request.  They made him laugh; they made him cry.  But they all lifted his soul, and prepared him to begin transitioning to a new, unexplored adventure. 
Before he passed on, he accepted Christ into his life and was baptized, and many loved ones were ready to welcome him into the light, their light, God’s Light.  Steve is now no longer in pain, and I believe he has brought his signature gifts into this Light.
He is finally at peace.  I love you and miss you, Steve.  But I know we will remain connected until we meet again.  
Thank you to all who wrote to him.  You made a difference. 
Donna Fung,   October 11, 2020
NOTE: Steve's family and friends are welcome to post their memories in the “Tributes” section (80 words or less) on this page, or in the "Stories" section, for longer memories. You may also add photos and video in the "Gallery" section. Your photos will become part of the slideshow. The background music selections on this page are from tunes of Steve's favorite Hawaiian musicians; you can mute the volume, or turn it down on your device if it is too loud.  
Thank you for sharing your memories! 
October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023
So many wonderful memories of our family times together. Your laugh, your smile, your sense of adventure will be with me always.
Miss you, Stevie!
October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023
Stevie, we never forgot what a positive presence you were in our lives. Can't believe it's been 3 years already! So many warm memories. We hope your spirit is free, unencumbered by the pain and challenges of your last years. Much love, Cousin!
October 9, 2023
October 9, 2023
Family has always been important to you and now so many are with you. I never stop thinking of you and appreciate your visits. Love, your sister
October 9, 2023
October 9, 2023
Hi Steve, been feeling your presence in recent weeks. Thanks!! Love, Donna
July 10, 2023
July 10, 2023
Steve, I sure do still miss you but I continue to feel your energy around me. 
December 26, 2022
December 26, 2022
Thinking of you, Steve, and all the wonderful family get togethers you pulled together that added so much love, warmth, and fun to family time. Continue to miss you but do indeed feel your presence. Love, Donna
October 9, 2022
October 9, 2022
Dear Steve,
Maybe because it's another anniversary but It sure feels like you were visiting!
Thank you. I like feeling you around the house. I love you and miss you. Donna
July 10, 2022
July 10, 2022
Thinking of you, Steve, on the 70th anniversary of your birth. We are comforted knowing that you lived your life here to the fullest, until you no longer could. You are missed here, but we feel grateful that we had you in our lives for awhile, and that you are now out of pain and can fly free.
July 10, 2022
July 10, 2022
Dear Steve,
With each passing year, I remember you more and feel you around helping Dad help me. I miss you but definitely certain you are with kindred spirits.
Happy 70th. Lots of love, Donna
December 22, 2021
December 22, 2021
Steve,
I still think about you and our good times together. This is the week I would have spent with you in Redding. I feel you around and it is comforting.
October 9, 2021
October 9, 2021
Dear Steve,
Today is the one year anniversary of your transition but it seems not so long ago that I was watching o-l-d, vintage cowboy movies with you in Redding. Today, I went to Oakland to accept a Congressional Medal of Honor for Chinese American veterans (Dad) who served in the military during WWII. It was a very touching ceremony and I felt both your presence and Dad's presence. It was a ceremony that highlighted the patriotism and courage of Asian Americans who proudly fought for a democracy despite the enactment of the Exclusion Laws that denied to them the very freedoms they were fighting to preserve. I miss you and continue to look forward to our spiritual visits much as it was in the latter phase of your life on Earth. Until we meet again. Love, Donna
October 17, 2020
October 17, 2020
Aloha ,my good friend we had many adventures over 47 yrs of friendship,when we first meet in Hawaii after almost getting in fight,all the people we met a long the way,many are still friends,your parents treated me like a son I am forever grateful for that.
Now your up in Heaven, rocking out....
My family will miss you love you ...
Billy and Kim...
October 15, 2020
October 15, 2020
Dear Steve,

Thinking of you at this time and reflecting back on some fond memories.
I'm sending you a few photos that I dug up of us in Hawaii. As I flipped through the pages of my album, I began to recall some of the places I saw, events that I attended and people I met. It was a moment of joy to relive those happy, carefree days. I hope these photos will bring back good memories for you too.

Sharon, Di, Sarah and I ran into you the summer of 1973 at the Ala Moana Center as we were headed for La Ronde, where you worked. We enjoyed your company at the beach, hiking and dining out. There’s a photo of you, enjoying a good meal, like most Chinese do. What a great shot with my cheap camera!

It would have been nice to have kept in touch throughout the years, but as life gets busy for most of us, we tend to lose touch. I have you in my memory bank though and I'm glad that we had the chance to meet and spend some time together.

Peace and prayers for you.

Aloha nui,
Gail
October 14, 2020
October 14, 2020
Steve
You probably don't remember me (Kathy Wong) but when we were in middle school my family had moved to Parker Ave. There was this boy that lived across the street and one day he had introduce himself to me. That boy was John Yano. I remember you coming over one day and that was when I met you. We use to play ball out in the street and did a lot of hanging out. Those were fond memories and I will always cherish them. 
May you rest in peace
Kathy Wong Taniguchi
October 13, 2020
October 13, 2020
My dear long time friend Steve,
I have been cutting your hairs since 1979. Your Asian also i am a Asian up in Northern Cal we be cam a instant friends.
During our years we shared good times and sad times too.
Today i learned your passing. It gave me so many emotions.
I am sad that your journey is done.
Yet your no longer suffering give me peace. Have a rejoice in heaven say hello to my late husband Paul for me. I will miss you Steve Fung!
RIP My friend.
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Debbie and I will always remember the fun times we all had at C R Gibbs. We have great memories of you as that one person who always had a smile no matter what was going on. Love you my friend, I am sure you will entertain everyone in Heaven.
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
My dear cousin, Steve…I cherish our wonderful memories of Hawaii…
Your car that always needed water! You were so kind to let me stay a few nights with you.

You and your friend, Joe, came for a visit to San Francisco and you made a reservation at your Dad’s restaurant in Emeryville to surprise him. And we did! After we went out for drinks and then decided to head up to Lake Tahoe that same night. Of course, we weren’t dressed for winter weather but, hey, we were young and didn’t care.

I moved to Hawaii May ’73 and Carroll, Deedee and I got an apartment in the Makiki area. More fun was in our futures!

The LaRonde restaurant, The Grog Shop, clubbing more nights a week than we should have, playing tennis at night to beat the heat of day…

When you developed a fondness for my dearest friend, Carroll, and took her out on a date to a very exclusive restaurant. I sent you a picture with you both all dressed up…it was so sweet.

I enjoyed our drives to Redding (Danny did all the driving, which we really appreciated), and being able to see you several times last year, holding your hand and seeing your tears. We were blessed to get that time with you. So glad we were able to do that.

I know we will be together again in a paradise earth where we will suffer no more and live that perfect life in perfect conditions. See you there my dear cousin!

I love you!

Janice
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020

Hi Steve,
Donna asked me for a blessing for you. She and I are good friends and I performed her marriage ceremony. My name is Virstan Choy.
Steve,

May you be blessed with waking moments that allow you to remember all the good people and the many good times that have made your life truly good. May those memories fill you with joy and gratitude.

May God bless you with the assurance that you are in the thoughts and prayers of those you love and who love you and with the assurance that you have a permanent place in their hearts and minds

And may God bless you and enable you to set aside what troubles you and to let go of what worries you
So that your final moments may be gentle, and
so that your transition may be calm when you begin the life that comes after this life,

And enjoy healing rest and lasting peace. 

Amen
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Aloha Steve!!!

This is a photo of my daughter-in-law, Zoe, and my 2 sons, Aaron and Joshua, and me making dinner for Aaron’s 33rd bday!

I’ve live in Honolulu for 43 years now and wanted to share a recent photo of my family.

Steve... one of my fondest memories in junior high was when I had a crush on you!

You were in a band with your buddy Seth and I thought you were real cool and a cutie!!!

A few of us had crushes on you! ☺️

And was super surprised and happy that you gave me a Christmas present that was beyond my wildest dreams! You probably don’t remember but it was a necklace watch. I treasured it! 1967

The best thing in my life other than God’s gifts to me of my kids was finally having a true relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Changed my my perspective in life and now know what this verse really means:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His begotten Son... and whosoever believes in Him will not parish but have eternal life. John 3:16

This I share with you and fond memories with all my heart!

God’s Grace to you & Aloha!
Margo Wong

October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
NOTE: Lisa is Claudette’s daughter (Claudette worked for dad at Trader Vic’s)

Dear Steve, I just wanted to let you know I share fun memories starting at Farrell’s ice creamery back in the day. We had some great times traveling around in your MG convertible fun car. 

The Hawaiian hikes, also great memory. I would like to go on that trail whenever Oahu is ready to open again.

It was misty and lush, as I recall. At the time, I was learning a lot about myself. Just know I always cherished the fun times and enjoyment we had.

Honoring your life, Lisa
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020

STEVE,
I had a chance to talk with Gloria Garcia Smith. She really misses you. Here’s what she said:

GLORIA Garcia Smith
Now living in Albuquerque, New Mexico

She said you and she are “FOREVER FRIENDS” and she misses you dearly. She said that if it weren’t for the restrictions due to the corona virus, she would be there to see you in a heartbeat.

She remembers how much fun and what a great friendship you shared: having meals together sometimes prepared together and sometimes dining out; going to bars and listening to good music, and so much more “just hanging out” like good pals do.

She sends you HUGE hugs and kisses and says she knows when the time is right, angels will come and lead you to a better place.

She said she misses you soooooo much! You are remembered with lots of love and smiles. She wants you to know you are her best friend and she loves you A LOT.
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Hello Steve –
It’s Cookie Wong – you may not remember me as we knew each other long ago at Cameron House in the club program. I knew the Marauders club and the Mikados but my clubs were the next grade older – the Noremacs and the Grenadier Guards. I sang with leader Gary Tong at variety shows and hootenannies. We had great times on the basketball and volleyball courts with our clubs competing on Friday nights. I remember you way back then...athletic, friendly, fun with an easy smile.
And my cousin Rennie Owyang married your cousin Blossom, so I guess we are related! You must know that you are so loved by friends and family, and you are remembered for so many things including your kindness and strength and courage.
I wish for you a peaceful and loving journey in your next chapter. Know that you have made a difference in this world.
Cookie
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Hello Stevie,

This is Auntie Marian. I wish I could visit you but with COVID-19 and with no driving long distances anymore, I am writing to you instead. Uncle Bill and I always enjoyed seeing you at the Fung Family holidays and get-togethers. You have always been so kind to me and I love you very much. I am sorry that you have to go through health issues, but I know you are strong. You proved your strength and love for life when you received your heart transplant. I am praying for you. Stay strong!

I love you,
Auntie Marian


October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Dearest Steve,

I have fond memories of Thanksgivings with the Fungs and our fun conversations while we were waiting (what seemed like hours) for Uncle Freddie to finally finish cooking the turkey, which was always delicious. I am so glad you were able to be part of our wedding and helped throw Jonathan a memorable bachelor party.

I know these last few years have truly been challenging in so many ways. I’m so thankful for your caregivers (and friends) who have helped to carry you through the good days and the bad.

My prayer for you now is to let the Lord carry your burdens, your struggles, your frustrations - and may you be free from pain and find joy and wholeness in His presence.

We continue to carry you in our thoughts and prayers.

All my love to you,
Allison Fung
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
NOTE : I'm a lifelong friend of Di Lee from the "hood" and I used to stop in HNL regularly and cherish the times.

Steve,

Ricky Leong here. Oh do I remember stopping through on the way back from Asia and you were always so welcoming. Always insisting we hang a couple of days...even while you were so busy at the restaurant. Always time for a smoke and a smile!

A ton of fun with you always making time for us and being a great host!!!

You must've hosted all the kids from Cameron House & Chinatown over the years .... following your own path in Hawaii. We were always in awe and a bit of envy. I saw your Dad in you :-)

Remember you let me drive your Blue Alpha one nite going to one of your friends? Pretty brave of you letting a Chinese driver from SF behind the wheel.

A lot of memories that we have forever Steve.

Love
Rick
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Dear Steven,

We were very sad to learn about your condition. I wanted to reach out and let you know how much I admire you. You are the strongest, smartest and kindest man I know. I also know that you are deeply loved by your friends and your family. I would like to thank you for letting me be your medical assistant these years.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

With great respect and admiration,
Dr. Greenberg and Doreen
October 12, 2020
October 12, 2020
Rest in Eternal Peace, Steve. You brought smiles, laughter & good times to our lives and we are all Thankful for our time together in this lifetime. You will be missed but not forgotten, Brother. "
Peace & Blessings All, Jeff & Lil
October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
FROM FRIENDS:

"All our lives have been blessed by our friendships. 
Rest In Peace Our beloved Steve." Mei Lin

"Gone too soon...May the memories we have of time spent with Steve provide comfort knowing that he was a part of our lives." Jojo


"Amen. It’s also a time to be thankful for one another." Tim

"I am so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. I am glad that he lived life to the fullest and we were able to convey our fond memories to Steve to let him know that we care. Thank you for letting us know about Donna’s project for Steve and all of us are so very grateful we were able to send our thoughts and prayers." Mei Lon

"I will always cherish the fond memories I had with him and John Yano hanging around my house or playing ball in the street,
He's at peace now and I will miss him." Kathy


"We all look on how Steve impacted our lives one way or another with fond memories!

Let’s reflect our own paths, we see why and what we are doing here.

May God’s Grace be upon Steve." Margo


"Another friend gone too soon and lost in 2020. RIP Steve...❤️" Dardie


"Steve is at peace now. Bless him." Gail


October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Truly the BEST news I've heard... that Steve accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and now I know Steve is in peace, joyfully with God and lives in Heaven!
What a most wonderful gift to a wonderful guy!
Now, for sure I will see you again!
Answered prayers through God's Grace & Glory!
Much Aloha, Margo
October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Dear Steve,
Mei Lon & I remember your bright smile and funny quips. We will always see you in your aloha shirt with the big white puka shell necklace long hair flowing in the breeze. Please know that all your kid time friends that you grew up with will have you in our hearts. 
Big hugs, Mei Lin & Mei Lon


October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Hi Steve,
Sending you a blast from the past. This is Sharon McCarthy, a friend of Diane Huang Lee. I met you in Hawaii in the 70’s. Just reaching out to say hi and to send you good wishes!

Love,
Sharon

October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Dear Steve,
Ron and I were saddened to hear that your health has not been good. Life is a very precious thing, and it was your dad who taught us the value of it. Every day he would remind us how to love our friends and family, and I’m sure that you know what I mean. You are just like your dad and I though we didn’t live in the same areas as each other, we always stayed in touch because you are family. We love you Steve and wish you the best. God bless you.
Love Ron and Renee


October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Hi Steve,
I’ve been so removed from everyone but managed to stay in touch over the years just by luck. I am now living in Florida...Gypsy at heart!I’m happy people have kept me in the loop so I cud keep up with ‘our group’ over the years. I hear you are having a hard time. The moment I heard your name, your face just popped up in front of me like it was yesterday. You always had a great smile and so sweet in nature. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping for the best!
Only good thoughts
Pansy

October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Steve you are always so bubbly and cheerful.....i don't think I’ve ever seen you angry. You are just one of those guys people always want to be around!
Rennie

October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Dear Steve,
When I think of our times together, I think of all the family gatherings at your mom and dad's house and the cousins catching up with one another and hearing what everyone was up to. You are the one with the great sense of humor and would tease us and make us laugh. As we got older, we remember the delicious food you and your dad would prepare for all of us and there would be a lot of talk about sports, and we also liked hearing about your times in Hawaii. Those are all good memories. 
Love,
Rhonda and Peter

October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Hey Cuz,
Long time no see. I'm sorry to hear that you're not doing well. I remember one day going to your house and we went for a ride, jumping some of the hills and getting buzzed. That was when we were really young and stupid. Now we're old and not so stupid. Anyway, I will miss you and one day we'll catch up with the rest of the family, just like when we got together for birthday parties at the NORTH BEACH house. I remember all of the grownups playing cards and MJ while us kids would go out and get into mischief. 

This is a bummer and where did all of the time go. 
I hope you were able to do the things you wanted,

Jeff

October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Dear Steve,
Looking back when we were kids, I always thought you were the fun party cousin. Everyone loved your infectious laugh, jokes and games that you would come up with. We had so much fun playing card games and swinging from the pipes down in the basement.

I’d like to thank you for your kindness and generosity. No matter how much you had or how little, you would always share a great meal with us whether we went out to a restaurant or enjoyed your yummy home cooking, this is what brought our families together.
These memories will be in our hearts forever.
All our love,
Blum, Ren and family

October 11, 2020
October 11, 2020
Steve and I had many crazy adventures when we lived in Hawaii. We went out to eat many different restaurants; always had maxed out credit cards (so we just got new ones); spent lots of time at the different beaches, and found a hidden water fall that was known to the locals as “Secret Falls”. These are just some of our time together living in Hawaii. There are so, so many more good memories wherever we were that I can spend a day remembering them. We were pals and I will never forget him. - Bill

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Recent Tributes
October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023
So many wonderful memories of our family times together. Your laugh, your smile, your sense of adventure will be with me always.
Miss you, Stevie!
October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023
Stevie, we never forgot what a positive presence you were in our lives. Can't believe it's been 3 years already! So many warm memories. We hope your spirit is free, unencumbered by the pain and challenges of your last years. Much love, Cousin!
October 9, 2023
October 9, 2023
Family has always been important to you and now so many are with you. I never stop thinking of you and appreciate your visits. Love, your sister
His Life

San Francisco Native with Aloha Spirit

October 11, 2020
Steven Richard Fung was born to Frederick P. and Elsie F. Fung on July 10, 1952 in San Francisco, CA.   Raised in the City, Steve attended Roosevelt Jr. High School and George Washington High School.  He made friends easily, was quite popular, and enjoyed a wide variety of activities.  Early on, Steve also exhibited a love of the great outdoors. Kayaking, hiking, mountain bike riding, and body surfing were some his favorite recreational pastimes.  Steve was just as comfortable in crowds as he was alone with nature. Each experience was "go with the flow" for him. 
Hawaii became a second home for Steve, especially in the early 1970s, when he worked as a chef at the La Ronde Revolving Restaurant in the Ala Moana Building. He loved cooking and fine cuisine. In that way, Steven took after after his father Fred, who was manager of Trader Vic's in Oakland/Emeryville, CA. for many years.   After moving to Redding California, Steven still traveled to San Francisco to visit his parents and to Hawaii.

Life was good, and then Steven faced one of the biggest challenges of his life when, in 1994,  he developed cardiomyopathy, resulting in a heart transplant. He always felt grateful for that precious gift of a donor heart that allowed him to live his life to the fullest.  Many years later, Steven received a second catastrophic diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. The PD was ultimately reassessed instead to being a very rare and progressive form of movement disorder.  Steven died from this condition on October 9, 2020.

He is survived by his mother Elsie, sister Donna, daughter Anna, nephew David Pansullo, and many family members and friends. 

Dedication

October 14, 2020
A Song Dedicated to Steven 

 For Good
(from "Wicked") 

I'm limited
Just look at me
I'm limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do
Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us
Now it's up to you
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So, let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a hand print on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done, you blame me for
But then I guess
We know there's blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore
Like a comet pulled from orbit (like a ship blown from its mooring)
As it passes the sun (by a wind off the sea)
Like a stream that meets a boulder (like a seed dropped by a bird)
Halfway through the wood (in the wood)
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
Songwriter: Stephen Lawrence Schwartz
Recent stories

Mr milkshake

October 13, 2020
What a birthday that was for you Steve. The one thing you always wanted was a milkshake. I remember all the times I took you to in and out to get one. I will miss you buddy.

From Jonathan

October 12, 2020
September 18, 2020

Hi Stevie, 
I am sorry that you are being challenged with living with Parkinson’s. I have been thinking about you and praying for you often. 
I have several wonderful memories of us together. You are the one cousin that I always looked forward to seeing and sitting next to at our family banquets and gatherings, because you were always interested in knowing what I was doing and made me feel great about myself.

Remember, when I first got my driver’s license and I took you for a spin in my souped-up ’69 Camaro on Geary Street in Union Square and almost got hit by a bus? Your face turned white and you almost shit your pants. I did not even see the bus coming, lol! 

Another great memory was driving to LA with you and Robin to the Super Bowl in Pasadena to watch the Raiders beat the Vikings. It was a great game and was fun to hang out with you and also see Uncle Freddie at the Super Bowl.

You always inspired me with your million-dollar smile and positive attitude. I remember visiting you in the hospital before your heart transplant and you took the time to proudly introduce Allison and me to the nursing staff.

It was a blessing to have you travel to Birmingham, Alabama with your parents and David to my wedding 22 years ago. I remember you and my friends took me out for my bachelor party in Southside Birmingham and we went out to eat and listened to music at different clubs.

I will always remember your carefree nature, traveling to tropical places, and enjoying life no matter what challenges you faced.

Allison is working at Netflix and Ayla just got her driver’s license. Lance gave Ayla his sweet 1999 Mercedes 230 SLK, which she is enjoying. I am teaching photography and art classes at San Jose State University, also creating art to raise awareness on human trafficking, coaching girls high school basketball, and pastoring youth at my church.

My relationship with God is the most important part of my life. God gives me purpose to make a difference and to serve others. He sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for us sinners and to save humanity. We have an opportunity to live with God forever even after we leave this earth. He will forgive us for our sins when we ask him to because he loves us unconditionally and his grace is enough. 

If you don’t know Jesus, it’s not too late to accept him into your heart and life. He will bring you joy you never experienced before.

Romans 10:9-10 from the Bible says, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Stevie, I love and care about you and would like to see you in Heaven when I get there. I believe my dad, your dad, Uncle Ed, and Yun Yun are in Heaven together.

No pressure, but would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you believe that God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for you, that he resurrected on the third day to bring you everlasting life? God will take all your pain away when you are with him in Heaven and you will experience love and joy unimaginable. If you said yes, God will bless you now and prepare you to enter his kingdom.

Thank you for being a wonderful cousin and influencing my life!
Love you man!
Jonathan

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