It was a month ago today that Tony passed away. I've just put together the transcript of my remembrance at his memorial service in memory of him.
This memorial schedule must have been made by some engineering students – such an orderly procession of speakers, so organized and predictable. So we’ve had remembrance from high school, from undergraduate years, now it must be from the graduate school.
Before I start, I’d like to take a short survey:
--How many of you have taken elecromagnetics in college? Those who have done that, please raise your hand
--Now those of you who have taken the elecromagnetics course, how many of you have enjoyed it?
--And got all that and aced it?
As those who have taken it know, elecromagnetics is one of the most challenging courses in the EE curriculum, very abstract, very math heavy, and a lot of Greek symbols. For a lot of people, after they have finished that course, the most common feeling is “Thank God, I don’t have to deal with this kind of stuff ever again!”
But not Tony. Not only has he enjoyed the course and aced it, all that kind of Greek stuff even seemed to make sense to him. As a matter of fact, it made so much sense that, when he was given a choice to pick a field and professor for his graduate study because of his undergraduate accomplishments, he picked electromagnetics!
Now we all know that Tony was sharp, smart, and had many awe-inspiring achievements. But those are not the main reason that many of us gather here and remember him fondly today. They were not the reason that so many people expressed their shock and sadness upon learning of his death; not the reason that so many people flocked to the memorial webpage and left their condolence; and not the reason that even more people mourned for their loss through emails and messages. No, we mourn for our loss because of Tony’s kindness, his cheerfulness, the hearts he has touched and the smiles he has brought, and the help and the care he has offered to many people. As his sister said, Tony would never say no to your request and he would always, always give his best, to both his family and his friends. Even to his work I believe.
Tony loves to sing and has a very good voice. There is a song he likes very much and enjoys singing. Let us sing that now in remembrance of Tony.
驼铃 (Camel Bells)
送战友踏征程 (I'm seeing my brother off)
默默无语两眼泪 (no words needed, tears held back in the eyes)
耳边响起驼铃声 (With the bells ringing on the camel's neck)
路漫漫雾濛濛 (a new journey's starting, a long journey ahead)
人生旅途常分手 (Oh so many partings in so short a life)
一样分别两样情 (not always hard, but always sad)
战友啊战友 亲爱的弟兄 (Oh my brother, my good buddy)
当心夜半北风寒 一路多保重 (When the night falls and the wind chills, please take good care)
送战友踏征程 (I'm seeing you off, my brother)
任重道远多艰辛 (a long, long journey ahead)
洒下一路驼铃声 (The sound of the bells accompanies you)
山叠嶂水纵横 (on the high and winding mountain climb)
顶风逆水雄心在 (All the burdens and load)
一身重担两肩担 (won't bend your back)
战友啊战友 亲爱的弟兄 (Oh my brother, my good buddy)
待到春风传佳讯 我们再相庆, 再相庆 (when the greening of the leaves brings good news, let's say cheers again, say cheers again)
Now the good news, Christine, Susan, and Lisa, and sister and mom, the good news to Tony will be that you are all healthy and happy; the good news, Susan and Lisa, is Daddy will know you’re both doing well and live up to your great potential. That’s your daddy’s wish, and the wish of all of his friends today. And I know I’m speaking for all of Tony’s friends from both college and graduate school as well.