Robert Shyun-Jing Chao (趙循經 )

September 26, 1948 – August 7, 2022

We honor and celebrate the Inspiring Life of ROBERT SHYUN – JING CHAO.

Robert Shyun-Jing Chao (趙循經 ) was born on September 26, 1948 to Fei-Kuan Chao (趙飛崑)and Shih-Ming Chang (張石明) in Nanjing(南京),  China.  During his early childhood, his father, a Kuomintang (國民黨) General who had fought against the Japanese invasion, retreated to Taiwan when the Communists took over of China. Though his grandparents would have liked to keep him, the oldest grandson, in China, his mother insisted that they flee together as a family.  She took Bob and his younger brother Wei (趙循緯) with her to escape at night on a fishing boat to Taiwan in 1949.  His youngest brother, Steve (趙循缇), and sister Virginia (趙循绮), were born there afterward.  He and the entire family grew up in 宋屋居易新村, Taiwan, a community with about 70-80 military families. He finished his elementary and middle schools there, then left home at age 15 to attend high school 師大附中 in Taipei in 1962.  Though quiet and shy from his humble background, he did well in school, and was elected class president in high school senior year.

After graduating from Zhong-Xing University (台灣中興大學), with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bob immigrated to the US in 1971 for a graduate program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. There, he met his future wife, Ann (張良惠).  Upon completing his master’s degree in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, he received a Research Scholarship in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Cornell University on a PhD track in 1973.  He and Ann got married on January 2, 1975, in Taiwan.  In 1976 they moved to Chicago for his first job with IITRI and his daughter, Yvonne (趙一帆) was born there in October 1978.  He then took a job at IBM and moved to Endicott, NY where his younger daughter, Tiffany (趙一倫), was born in July 1982.  They moved to Chappaqua, NY, in 1991, for an internal job assignment within IBM Headquarters, and settled there for the next 30+ years. 

Bob spent most of his career at IBM, first as an engineer, then in Intellectual Property Mergers and Acquisitions.  After IBM, he spent years working abroad, first with Infineon in Munich, Germany, then in Singapore and Taiwan, and came back home in 2016, formed a partnership “Radius IP” with an IBM colleague and worked there until his final days.

Bob was a generous, loving, and patient father, who always knew how things worked, and weathered a long daily commute without complaint. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his daughters’ musical interests, attended dozens of orchestral performances, and wholeheartedly encouraged their academic careers and extracurricular interests.

He continued to stay in touch with many of his childhood friends, high school, and college classmates, as well as his Phi Lambda fraternity brothers, and his friends from OCA Westchester & Hudson Valley, CAAPS, and several other volunteer organizations he was involved with. He was particularly committed to OCA-WHV and had been the chapter’s Co-Chair of Advocacy. With the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in recent years, he became a vocal advocate against anti-Asian hate and actively tried to build bridges between the Asian American community and other minority communities. He spoke at a #StopAsianHate Rally in Bedford, NY in April 2021 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=MvQ8TN1k_0Q) was also interviewed in newspapers (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/03/13/asian-american-attack-white-plains/

https://mynewcastle.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=643).

Bob loved traveling and visited many places in Europe and Asia over the past several years. However, what he loved the most was spending time with his family. In New York, with Ann and Yvonne, he enjoyed seeing Broadway shows, visiting museums, eating good food, and walking in the woods to forage for ramps and mushrooms.  He and Ann also traveled often to California to visit Tiffany, David, and Theodore (Teddy), who brought immense joy to Bob’s life. In his free time, Bob loved playing ping pong, learning new languages (German, Japanese), getting to know people, and volunteering in his community at the local food bank and with various non-profit organizations. At the time of his passing, he was visiting Las Vegas for the national OCA conference, where he was to receive the Unsung Hero award for his tireless advocacy against anti-Asian hate. 

Bob passed away peacefully on August 7, 2022, surrounded by his family, and would have been honored to know he became an organ donor shortly thereafter.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann, daughters, Yvonne and Tiffany, son-in-law David Bebb, and grandson Theodore Bebb, as well as his sister, Virginia, and brother, Wei. He is predeceased by his younger brother, Steve. One of our fondest memories of him is his heartfelt and moving toast at Tiffany and David’s wedding, which you can view here: https://mediazilla.com/Uq2hztnZ7

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to the Bob Chao Memorial Student Award Fund at OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. You can do so online at https://oca-whv.org/donation, or via check to to OCA – WHV, P.O. Box 541, White Plains, NY 10602, with a note for the “Bob Chao Memorial Student Award Fund.”

If you have any loving stories with Bob, we would love to read it if you can share any of them with us here. You can also add and view photos in this online album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/em8zcHxt9Me3QVJJ7

Watch the OCA slideshow here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIDiXQuLftc

Additionally, please feel free to leave a loving message or positive memory with the family.

36 Comments
  1. Jennifer Chen

    Dear Yvonne, Tiffany, and Ann,
    I am so sorry for the sudden loss of Robert. I pray that God’s comfort and peace will carry you through this time of mourning.

    Reply
  2. Brian Hinman

    Bob used to report to me at IBM and it was such a pleasure to work with a man who had such passion for his work, always a pleasant demeanor and a very hard work ethic. I learned so much from Bob and he and I traveled to Asia together several times and I really appreciated his knowledge of Asian cultures and his insights into Asian business practices. I will miss Bob fondly and will always remember his smile, his funny stories and most of all his friendship. His family is in my constant prayers in their time of grieving, and I hope over time this pain will subside.

    Reply
  3. Jerry Lane

    I worked with Bob at IBM and not only found him personable and friendly but very smart with a great understanding of technology. He was always helpful and generous with his knowledge and time.

    I know he will be missed by his immediate family and those he cultivated in social, work, and volunteer activities.

    Reply
  4. George Cheng

    Bob and I were Phi Lambda (PL) fraternity brothers even though we belong to different chapters, he was at Westchester, NY and I am at New Jersey. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to work together with Bob at CAAPS on a tough assignment of revising the By Laws. Every time we met, I always felt the power of his rigorous diligence, broad knowledge and focus on details. Last time I met with Bob was at a PL midsummer gathering in New Jersey. We chat, we laugh, and we treasure all our lives and experiences, Bob remained such a joyful and intelligent person to be with. His untimely passing was such a shock and a great loss for the organizations he was involved in and all the people who had the pleasure of knowing this truly fine man. Rest in peace, Bob. Will always miss you, Bro. George Cheng

    Reply
  5. Ray Chen(TW)

    He is a good man always assist others

    Reply
  6. Guy Proulx

    I met Bob while he worked for Infineon in Munich and we immediately became friends. Actually, it was hard not to be friends with Bob as he had an easy and congenial way about him. A number of years later he moved to Singapore where we enjoyed many long discussions and beers together. At the end of his time in Singapore, he agreed to work for me as General Manager in my Taiwan office where his open-door policy and easy demeanor were just what the office needed. He was solutions-oriented but always with a focus on making the workplace a better place for all employees. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Personally, I’ll find future CNY periods to be absent an event that I’ll greatly miss – Bob’s annual call to chat about life, family, and friends.

    Reply
  7. George Tang

    The news of Bob death came as a shock to me, because we just had our lunch meet at ” Asian Wave” not long ago, now, we suddenly loss one of our ” Gentleman Club” dearest member , it has left all of us deeply saddened. Bob, you’ll be miss , god bless you and rest in peace..

    Reply
  8. Amy Huang

    懷念趙循經先生

    認識趙先生及良惠他們很久了,從 1993 年到現在都快 30 年了。南威合唱團成立時認識的,那時候他們 剛從綺色佳搬到威郡,大家又都住在 Chappaqua 而來往多些,他們好客,常常在他們家燒烤或聚會,吃喝玩唱非常熱鬧。印象最深的是Bob 的微笑,見面總是笑咪咪的。良惠美麗耀眼熱情,他穩重幽默風趣,一對才子佳人,而且他幹活勤快俐落,客人到他們家總是如沐春風玩得盡興不肯離去,很開心。

    他的個性低調,有修養有學識有膽識,他曾被推選為華美協會會長,即使這樣,在團體中也不張揚,只埋頭苦幹。我們合唱團的活動表演中也常得力于他的幫助。

    後來我搬家到南威,見面機會少了,但華人社區活動中還是常看到他做事的身影。

    再後來我搬來加州,離開好友們越來越遠,但是每次想起他們心裡還是暖暖的,也知道他們兩個女兒教養得非常好。 疫情前回紐約,良惠安排合唱團及友人在 Betty 謝家大聚會,我又注意到了一個小節,那天 他看到地上好像有根不安全的繩子線路之類的東⻄,他馬上彎身在那裡弄妥以免別人摔跤。這就是他,做 好事永遠不讓人知道。那年的秋天他們來南加坐船去墨⻄哥遊玩時,在我家停留了兩晚,雖然我因為病的 緣故,沒辦法陪他們到處遊玩,但仍相聚甚歡。

    如今他走的這麼突然,令人非常震驚,惋惜及哀傷,痛失英才。他還捐贈器官造福人群,真是多麼的偉大 的情操啊! 當然這是需要家屬的支持才能辦到,這點上良惠真是做了一件很了不起的善舉。

    和藹可親的趙先生這麼突然的離世了,良惠痛失摯愛,我們痛失老友,想起音容笑貌宛如昨,如今無處可 追尋,真是難過。但有一日我們終將歸回天家,有緣再見!

    Reply
  9. Rebecca Karp

    Dear Tiffany and family,
    I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your father (husband and grandfather). I will always remember his spirited and hilarious speech at your wedding. Sending so much love. —Rebecca Karp Leaf

    Reply
  10. Jeanhee Chung

    We are so very sad to hear the news that this great spirit has left us. My son was one of Bob’s interns, very much enjoyed working with him at the food bank in White Plains, and was inspired by him. Bob was also inviting me to OCA-WHV meetings and I always enjoyed his positive, energetic, and generous personality. He has made such a mark in the world. We send our deepest sympathy to his family for their loss.

    Reply
  11. Dennis Chao (趙建華)

    趙排兄:
    Even 今天我還是不能想像你已經靜悄悄地走了!
    想當年(1969)我們 在中興大學理工學院畢業,在班上我們趙家有三位同學,趙循経,趙東平和趙建華。去年八月九日東平兄突然不告而別的走了,今年八月七日你又不告而別的走了,現在我們三趙只剩下我一個人了真是好可憐啊!還記得嗎今年六月十七日當我告訴你経過一年半的幸苦日子(化療 ,電療及十個小時的大手術),他們用CT Scan 在我身上已找不到任何cancer cells 了,你聽了為我好高興,你説的等我明年身體復原了我們可以再一起去旅遊了,你也promised 文章兄要一起去遊貝加爾湖的,現在這些願望都變成了永遠的夢想了,真是使我難過之極!在此我只能祝福你一路平安到天家享永福!

    Reply
  12. Cloris Cui

    I had the opportunity to work in the same team with Bob in Infineon when he was in Germany and in Singapore. He opened the door of my current professional practice to me. Although I never called him mentor outspokenly, I have always been grateful that he taught me without reservation. His care of the growth of younger generation went beyond the years in Infineon. After I moved to the SF bay area, he often checked how I grew in profession and in life. I lost a beacon light without Bob, but his passion to work and life and his care for people who came after him stay in my mind forever. Rest in peace, 赵”先生”(取老师之意)。

    Reply
  13. Cloris Cui

    I had the opportunity to work in the same team with Bob in Infineon when he was in Germany and in Singapore. He opened the door of my current professional practice to me. Although I never called him a mentor outspokenly, I have always been grateful that he taught me without reservation. His care for the growth of the younger generation went beyond the years in Infineon. After I moved to the SF bay area, he often checked how I grew in profession and in life. I lost a beacon light without Bob, but his passion for work and life and his care for people who came after him stay in my mind forever. Rest in peace, 赵”先生”(取老师之意)。

    Reply
  14. Cloris Cui

    I had the opportunity to work in the same team with Bob in Infineon when he was in Germany and in Singapore. He opened the door of my current professional practice to me. Although I never called him a mentor outspokenly, I have always been grateful that he taught me without reservation. His care for the growth of the younger generation went beyond the years in Infineon. After I moved to the SF bay area, he often checked how I grew in profession and in life. I lost a beacon light without Bob, but his passion for work and life and his care for people who came after him stay in my mind forever. Rest in peace, 赵”先生”(取老师之意)。

    请节哀顺变,保重身体。

    With deep saddened heart,
    Cloris

    Reply
  15. Cloris Cui

    I had the opportunity to work in the same team with Bob in Infineon when he was in Germany and in Singapore. He opened the door of my current professional practice to me. Although I never called him a mentor outspokenly, I have always been grateful that he taught me without reservation. His care for the growth of the younger generation went beyond the years in Infineon. After I moved to the SF bay area, he often checked how I grew in profession and in life. I lost a beacon light without Bob, but his passion for work and life and his care for people who came after him stay in my mind forever. Rest in peace, 赵”先生”(取老师之意)。

    请节哀顺变,保重身体。

    With deep saddened heart,
    Cloris

    Reply
  16. I-Tuan Wang

    Dear Ann, Yvonne, Tiffany, David and Teddy,

    We received the message of Bob’s passing with heavy, heavy hearts.
    It was a total shock for a genuine good man to fall so suddenly.
    A while back, he called me about his irregular heart beats and the timely treatments.
    He calmly talked about Ann’s and daughters’ love and support.
    Then, his voice lightened up to share his volunteer works in various community programs that he so passionately involved.
    He is just such a gentle and humble man who only wants to be kind and helpful to the others.
    I have been praying for Bob’s health and safety every morning in our neighborhood park.

    Time flies too fast!
    Tracing back to early 1950s, I was so looking forward to the visit by Cousin Fei Kung, Shi Ming and their two little ones.
    We would have the most joyful time doing the natural walk.
    Bob and Wei giggled all the way while taking a piggy back ride on me.
    They were the most adorable toddlers.

    Yes, we will always cherish Bob’s college days when we were both in Taichung.
    Your move to Chicago gave us more precious opportunity to be together.
    Your recent visit to California.
    ——

    Bob had a truly fulfilled life.
    He loved Ann’s faithful companionship.
    He was so proud of two daughter’s achievements.
    He treasured his grandchild.
    ——

    Please take good care of yourselves.
    It will make Bob happy in heaven.

    auntie, I-tuan, and uncle, You Sui Wang

    Reply
  17. Pao-Lo Liu

    Bob (趙哥哥) and Ann (張姐姐) are dear friends for many years. In fact, Bob’s father and Shaw-Lin’s father were life-long best friends. As a result, we became very close and have kept in contact.

    In and around 1975, Bob and Shaw-Lin both attended graduate school in Cornell University. Bob and Ann are very kind and knowledgeable. With warm hearts, they helped us in many ways. Bob routinely gave us rides [often with other students] to the supermarket. He also took us to nearby parks and many other school events on campus. Most memorably, Ann and Bob helped enormously in arranging the engagement party for us. We greatly appreciate and remember their love, kindness and support.

    After graduation, we moved around and settled in different cities. Nevertheless, we keep in touch annually. Once in early 1980, they visited us while we lived in New Jersey. Unfortunately, we never had a chance to see each other again.

    It was a total shock to hear the passing away of Bob. We couldn’t believe the news. His voice and sharing of health-related experiences during phone conversations were still afresh in our mind. All of a sudden, we lost a dear friend and brother.

    Bob lived an exemplary life. He helped many people including transplant patients who received his organs. We love and respect him very much. We also pray and hope that sweet memories of Bob will comfort Ann, their children and family.

    Shaw-Lin and Pao-Lo (韓曉琳 劉保羅)

    Reply
  18. Ting Cheng鄭定

    I had known Bob for nearly 30 years. We worked for the same company. However we never had chance interacting with each other through work.

    We always met at dinner parties – happy occasions.

    At gatherings, Bob didn’t rush to talk. He always liked to listen. Very often he let others to occupy the air wave.

    I remembered on one occasion I asked him about his recent gathering with his daughters. He replied “It was feeling good “. And immediately he added “It was really feeling good“. I felt an expression deep inside him.

    On another occasion, during a dinner party in Taipei, I asked him how he managed his daily meals in a foreign country. He immediately showed me a picture of his refrigerator, which was filled with small cubic boxes of same size with tops of various colors, all neatly arranged. Each box contained a dish and he had prepared dishes for each meal of a week. This was the most organized refrigerator I’d ever seen.

    Bob cared a lot about the status of Chinese American in US and was very active in different Asian community organizations.

    Many people knew about his deeds in public domain.

    I recounted two occasions that I remembered as his friend. He will always occupy a spot in my memory.

    Reply
  19. Ting Cheng 鄭定

    I had known Bob for nearly 30 years. We worked for the same company. However we never had chance interacting with each other through work.

    We always met at dinner parties – happy occasions.

    At gatherings, Bob didn’t rush to talk. He always liked to listen. Very often he let others to occupy the air wave.

    I remembered on one occasion I asked him about his recent gathering with his daughters. He replied “It was feeling good “. And immediately he added “It was really feeling good“. I felt an expression deep inside him.

    On another occasion, during a dinner party in Taipei, I asked him how he managed his daily meals in a foreign country. He immediately showed me a picture of his refrigerator, which was filled with small cubic boxes of same size with tops of various colors, all neatly arranged. Each box contained a dish and he had prepared dishes for each meal of a week. This was the most organized refrigerator I’d ever seen.

    Bob cared a lot about the status of Chinese American in US and was very active in different Asian community organizations.

    Many people knew about his deeds in public domain.

    I recounted two occasions that I remembered as his friend. He will always occupy a spot in my memory.

    Reply
  20. Kehshin Cheng 傅可欣

    Ann, Yvonne, Tiffany & family, Bob走得這麼突然,我們都很難過。他的一生,無論是家庭、工作以及服務華人事務,各方面都令人敬佩,我永遠記得他的微笑以及溫文的舉止。請節哀順變,自己多保重。

    Reply
  21. 林友直丶陳秋玉 Yue Lin

    循經的逝世令人不捨,是我們重大的損失,更是您最大的哀傷。認識循經多年,他為人和藹、可親、守信,做事認真負責,是極令人放心的可靠工作伙伴。也因為如此,去年我提名循經連仼我們美東董事會的董事,但由於健康原因,他婉拒了提名。今年初,在文教中心見面時,他說他有心房顫動的問題。因此我隨即寄了一篇林真醫師寫的患病經騐,內容是他如何以按摩手腕上"神門穴"的辦法,來大幅減輕心顫,若能持之以恆,不久即可以降低突發性心臟病的風險,可惜還是遲了一步啊。

    循經是美華協會,OCA,的重要成員,為維護在美華人的人權發聲並爭取華裔福利,令人敬佩。循經捐贈器官的大愛,非常令人感動,您一定也以循經為榮,而您能支持其意願也是非常了不起的。我和秋玉看了您寫給循經弟弟的信,忍不住潛然淚下。若人人都有愛人的精神,這世界將會是更美好更和諧的。

    很遺憾,我們不能出席九月廿四日告別循經的儀式,因為我們須在丹佛小住一段時期,不過鄭向元兄會代表美東出席告別式。雖然循經離開了,但以您的堅強,加上女兒們及親朋好友的支持,您必能安渡難關,建立一個平安又健康的生活。我們祝福您及家人。❤️
    林友直丶陳秋玉 泣拜

    Reply
  22. I-Tuan Wang

    We received the message of Bob’s passing with heavy, heavy hearts.
    It was a total shock for a genuine good man to fall so suddenly.
    A while back, he called me about his irregular heart beats and the timely treatments.
    He calmly talked about Ann’s and daughters’ love and support.
    Then, his voice lightened up to share his volunteer works in various community programs that he so passionately involved.
    He is just such a gentle and humble man who only wants to be kind and helpful to the others.
    I have been praying for Bob’s health and safety every morning in our neighborhood park.

    Time flies too fast!
    Tracing back to early 1950s, I was so looking forward to the visit by Cousin Fei Kung, Shi Ming and their two little ones.
    We would have the most joyful time doing the natural walk.
    Bob and Wei giggled all the way while taking a piggy back ride on me.
    They were the most adorable toddlers.

    Yes, we will always cherish Bob’s college days when we were both in Taichung.
    Your move to Chicago gave us more precious opportunity to be together.
    Your recent visit to California.
    ——

    Bob had a truly fulfilled life.
    He loved Ann’s faithful companionship.
    He was so proud of two daughter’s achievements.
    He treasured his grandchild.
    ——

    Please take good care of yourselves.
    It will make Bob happy in heaven.

    auntie, I-tuan, and uncle, You Sui Wang

    Reply
  23. I-Tuan Wang

    We received the message of Bob’s passing with heavy, heavy hearts.
    It was a total shock for a genuine good man to fall so suddenly.
    A while back, he called me about his irregular heart beats and the timely treatments.
    He calmly talked about Ann’s and daughters’ love and support.
    Then, his voice lightened up to share his volunteer works in various community programs that he so passionately involved.
    He is just such a gentle and humble man who only wants to be kind and helpful to the others.
    I have been praying for Bob’s health and safety every morning in our neighborhood park.

    Time flies too fast!
    Tracing back to early 1950s, I was so looking forward to the visit by Cousin Fei Kung, Shi Ming and their two little ones.
    We would have the most joyful time doing the natural walk.
    Bob and Wei giggled all the way while taking a piggy back ride on me.
    They were the most adorable toddlers.

    Yes, we will always cherish Bob’s college days when we were both in Taichung.
    Your move to Chicago gave us more precious opportunity to be together.
    Your recent visit to California.
    ——

    Bob had a truly fulfilled life.
    He loved Ann’s faithful companionship.
    He was so proud of two daughter’s achievements.
    He treasured his grandchild.
    ——

    Please take good care of yourselves.
    It will make Bob happy in heaven.

    auntie, I-tuan, and uncle, You Sui Wang

    Reply
  24. Bob Bauer

    Ann, Yvonne, and Tiffany, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the memorial. I was Bob’s IBM manager. I promoted him into management and later to Senior IBM engineer. As much as I liked Bob, these weren’t gifts. He truly earned them.

    Reply
  25. Winston Chiu

    Winston Chiu(邱文章)on September 5, 2022 at 11:30 am

    循經兄與我是大學機械系同班同學,他在班上是個品學兼優學生。我倆是在1969年畢業後,大家各奔前程,因學業及就業原因,一直沒有互相聯繫到,直到畢業50年後我在2018年底從德州南部一家石化廠工程設計部門退休後,返回紐約上州住家,在第二年時候,循經兄才與我聯繫上。他的住處與我的住家相距不遠,開車約需30分鐘,並經由他的推薦我及內人開始參加社區志工活動,每個月我們與趙兄都會一起參加志工活動,生活過得很開心。循經兄個性沈穩,溫文擧止,待人和藹親切,處處為人著想。他的離開,令人萬分不捨,我們痛失一位老友,真的萬分悲痛。並此願循經兄一路好走,安息了!

    邱文章 泣拜

    Reply
  26. Winston Chiu

    Winston Chiu on September 5, 2022 at 10:05 am

    循經兄與我是大學機械系同班同學,他在班上是個品學兼優學生。我倆是在1969年畢業後,大家各奔前程,因學業及就業原因,一直沒有互相聯繫到,直到畢業50年後我在2018年底從德州南部一家石化廠工程設計部門退休後,返回紐約上州住家,在第二年時候,循經兄才與我聯繫上。他的住處與我的住家相距不遠,開車約需30分鐘,並經由他的推薦我及內人開始參加社區志工活動,每個月我們與趙兄都會一起參加志工活動,生活過得很開心。循經兄個性沈穩,溫文擧止,待人和藹親切,處處為人著想。他的離開,令人萬分不捨,我們痛失一位老友,真的萬分悲痛。並此願循經兄一路好走,安息了!

    邱文章 泣拜

    Reply
  27. Baw Chi Yao

    We‘d like to dedicate the Poem by Ancient Chan Master Han Shan Te Ching(1546-1623)憨山德清禪師, a great Chan practitioner, scholar and writer
    to Bob, our most respected community leader.

    Contemplating Mind

    Look upon the body as unreal,
    An image in a mirror, the reflection of the moon in water.
    Contemplate the mind as formless,
    Yet bright and pure.

    Not a single thought arising,
    Empty, yet perspective; still, yet illuminating;
    Complete like the Great Emptiness,
    Containing all that is wonderful.

    Neither going out nor coming in,
    Without appearance or characteristics,
    Countless skillful means
    Arise out of one mind.

    Independent of material existence,
    Which is ever an obstruction,
    Do not cling to deluded thoughts.
    These give birth to illusion.

    Attentively contemplate this mind,
    Empty, devoid of all objects.
    If emotions should suddenly arise,
    You will fall into confusion.

    In a critical moment bring back the light,
    Powerfully illuminating.
    Clouds disperse, the sky is clear,
    The sun shines brilliantly.

    If nothing arises within the mind,
    Nothing will manifest without.
    That which has characteristics
    Is not original reality.

    If you can see a thought as it arises,
    This awareness will at once destroy it.
    Whatever state of mind should come,
    Sweep it away, put it down.

    Both good and evil states
    Can be transform by mind.
    Sacred and profane appear
    In accordance with thoughts.

    Reciting mantras or contemplating mind
    Are merely herbs for polishing a mirror.
    When the dust is removed,
    They are also wiped away.

    Great extensive spiritual powers
    Are all complete within the mind.
    The Pure Land or the Heavens
    Can be travelled to at will.

    You need not seek the real,
    Mind originally is Buddha.
    The familiar becomes remote,
    The strange seems familiar.

    Day and night,
    Everything is wonderful.
    Nothing you encounter confuses you.
    These are the essential of mind.

    From The Poetry of ENLIGHTENMENT
    Translated and Edited by Chan Master Sheng-Yen

    Reply
  28. Henry Lau 劉鎮邦

    循經兄,您驟然離去,實在不捨!您的音容永存我心。願您早日安息主懷!更願您全家節哀順變平安🙏
    弟鎮邦

    Reply
  29. 洪錫鵬,Michael Hung

    循經同學憶往
    循經同學大學時期就表現他的人格特質,謙和穩重待人誠懇,雖然年紀是同學裡最年輕的一位,成績卻都名列前茅,因此被推選為班長,期間他總是熱心服務,並把師生間的事務協調溝通的很完美。
    大學三年級暑假期間,在預校接受短期軍事訓練,循經特別邀請了在桃園中壢附近受訓的同學到他眷村的家聚會享受特有美食,
    在那個物資缺乏的時代,感覺十分溫馨。
    大學畢業後,各奔前程,循經美國繼續求學有成,相繼取得碩博士學位,並在電腦半導體產業的頂尖公司貢獻所學,期間每次回國到台中,都會到家裡來聚會敘舊談談各自近況,可見循經是位念舊珍惜友誼之人。
    2019年11月並和夫人特地專程從美國回台,參加大學畢業50週年同學會並環島旅行,離別那麼久後再相聚,大家都玩得很開心,並相約儘快再規劃下次的同學會旅行,哪知看起來高大挺拔的循經突然離世,真是令人錯愕婉惜和懷念。

    Reply
  30. 陳鈺根,王鳳英

    興大機械系第二屆同學自1965新生訓練到現在超過半個世紀還能維繫如此緊密,循經是極為重要的一個樞紐。尤其是畢業50週年的在台湾重聚還能號召逾半同學攜伴環島旅遊,再享同窗兄弟情誼,真是難得。
    原本相期在美再聚,由於疫情一再延期。不料循經竟於行程中急症過世,我們意外又難過。
    謹向家屬致上沈痛哀思。請節哀!
    請延續我們同學的情誼,做我們永遠的朋友。

    Reply
  31. Virginia Chao

    爸爸媽媽總是說長兄如父, 長嫂如母, 我總是爸媽的乖女兒和好女儿, 但這次我不想聽他們的話, 想送一大盆色彩鮮豔快樂的錦簇花團, 還有捐一大筆錢培養中國小孩領導能力的機會, 但是我自己也生病了, 一時也沒辦法做到.

    小時候大哥在大學第一次從台中回家, 他在宋屋站下車時, 特地到宋屋車站旁的宋屋小學看了我後才回家.他做過童子軍, 也做過救國團的活動裡面的爬合歡山賞雪的領隊. 他自己也沒去過, 他不但自己爬上山, 他想盡辦法鼓勵幫助隊友; 大哥在泥濘崎嶇的山路上, 幫助隊友們爬到山頂, 落後的大哥幫忙推上山, 幫助隊友們達到山頂的願望. 有一次他年紀老邁的愛犬爬不動樓梯, 大哥雙手抱著它下樓到院子上廁所時, 為了保護狗他自己摔了一跤, 還把胳臂摔斷了 這就是我仁人愛物的大哥.

    爸爸說嚴以律己, 寬以待人, 媽媽娘家有船在沿海七省做生意; 福州市主要大街的商店都跟她家有關係, 是福州的首富. 但是來了台灣後, 為了省五毛錢的公車費, 可以頂著台灣夏日的大太陽, 手提着好幾袋的東西 多走好幾公里的路, 為了培養子女, 把勞軍的水果省下來, 賣了錢好幫助子女. 大哥也從此養成了節儉的習慣. 他吃口香糖一向只吃半片, 所以他能在拮据的學生生活中每月擠出50元寄給在中國的外婆, 所有大陸來的密密麻麻的家書, 哥哥都從百忙的學生生活中, 把密密麻麻的郵簡重新抄寫成好多頁的家書, 才寄回家給爸爸媽媽看; 到現在還記得爸爸媽媽看家書時的起伏心情。

    大哥一向叫我省水, 縱然我們住在密西根湖旁, 還是要節省用水, 節省自然資源, 生活上更是注重物品回收 .對子女的教育主張不縱容不嬌溺子女, 子女們都有學生貸款, 要他們自己油漆自己的房間。

    媽媽走了後,我想回大陸看看我從未見過的爸爸媽媽的親人, 大哥知道後, 先我一步回去給了每家親(十幾家)人幾千塊美金, 就擔心不懂事的我給那邊都是中產階級的親人們經濟壓力及負擔。 這就是我考慮周到, 大方心胸寬大的大哥

    他還記得媽媽的叮嚀, 照顧在台灣沒有結婚沒有子女的二哥,回去看他好幾次。

    他也是一個熱心亞裔公共事務, 亞裔權益 ,對事物一向宏觀無私。 他在OCA做過會長及很多職務, 他的家人受他的影響將所有的捐款成立一個基金, 專門培養亞裔的青年領導人才。

    我很感恩今年六月去東部看了大哥, 最后一次聊天時, 我告訴他我會維持我人格的完整性, 哥哥相信我;因為他知道神也相信我。 我告訴他, 不論我經歷了什麼不順事, 我的本性不變, 我們對不完美的現實 無法控制, 所以我總是說發揚人性的善面, 任何人種 ,任何性別 , 任何姓別, 年齡層別, 教育層度 都有善良的部份。

    Reply
  32. Virginia Chao

    My dearest brother, there too many things to record. Use my left hand is difficult, but I’ll continue to translate and complete my notes.

    爸爸媽媽總是說,長兄如父, 長嫂如母. 我總是爸媽的乖女兒和好女儿. 但這次我不想聽他們的話, 想送一大盆色彩鮮豔快樂的錦簇花團, 還有順他心愿捐一大筆錢, 給培養中國小孩領導能力的機會. 但是我自己也生病了, 一時也沒辦法做到.
    My parents always say that oldest brother should always be treated as father (with the authority as father to his siblings), oldest sister-in-law should be treated as mother of the home. I used to be my parent’s discipline daughter and their treasure daughter. But this time, I don’t want listen to them. I want to buy a big vibrant flower bouquet. To give his foundation a huge money for his wish. Help Chinese kids build leadership (not gang boss-ship). But I am sick, I am not able to, in the current time

    小時候大哥在第一次從台中上大學回家, 他在宋屋站下車時,特地到宋屋車站旁的宋屋小學看了我後才回家. 他做過童子軍,也做過救國團的活動裡面的爬合歡山賞雪的領隊. 他自己也沒去過, 他不但自己爬上山, 他想盡辦法鼓勵幫助隊友上山. 大哥在泥濘崎嶇的山路上幫助隊友們爬到山頂, 落後的大哥幫忙推上山. 幫助隊友們達到爬到山頂的願望. 有一次他年紀老邁的愛犬爬不動樓梯, 大哥雙手抱著它下樓到院子上廁所時,為了,保護狗他自己摔了一跤.還把胳臂摔斷了. 這就是我仁人愛物的大哥.

    爸爸有一次把我們叫到他面前,說祖先家訓. 他還喜歡朱子治家格言. 並說嚴以律己,寬以待人. 他是將軍,但無多的財物給我們,只有清白傳家.媽媽娘家有船,在沿海七省做生意.福州市主要大街的商店都跟她家有關係,是福州的首富.但是來了台灣後,為了省五毛錢的公車費,可以頂著台灣夏日的大太陽,手提着好幾袋的東西,多走好幾公里的路.為了培養子女,把勞軍的水果省下來,賣了錢好幫助子女.大哥也從此養成了節儉的習慣,他吃口香糖一向只吃半片.所以他能在拮据的學生生活中,每月擠出50元寄給在中國的外婆. , 哥哥都從百忙的學生生活中,把密密麻麻的郵簡,重新抄寫成好多頁的家書,才寄回家給爸爸媽媽看.到現在還記得爸爸媽媽看家書時的起伏心情.

    大哥一向叫我省水,縱然我們住在密西根湖旁,還是要節省用水,節省自然資源.生活上更是注重物品回收.對子女的教育主張,不縱容,不嬌溺子女.子女們都有學生貸款,要他們自己油漆自己的房間.

    媽媽走了後,我想回大陸看看我從未見過的爸爸媽媽的親人.大哥知道後,先我一步回去,給了每家親(十幾家)人幾千塊美金.就擔心不懂事的我給那邊都是中產階級的親人們經濟壓力及負擔.這就是我考慮周到,心胸寬大又大方的大哥!

    他還記得媽媽的叮嚀,媽媽走後,照顧在台灣沒有結婚沒有子女的二哥,回去看他好幾次了.

    他也是一個熱心亞裔公共事務,亞裔權益,對事物一向宏觀無私.他在OCA做過會長及很多職務, 他的家人受他的影響將所有的捐款成立基金,專門培養亞裔的青年領導人才.大嫂也同意他捐大體. 這是怎樣的胸襟,大哥大嫂感情深厚,晚年更是互相敬重,大哥非常尊重大嫂的意見.

    我很感恩今年六月去東部看了大哥. 最後幾次電話聊天時,我告訴他我會維持我人格的完整性.哥哥相信我,因為他知道神也相信我. 我告訴他,神要我們知道不完美的現實,需要解決的辦法.不論我經歷了什麼神要我經歷的事,我的本性不變.我們對不完美的現實,及心中充滿仇恨要占便宜的人. (不是友人) 無法控制.所以我總是說發揚人性的善面,任何人種,任何性別,任何姓名,任何年齡層別,任何教育層度,都有善良的部份.我們有時凡事順利,是有人在幕後默默的付出,有人冤枉別人,不知他們傷害了神的善心.對冤枉的人如何補償? 我曾經想盡辦法找到人構通,解決我的命運,我並未提供做不妥的事,去達到我要的結果.也未圈名拉幫派.但我希望知道是真是無法改變的命運.最後寧願失敗而放棄 (掛了電話). 我不能說謊 且神也相信我. I feel God want me know human problem and human weakness and need to find solution. I just observe facts and try to find fundamental factors and possible solutions while prepare people for the reality.

    Reply
  33. Ping-Tsai Chung

    Bob Chao Served as Chairman of BOD for CAAPS (Chinese American Academic & Professional Society) in 2001. I was honored to work with Bob when he rejoined CAAPS Board from 2019 -2021. Bob was a wonderful person and friend, he loved to help people and he was certainly our role model, we will never forget his spirit and dedicated contributions for CAAPS.

    Wish Ann and family all the best.

    Sincerely,
    Philip
    Ping-Tsai Chung, Chairman of BOD, CAAPS, 2013-2014, 2019-2021
    Alumnus, HSNTNU, 1977

    Reply
  34. Lou Percello

    I worked with Bob for over three years closing international patent and technology licensing deals for IBM. Bob would lay the groundwork for the deals, develop the relationship with the client, and setup the financial justification and terms of the contracts. When he was ready, I would work with Bob to prepare the contracts and help close the deals.
    Bob was very hard working and a tenacious negotiator. His preparations were complete, detailed, and accurate. But most importantly, Bob was a man of the highest character and integrity. His character and integrity showed in his relationships with all he engaged with, both within and outside of the company.
    I was always happy to be assigned to work with Bob because I knew he had my back. He was so easy to work with and I always felt we were part of the same team.
    More importantly, I got to know Bob because we had many opportunities to speak together about many things. Bob was a loving, kind, and compassionate person who cared deeply about his family. He was particularly proud of his two daughters, of whom he spoke often.
    I was saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. It was my privilege and honor to know him and I will remember him fondly.
    My sympathies to Bob’s family.
    Sincerely,
    Lou Percello

    Reply
  35. Ann Chao

    八九月之交,時序由盛夏入秋,是一年中天氣最好的一段時光,我們通常會在這段日子裡進行各種籌劃已久的旅遊項目,今年也不例外。原打算著八月去拉斯維加斯參加完 OCA 的年會,飛去加州看孫子,返家個把月後,十月初再飛南美參加 Machu Picchu 旅遊團,實現你平生願望之一,多麼美麗的計劃啊!我知道你期待著這些日子已經很久了,萬萬沒有想到你的生命卻在抵達賭城的第二天就戛然而止;伴隨著這第一天歡樂假期的來臨,竟然就是你人生的落幕!兩個女兒聞訊,立即中止她們的日常作息,一倫在北加,她和David及Teddy三個小時後便抵達醫院,一帆當時剛抵歐洲,還沒開始她的行程,也立馬取消一切,到處打聽極其難買的機票;輾轉了十幾個小時之後總算抵達醫院,更令人感動的是她的高中及大學好友 Laura, 怕她一個人承受不住,也陪著她一起自倫敦飛來。還有我的姊姊及弟弟,因為買不到機票,就從北加兼程開了十幾個小時的車子趕到醫院,一方面陪我,再方面見你最後一面,向你道別。沒有他們的陪伴,我是無論如何也撐不過那段時間可怕的煎熬的。

    一帆抵達前,你雖然已是毫無意識,但是血壓仍一直居高不下,一倫說爸爸在等姊姊。等一帆趕到,醫護人員都離開病房,讓我們和你獨處。我們母女三人圍繞在你身邊,回憶過往的點點滴滴,女兒絮絮叨叨的傾訴她們對你深切的思念和熱愛,向你保證會一輩子好好互相照應,要你放心離開。一個鐘頭過後,你的血壓慢慢的降了下來,想來你是聽到了,也很放心的走了!當晚我們三人仍然留在醫院加護病房內陪你度過這最後的一夜。

    你一向關懷弱勢,充滿大愛,很早以前就說過願意死後捐贈器官;三年前你親愛的小弟因為腎臟衰竭,折騰了兩年多卻在換腎手術時意外過世,更堅定了你遺贈器官的決心。我們尊重你的遺願,簽署了同意書;立刻就有器官捐贈協會的人 (Organ Donor Network) 和我們聯絡,談妥了一切細節。第二天醫院為你舉辦了一個 “Honor Walk” 的儀式,從你的加護病房開始,到器官摘取手術室,大約一百公尺的路程,兩旁列隊站滿了醫院的工作人員,醫生,護士,及受贈方代表。你最喜歡的曲子“Sun Rise Sun Set”, 從離開你的加護病房起開始播放,直到進入盡頭的手術室。我們踩著樂聲,陪在你的身旁,護送著你走這最後一程;大家都淚如雨下,泣不成聲!這椎心之痛,是沒有任何言語可以描述的。”Sun Rise Sun Set” 原是你最喜愛的歌,是一倫結婚晚宴上你們父女兩跳的第一支舞曲。當時你神采飛揚,笑得何其開心!誰會想到短短幾年以後我們卻用同樣的曲子送你走完人生最後一程,人間至慟,莫此為甚!

    永別了,我們母女的摯愛,全家人的磐石,願你在另一個世界裡無憂無慮,快樂逍遙。人生苦短,相信我們很快就會再相見的,等著我!

    Reply
  36. Ann Chao

    Dear Bob,

    It has been seven weeks since you left us, how are you? Life without you is so difficult. Everyday I wake up and still expect you to come in to say hello, and from time to time to walk through the backdoor and greet me; I still look for your help to solve my problems, it can be as small a task as opening a jar. Every time I find a good recipe and would like to try it for you, but you were not there. We share a very similar view in almost every aspect, political, religious, daily philosophy … and I was so used to seeking for you to chat about what’s going on in our everyday life, but when I turn around, I only see four sides of an empty wall. In the past weeks, friends worried that I starved myself to death so they came to take me out for lunch or dinner, and I would say “oh I’ll bring Bob here next time, too” when we encountered some nice restaurants… Again and again, the cruel reality hit: you would never come back again! The immense feeling of loneliness is too hard to bear, only people experiencing such trauma could understand.

    Your motto is “make yourself helpful and useful to others all the time”, hence you believe we should all make good use of our time, money, and even ourselves. You managed your time so efficiently and utilized every moment of your life in learning Japanese, German, piano, guitar, … beside your regular job. You also volunteered in all human right related issues, especially lately the movement against the anti-Asian hate crimes after COVID-19. You campaigned at rallies, TV stations, press conferences, … just hope to rectify the trend. Regardless of how successful these campaigns are, your effort has definitely been recognized.

    You also believe we should make ourselves useful even after death, hence strongly believe in organ donation to save life, especially after you lost your younger brother to kidney failure three years ago. We honored your wish and signed the agreement with the hospital to donate whatever organs they found useful. On the day they were going to retrieve your organs, the hospital held a “Honor Walk” to show their gratitude toward you. We selected the “Sun Rise Sun Set” music to accompany you during the hundred meter walk between your ICU and the operating room. The staff members of the hospital, doctors, nurses, the personnel on the receiving end of organ donations, … they were all standing side by side, saluting your heroic behavior. We walked by your side in the “Sun Rise Sun Set” music, which was your favorite, you even danced with Tiffany in it at her wedding banquet only four years ago. We all wept uncontrollably. Needless to say, what a heartbreaking moment it was!

    Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. You have spent every moment of life in a very meaningful way and led a very fulfilling life. Please rest in peace and enjoy eternal happiness!

    Farewell my love, you have been the rock of our family, but now we have to try our best to continue to live without you. Queen Elizabeth once said: “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.” Yes, you have now returned home, we will follow through later, see you then!

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