Shing Chan

Age: 87

Date of Death: 01/05/2025

Edison, NJ

My dad was not perfect. He had a quick temper and often admitted he wasn't savvy enough to make the stock market work for him. His marriage to my mother was strained, and in his younger years, he loved going to OTB, often taking me along. I have many memories of arguments and fights between him and my mom. But my dad's story is one of resilience. He grew up homeless on the streets of China and stepped off a boat into a new country without knowing its language or people. Despite these challenges, he built a life for himself, helped raise three children, and purchased a house with my mother. He lived to 87 years old and left behind life insurance, a pension, some savings, and an apartment for my mom. He witnessed his youngest grandchild reach 10 years old, and in his final days, he smiled as he watched his last two grandchildren ski on my iPad. I was there to ease his suffering in his final moments, and I saw my wife sing to him, which helped his breathing relax. There are many ways I hope I do not become like my father, but in many ways, I am very much like him. I may never have his courage to live the life he did, but I live my life because of his sacrifice and bravery. I mourn his passing and will remember him not for his flaws, but for his incredible strength and love.