Greg Chiu

The Dinasour’s daughter’s younger (and better looking) brother, and Arthur’s favorite son

I was lying awake at 4am this morning wondering what I was going to say.

December 26, 2005 was the last time I saw Dad. I had missed the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chinese New Year’s—at home for a number of years. Each year for the last sixteen years or so—since Dad and I started exchanging email on a regular basis—he sent a message to me on each holiday and birthday saying that the family had missed my presence and that he hoped that I had had a good celebration. Since I moved to Hong Kong, about eight years ago, I replied to each of Dad’s Christmas messages by writing that I would try to get home for Christmas “next year”. In October 2005, I decided that there shouldn’t be any more “next year’s” and made my reservations to come home for Christmas for the first time since 1989. I told my Dad that I would be home from December 22 to December 27, and his fatherly response was, “why so few days?”. On December 26 [2005], I drove Dad to the airport in the early morning hours. I mentioned that I had enjoyed being home for Christmas and he said that he was very happy to have had the family together for the holidays. I told him that I loved him and to have a safe flight as I dropped him off for his flight to Singapore. Well Dad, at least we had the family together for a great Christmas last year…because, sadly, there are no more “next years”.

Many of you know of Dad’s activities during his last day through the email message that I have distributed. My sister reminded me that I had forgotten to include one event involving Krysten, his grand-daughter. Dad went to the office in the morning to do some work, had lunch with a former student, now colleague, and his staff, and then took Krysten out for ice-cream because Krysten and her mother, my sister, had had a disagreement the night before and Grand-pa’s advice was needed. In the afternoon, Dad attended a social function at the College of Engineering and closed out the day by installing the 2006 officers of the Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii. A full day that involved his family, friends, colleagues and reflected his priorities. But he wasn’t done for the day! I went to my Dad’s office on Monday [January 30, 2006] afternoon and the lights were on; he only left the lights on when he intended to return to the office…he had intended to return to his office to finish up some work before heading home for the day.

During the last week several decisions have been influenced by our asking ourselves: what would Dad have wanted us to do? Or what would Dad have done? Including this talk—what would Dad have wanted us to say at his passing? Vicky said very well what he would have wanted; all of you are our ohana…our family…and as Vicky has mentioned, we challenge you to carry forth the ideals and sense of honor and propriety that Dad personified. We ask that you teach these values to someone and in turn be willing to be taught something as you go forward with your lives.

So, Professor Chiu…Dr. Chiu…Arthur…Art…Dad…Grand-pa…good-bye.