Louis Wu

Louis Wu, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, compassionate friend and colleague was born June 12, 1949 in Canton (Guangzhou), China. He was the surviving son and the third of four children born to Shang Zhih (S.Z.) and Lucia Lee Wu, both who preceded him in death. He is survived by his two older sisters, Jean Wu and Joan Wu, a younger sister, Jane Wu, his niece, Lucy Wu Weberlein, and many cousins.

In 1956, Louis and his family immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States, and lived in Fort Worth, Texas with S.Z.’s brother and his wife. In 1957, S.Z. moved the family to Houston to pursue opportunities in the grocery business. The family first lived in the Northside area where they initially struggled to make a living running a grocery store. Louis entered a writing contest sponsored by the Houston Post and won an Encyclopedia Britannica set, which may have fostered a lifelong love of books and knowledge.

A few years later, a move to a store in the East End proved profitable and the family lived there for 10 years, with the children helping out after school and on weekends. As a teenager, Louis often spent evenings volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Society visiting families in need, which began his commitment to helping the less fortunate. Although he was a practicing Catholic, Louis was also interested in other theologies including Judaism and as an adult frequented events at the JCC.

Louis graduated from Milby High School, and attended the University of Houston where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He went to graduate school at UT Austin and UTMB in Galveston where he received his master’s degree to become a Physician Assistant. He later returned to UH to earn an MBA in Accounting and Finance.

Louis moved to Detroit, Michigan where he started his PA career at the VA Hospital and worked there for several years. He transferred to the Houston VA Hospital in the 1980s and remained there for the rest of his medical career as a staff PA for Prime Care. Louis was one of the founding members of the Texas Gulf Coast PA Association. In 1982, he enlisted in the Army Reserve as a medic and through the years rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He retired from the VA in 2008 and from the military in 2009.

Louis stayed active in retirement and continued to work at the VA one day a week, doing research analysis. He also taught CPR once a week at the Houston Chapter of the American Heart Association, and volunteered at San Jose Clinic, seeing and treating undocumented migrant patients. He has taught ESL and adult literacy classes. A few years ago, he founded the Shang-Zhih & Lucia Lee Wu Scholarship for Excellence in Chinese Studies at UH.

Louis’ interests and hobbies were even more numerous than his volunteer jobs. He traveled frequently throughout the US, visiting relatives and friends, and to Europe and Asia. He went to China twice with a cousin who was a physician and assisted him in providing health care to rural villages in the southern region. He was a loyal member of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and a longtime Astros fan, and rooted for the Rockets and Texans. He loved books, belonged to and led several book groups, and promoted authors whose books ranged from psychological thrillers to memoirs of post-Cultural Revolution Chinese scholars. Until his health declined, he went to Hermann Park regularly for morning runs (he once ran a marathon) and swam laps at the Y.

Louis’ recent health crisis shocked and bewildered all who knew him. After persistent bouts with shortness of breath, he saw a number of specialists and had tests ordered, two visits to the ER, and nothing conclusive was found, even after his third hospital visit on Dec. 12, this time in ICU at St. Luke’s. After over a week in ICU with more tests and biopsies, a liver and a bone marrow biopsy revealed a rare and advanced form of lymphoma. He gamely agreed to undergo two chemo treatments just before Christmas, which yielded mixed results. Before New Year’s Eve, he decided to forego further treatment as the lymphoma and chemo effects had ravaged him. He was transferred to Houston Hospice Dec. 30 and subsequently received numerous visitors. He was comfortable there and at peace. His family celebrated New Year’s Eve with him in his room. And on the first evening of 2020, Louis took his last breath.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the diligent and caring medical team at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, and the attentive staff at Houston Hospice. We also thank Louis’ friends in the medical field for their help and support. Our appreciation for all you have done is boundless.

Although Louis’ time in this world was shorter than expected, he lived a full and honorable life. He was much admired and respected by all his colleagues and peers, and deeply loved by his many friends and family members. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement.

A graveside service on January 8 will be private with burial at Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service is being planned for next month.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made in Louis’ honor to San Jose Clinic in Houston, www.sanjoseclinic.org, or to the college fund of your choice.