Eric Hong Hsu Wen

Eric was best known for his unwavering family values and his numerous professional accomplishments. Unknown to many, however, he was a quite a wild child growing up. He was mischievous – showing up to school without socks or shoes, because he had lost them while playing out on the street. He cared more about scoring soccer goals than scoring well in school, resulting in expulsions from multiple schools. He fully embraced his youth – staying out late to play billiards. He even once rode his motorcycle into a bus, broke his leg, and walked himself to the hospital. But one thing remained constant – he was always the leader, whether it was leading his soccer and rugby teams to victory, or leading his brother and sister up the tallest tree.

Eric met his wife-to-be, Sandy Wen, at a college house party. From the moment he saw Sandy, the smartest and most stylish girl, from across the room, he knew she was the one. We all know what happens when he sets his mind to something – he turned a new leaf and pulled out all the stops to woo her with love letters, flowers, gifts, and of course his irresistible charm. After a few years of determined courtship, they moved to the US to build a life together.

Eric came to Santa Clara, California in 1973, a year before Sandy arrived, where he began working in a Chinese restaurant while pursuing his MBA at Golden Gate University. Even as a waiter, he only knew how to operate at 120%, including memorizing the orders of every customer. One day, a restaurant regular offered Eric a job at Raytheon, recognizing his work ethic and great potential. He got his break!

Over the next four decades, Eric worked tirelessly, pursuing every opportunity and taking on every challenge. His illustrious career began at Bank of America and spanned from being CFO

for Hambrecht & Quist Asia Pacific, Partner and General Manager of Greater China for Bankers Trust, and CEO for multiple companies such as President Baking, ChinaTrust Bank, Bank of Canton, President Securities, and Coretronic. He built and led companies; restructured and turned around poorly run companies; advised on selling and buying companies; and served on various boards. He was very successful professionally. In the end, the only thing he failed at, multiple times, was retiring.

He finally retired for good in 2011 and adjusted amazingly, spending his days golfing with his friends and Castlewood teammates, watching the Warriors and 49’ers play, and most importantly spending time with his family. Everything he did in his life, including his career, was always for his family. Eric and Sandy married in California in 1974 and gave birth to Eric’s doppelganger, Ericson in 1978, and Eric’s forever baby girl, Angie in 1980. His unconditional love for Ericson and Angie was known by all, but the true pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren, Lincoln, Maya, Kai, Elizabeth and Nathan. He took extreme joy in spoiling them, as any grandfather would, with extravagant toys, regular trips to the movie theaters and amusement parks, and occasional treats that he knew their parents would not approve. It was his chance to be the kid he once was, and this was one of the many reasons the grandkids loved him.

The last year of his life was filled with trials and tribulations but also miracles and triumphs. It is during this period, Eric found God who graced and stood by him until his last heartbeat. Eric survived and persevered through a car accident that nearly took his life and then courageously battled pancreatic cancer completing 3 cycles of chemotherapy, 3 weeks of radiation and then surgery. We were in awe of his strength, will and resolve. Eric treasured these eleven extra months, devoting every day and every minute to his family. Thank God for His grace.

On June 28, 2018, Eric, age 71, was welcomed into God’s home in Heaven. Eric’s memories will continue to live on in everyone he interacted with and touched. Rest in peace.