Shao Bang Liu

Shao Bang was born on July 2, 1927 in Guangdong, China to Zhen Dong Liu and Han Ying Cheng. Shao Bang attended primary school at La Salle College, Hong Kong. After the loss of his mother at 12 years old, he started songwriting, which would become one of his greatest life’s passions. He graduated from Sun Yet Sen University in Guangzhou with a Bachelors in Livestock Veterinary Science in 1949. In his spare time, he directed and acted as the lead in university theater productions.

As a veterinarian, Shao Bang produced and administered vaccines to eradicate a cattle plague. After two years of working as a veterinarian, Shao Bang decided to pursue his passion for music and art, attending the Southern China Literature and Art College. Soon after he was teaching music to villages throughout Guangdong. Working for the Guangdong Department of Cultural Affairs, Shao Bang was a film critic, film and drama lecturer, and historical building restorer. In 1959, his work led him to Hailing Island. Inspired by the music and dance of the fishermen families, Shao Bang wrote and composed 14 songs in 14 days, and taught his songs to the locals. The quickest learner of his songs was Yue E Lin, a member of a dance and singing group. They fell in love and were married three years later, on February 8, 1962.

Shao Bang was a devoted husband to Yue E. The couple had three daughters: DanXia (Dana), HaiLing, and XueShan (Susan). As a family, they faced difficulties due to harsh residency policies and meal rations. Despite their hardships, Shao Bang was a selfless and supportive father. Although the family of five lived on his single paycheck for many years, Shao Bang and Yue E provided a loving and happy home to their three daughters, instilling the value of hard work, integrity, resilience, music and laughter.

In 1977, after 16 years of marriage, Yue E and children were finally granted residency in Guangzhou and the family could live together. Shao Bang worked as the Guangdong Museum Director of Exhibitions, while Yue E worked in ancient book restoration.

In 1985, Shao Bang made the decision for the Liu family to immigrate to Hawaii in hopes of a better future in America. The family struggled with long hours on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Shao Bang found work in Jack in the Box as a maintenance worker while Yue E worked as a housekeeper for the Sullivan family. All three daughters married and had children. Shao Bang was a loving and thoughtful grandfather who provided treats, support, and a playful sense of humor.

Shao Bang retired in 1996 at 69 years old. During his retirement, Shao Bang wrote several memoirs. Using his diary and photo film from the past 80 years, he detailed his life as an intellectual in Communist China. He wanted to warn the younger generations about the dangers of censorship and dictatorship.

Shao Bang loved composing music throughout his life. He wrote hundreds of songs during his lifetime and enjoyed singing these songs with his wife, 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Shao Bang was preceded in death by both of his parents and younger sister, Shao Yan. Shao Bang is survived by his wife, Diana Yue E; his children: Dana Singer (Steven), Hailing Liu, and Susan Vanapruks (Sapavith); as well as his grandchildren, Sarah Vanapruks Dulay (Justin), Joshua Mahina Liu Singer, Alisha Mahina Liu Cheung, Selena Lan Vanapruks, and Shawna LeMay Vanapruks; and great-grandson Leon Jeriah Dulay. He is also survived by his two brothers, Shao Yong and Dao Sheng, and his three sisters, Shao Juan, Shao Tian, and Shao Fang.

A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, from 9 AM to 11 AM at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel. 45-425 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744. Reception at 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Burial is scheduled for 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Malama Ola Foundation. (https://malamaolacares.com/donation In memory of Mr. Shao Bang Liu. Donations are tax deductible to the greatest extent allowed by law. Cards may be sent to Mrs. Diana Liu, 893 Maniniholo St, Honolulu, HI 96825.