Dan Ku King

Many things can be said about Mr. Dan Ku King. Known to his friends as an intelligent and peaceful man, his charisma would always shine through, revealing a warm and congenial demeanor. He was determined and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish and he had an unbound curiosity which led him to seek out new experiences throughout his life. He was mentor, a natural teacher capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on balance and harmony. To family and friends who knew him best, Dan will be remembered as a very exceptional person. Dan was born in Shanghai, China in 1941 and moved to Taipei, Taiwan in 1949. As the youngest of six surviving siblings, he developed a very strong sense of tradition, family and respect for elders. Dan was exceptionally gifted, even at a young age. When his family moved to another town, his

6th grade teacher requested that he stay in his class since he recognized Dan’s early talents. Since then, Dan began riding the bus across town to go to school. He naturally did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. Teachers and classmates knew Dan as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. Throughout high school, Dan continued to excel in academics, even taking an IQ test and registering at a “genius” level. He was admitted into a top honors program where he excelled in Mathematics and Sciences. After taking Taiwan’s college entrance exam, his top scores qualified him to enter National Cheng Kung University, the 2nd ranked college in Taiwan. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Metallurgical Engineering. Dan’s ability to be a conceptual thinker helped him immensely during his college days. He was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced him to think. No matter what class it was, Dan was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that his university experience provided. Dan’s memorable moments during this time included winning a university-wide Chinese chess championship and immersing himself in classical music records, especially Handel’s Messiah, which he would listen to countless number of times. Dan would follow his graduation by serving the government required two years of military service in Taiwan’s Air Force unit. He was in charge of taking inventory of plane fuel tanks and participated in overnight guard duties and intense training drills. His fellow soldiers knew him as being very resourceful and capable. Dan demonstrated discipline and decisiveness and he valued these same principles in those with whom he While working as an engineer at IBM, Dan went ice skating with a couple of co-workers and met Yu Chia (Tammy) Wong. After dating for several years and immigrating to the United States, Dan and Tammy exchanged wedding vows on October 5, 1974 at first Baptist Church in San Francisco, CA. Dan was blessed with two daughters; Jennifer and Diane. Dan worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Academic success was very important to Dan, so he was proud that Jennifer obtained her PhD from UC Berkeley in 2016, and Diane also received her degree from UC Berkeley in Civil Engineering in 2001. Another blessing for Dan was the gift of two grandchildren, Oliver and Makena.

Dan’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Christian Testimony Church in New York, often serving as the church’s accountant and coordinating after-service meals and trips. After moving to California, he did not attend church every Sunday, but he always kept Christ in his heart. Dan took full advantage of his leisure time by taking part in a never-ending list of hobbies. His favorite pursuits were listening to live music in the park, discovering new restaurants, enjoying nostalgic childhood treats, visiting the library, and taking long walks in the park; anything that would stimulate either his mind or his body. Even at the

age of 75, he was learning Spanish and taking any opportunity to practice with people he would meet in the community. Dan was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Regardless if they were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Dan had a gift to be able to engage in conversation with anyone. Dan passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 27, 2016 at Stanford Hospital in San Jose, CA. He is survived by wife Tammy, his daughters Jennifer and Diane and his grandchildren Oliver and Makena. Dan was laid to rest at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Throughout his life, Dan was a gregarious and enthusiastic man, an individual who enjoyed the simpler things in life. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a truly special individual, someone who will continue to be a vital part of their lives. Dan leaves behind him a legacy of many cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Mr. Dan Ku King.