May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Lai Family,
I am saddened to read about the passing of Spike. I am an architect now and used to moonlight doing structural drafting for Spike along with my friend John Minato. I always enjoyed doing work for Spike. I liked his no nonsense, get it done now attitude as well as his sense of humor. My condolences.

Dear Marian and family,
So heart warming to read of those whose lives have been touched by your father. Knowing you, I am certain that his generosity, wisdom, and kindness of spirit live on in his children and wife.
lots of love,
Staci

I have tried to add a few words many times even before the funeral service, but failed, probably because my poor mental/physical condition. Let me enter my thought here. You decide what to do with it.

Dear Lillian,

I am saddened by the news of your dad's passing away. I hope you find comfort in the love of friends and family - especially those closeby who can give you a hug. May the good memories of him help you heal.

I am saddened by Mr. Lai's sudden departure.  I am sure he lived a full life.  He will be missed deeply.  

Hsushi Yeh

A great friend and council, and the best of neighbors.  You will be missed, never forgotten.
Meridian North Condominiums

Dear Margaret and family,

     Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May the sweet memories your had bring you comfort.

     May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Where do I start and how do I express the depth of my respect and adulation for Spike, I first met him years ago at one of the local engineering firms and then again since 1991 had the pleasure and honor of working with him at the Boeing Company. Spike was a mentor and role model without wanting  to be any. There would not be a day without me asking him for an adise about life, engineering, or his views on social issues. Spike played a major role in helping many of us define ourselves as immigrants, fathers, professionals, and human beings. Spike just lived it, and we marveled in emulating him and his role. We are going to miss you my friend, you were  always a shinning star in our lives and now one in our memories. My condolences to the Lai Family for this loss, may his wonderful memories sustain you during these hard times.

I will always remember the check Spike sent to my home, unsolicited when I was down and out during the SPEEA Strike 2000.. Quiet caring, never complaining, always looking at the positive, yet not afraid to stand for what he knew as right and speak up about it..

I will miss you Spike.. You are/were a wonderful friend and human being, full of generosity and caring and your own kind of love.  Rest in peace my old friend.  Prayers and comfort are extended to your family
Jerry

Photo from your Boeing Facilities fellow workers..

Dear Margaret: It was a shock to read about Spike's sudden passing away.  At this time of sorrow for you and your family, may you be comforted by the numerous fine memories of Spike's extraordinary life that you will hear and read.  I'll always remember his diligence and compassion.  With sincere condolences from a former tenant of The Baldwin.

I am still struggling to believe that Spike is gone, that I’ll never chat and laugh with him again. In trying to deal his death as fact, instead of a bad dream, I’ve been thinking about the old days…

Years ago I told Spike that because of the close relationship between the Lai family and my parents, he was like a fourth brother in my family. His immediate response was that he was a bit older than my big brother and therefore in accordance with Chinese custom, he was “number one son.” I will always value that exchange, partly because it was funny and it gave him a new nickname, but also because it so succinctly illustrated basic aspects of his character. In all situations, Spike Lai was direct, honest, and genuine.

We are all diminished by his death.

While I only met Spike in person a handful of times in an "all business" context, I came to admire not only his intelligence, work ethic and accomplishments but also the care he showed his family.  We are surprised and saddened to learn of Spike's sudden passing, and our hearts go out to Margaret, Joanne, Marian and Lillian and the rest of his family and friends.

Steve Ayers and Julia Shen

Dear Pi-Chu, we are shocked to learn the news and we will miss him. His friendliness and generosity and the love of Taiwan will be in our memory. Wenji and Davis Hwang

R.I.P. SPIKE!!!
YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND YOU WILL BE MISSED.

YOU HAVE A VERY LOVING FAMILY.

RICHARD STRAND & PAMELA PEARSON 
C/O RICH'S CARPET CLEANING.

Joanne, Marian, Lillian:
I've been thinking of you all and fondly recalling childhood memories of your dad and mine, often the two biggest voices at all those family parties and get-togethers, arguing politics and laughing and plotting together. How lucky you are to have had a dad like him!

Dear Margaret, Joanne, Marian and Lillian, I am so sorry to hear about the death of Number One Son Spike.  I will never forget the support that he and you, Margaret, gave to us when BJ was dying 20 years ago.  I'm sorry that Steve and I cannot be there for you at this time, but hope to see you later in the summer.  Joan Johnston

"Let Your Life Speak" urges Parker Palmer in his book of the same title.  "Speaking is cheap" so the saying goes.  Spike's life speaks loudly of his generosity and of his caring. "Friend in need" is the true friend. Spike was more than generous when we needed advice on how to remodel our small house which has been rented out for over 20 years. From designs to lists of contractors he provided them all. And he did not accept our gratitude as if those actions are what is expected of him, are part of his duty or obligation. 

We deeply mourn the loss of our friend. 

May Spike be at peace and without worries where he is now. 

May his wish of Taiwan's independence come through soon.

Peter Lin

Dearest Margaret and Family,
Bruce and I worked several years with "Spike" in the construction field. We knew him to be a genuine friend and mentor.  He was joy to be with. We'll never forget his wonderful laughter.  Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Bruce & Sandy Goulet

Dear Old Lai,

We all call you Old Lai since the day one in 1980 I met you in the Taiwanese gathering. You are young, tall and handsome.  We know tons of girl like you.  But you really don't pay attention to those things.  You love your family and always take care of them.  You working hard without any bad habits we thought you will live forever.  I wonder why god wants you to leave us so soon. You are a forceful fighter I will remember the good time we share to fight for independent and democracy of Taiwan.  You have fought a perfect fight. You are caring and generous; you will be remembered in our heart for ever.  Good bye old Lai.

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse in Room 307 wondered how come in less than two days there were so many people came to visit the patient they were monitoring.  I told her that her patient is very special, because:
  - He has done a lot for the democracy and sovereignty of Taiwan (å°å°ç£çš„æ„›èˆ‡é—œå¿ƒ, å‡ºéŒ¢å‡ºåŠ›)ã€‚
  - He is always showing â€œpositive thinkingâ€, and makes right and quick decisions.
  - He has a loving heart to help, and consider others' needs.

I wish his character can be born some degree in me.

Dear the Lais
We all miss him greatly in the battlefield.  But I believe that God is with him and with us.  He has become a shining star in the dark night watching over us - all of us here in the USA and in Taiwan.
The Rev Dr Pheksiu Tan

My condolences, Marian - My thoughts are with you and your family thru this difficult time

OBITUARY

Wen Shong Lai

September 5, 1940 – July 26, 2010

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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