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Chi-Bin Chien Obituary
Chi-Bin Chien, husband, father, son, brother, professor, and friend died December 2, 2011, his battle with cancer over. Invariably courageous through more than twelve years of treatments and procedures, and despite increasing immobility and dependence, Chi-Bin maintained an indomitable optimism, his singular sweetness, and the kindest and brightest of smiles. Chi-Bin resolutely resisted any limitation of his disease with a personal strength that impressed every person he encountered.
Chi-Bin was born in New Haven, CT, the first child of Chih-Yung Chien and Chun-Wuei Su. Chi-Bin was extraordinarily gifted academically, entering Johns Hopkins University at 12 years old, then completing a Ph.D. in biophysics at the California Institute of Technology, followed by postdoctoral training in neuroscience at University of California, San Diego, and the Max Planck Institute in Tübingen, Germany. Chi-Bin was a Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy in the School of Medicine at the University of Utah. His research focused on how the precise wiring of the nervous system is established.
Internationally, Chi-Bin was known as a teacher, scholar, and innovator. At the University of Utah, he was a leader, a tireless contributor, and a generous collaborator. To the members of his laboratory, he was a giving mentor and the strongest of supporters. Now, at his passing, the international zebrafish research community has established The Chi-Bin Chien Award, to honor a select research trainee who demonstrates both the intellectual excellence and generosity of spirit that characterized Chi-Bin.
Though prodigiously accomplished, one never felt outclassed in Chi-Bin's presence, only appreciated by him. His demeanor was humble, his nature inclusive, his point-of-view invariably positive, his heart attentive and caring. Chi-Bin always said it was the last twelve years of his life that really mattered, the time in which he met and married the woman with whom he would share his life, Nicola Hack. Together, they raised a daughter, Molly Chang-Ling Chien, now nine years old. Chi-Bin passed on to Molly his unflagging optimism, his curiosity, and his excitement about the world.
Chi-Bin's life was exceptionally full. He made weekend breakfasts for his family, played ultimate frisbee, and enjoyed filling his house with friends. He deeply loved his family. Chi-Bin had a selfless and caring mother and father, a devoted brother and sister, Chi-Kai and Chi-An, their spouses, Setsuko and Keith. After finding Niki, Chi-Bin gained a new loving family, whom he cherished. He is survived by father-in-law Kenneth, brother-in-law Roger and his wife Jenny, and sister-in-law Pip. He leaves behind seven beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Chun-Wuei and mother-in-law Lee Hack, both victims of cancer. The compassionate attention of his family throughout his illness was essential to his well-being and that of his family; it will never be forgotten. Chi-Bin and Niki were blessed by a wide group of devoted friends, colleagues, and coworkers. Collectively, all these supporters provided invaluable help during the course of his illness. The family is deeply grateful for their unwavering friendship.
The family extends their deepest thanks to Saundra Buys, MD, and to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff of Huntsman Cancer Hospital. Their sensitivity and compassion is treasured by the family. Niki, Chi-Bin, and Molly found shelter there, understanding, and the highest quality of care.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to an educational fund for Molly Chien, at www.uesp.org. (Beneficiary: Molly Chien, Account # 200215526, Account holders: Chi-Bin Chien and Nicola Hack).
A memorial service for Chi-Bin will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, 569 S. 1300 E. on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service. Online condolences may be left at www.legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chi-Bin Chien
David Meyer
November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving 2024. Thinking about Chi-Bin today, I´m thankful to have had him as a friend, and even more thankful that he had happiness and love from his family.
Scott Welsch
November 2, 2012
I still miss Chi-Bin.
Jane Charlton
July 1, 2012
I was thinking of Chi-Bin today and decided to see if I could find him on Facebook. I'm so very sorry to hear of the sad news of his passing. We had not stayed in touch, but back in my early teens he was one of my closest friends. We taught at the CTY programs together for a couple of summers, and corresponded regularly in the years in between. It sounds like he had the life that he dreamed of having, though ever so much too short.
I have a daughter just a little older than Molly (11 in May) and would like them to know each other some day. Chi-Bin was a true friend to me through such important years.
Christopher Walsh
April 15, 2012
I just read of Chi-Bin's passing in Hopkins Alumni magazine, and wanted to extend my condolences. I knew him very briefly, nearly 40 years ago, but for that short time in the fifth grade, we were pretty close. I was new at the school and he befriended me. We played chess at recess, and Chi-Bin was kind enough to beat me without crushing me. The following year I went on to sixth grade, and he went to high school I think. I remembering seeing that he graduated from Hopkins just a few years later. I was thinking of him last week, before I had seen the news, because I have a fifth grade daughter now, and I recently met her best friend. I was thinking of Chi Bin, and wondering what he was doing now. The sad news shocked me, but I was glad to see that his life was full of learning, investigating, teaching, friends, family, marriage, and parenthood -- all the excitement and surprise every we both had hoped for we were ten. To his family, I'm very sorry for your loss. He was an unforgettable person, even at age 10.
Nicholas Suite
March 19, 2012
Dear Niki and Molly,
I wanted to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Chi-Bin. I just learned the sad news as I was reading my Johns Hopkins Alumni magazine. I wanted you to know that I was in one class with Chi-Bin, Freshman Biology Seminars with Professor Maurice Bessman. I was a regular 18 year-old freshman, and Chi-Bin was about 12. It was Fall 1978. I remember him fondly since he would always ask the Professor very challenging questions. We, his classmates were also challenged by his questions since each student had to give a one-hour presentation during the semester. I will not lie....we were all afraid of his questions, but his natural inquisitiveness made us all better thinkers and biologists in the end. Even though this is a time of great sadness, as we miss Chi-Bin, I want to tell you that he and I became good friends in that class, and it is kind of a funny story... I watched him study each presentation attentively as it was given, and then, at the end, he would ask ONE single crucial question that would either make the presenter look like a Nobel Laureate if he/she answered correctly....or like a deer in headlights if he/she bombed the answer! Chi-Bin did this with such 12 y/o innocence and honesty that we all dearly loved him even if we flopped. I was amazed by him. I knew we were in the presence of God-given greatness. Nevertheless, I was determined to find a way to do well on my own presentation. I thought long and hard as I built my DNA models from plastic pieces and I spied a large Slinky in the bookstore and purchased it to demonstrate the structure of a helix for my presentation to my classmates. Little did I know that Chi-Bin would not take his eyes off the Slinky for the duration of my whole presentation. At the end of it, I looked in his direction anticipating the 'do-or-die' question only to find that Chi-Bin, at 12 only wanted to play with the Slinky and was distracted by it! He was still 12 in some ways! He had not listened to anything I said in my presentation!! I was overjoyed that he did not have a question for me that day. The professor said that he knew what I was up to, still gave me an 'A', and Chi-Bin and I laughed about it together afterwards. I gave him the Slinky to keep of course! However he kept me on my toes for the rest of the semester, and I was a better biologist for it.
Chi-Bin will live forever in my mind and heart and he was one of the most wonderful and unforgettable people I have ever known. He will be truly missed.
Kay Buskirk
March 2, 2012
I just found out. Chi-Bin was an exceptional person and so easy to work with. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Ellen Lane
January 26, 2012
I just heard this sad news. To all of Chi-Bin's family and close friends, you have my deepest sympathy. I met CHi-Bin in Tuebingen, and enjoyed his company at zebrafish meetings for many years after. He had a great mind and a wonderful heart. My students had the chance to meet him when he was an invited speaker at one of our regional meetings, and they were immediately impressed by the way that this world class scientist engaged with them. He will be remembered for a very long time.
Russell Ray
January 9, 2012
Chi-Bin has done an immense amount to help and mentor me through my career as scientist as well as be a good friend. One of my fondest memories of Chi-Bin was spending Christmas Eve with him, Darren and Francesca in Tuebingen. It was no surprise to run into Chi-Bin at the lab, working on Christmas Eve. I had been working with him on a project, so he invited me over to have some Chinese food. He introduced me to Moo-Shu Pork. I can still picture him rolling out the pancakes. Being a kid from the backwaters of Oregon, it was a very new and fun experience. Then he invited me along to have Christmas dinner over at Henry's place the next day and even gave me a bottle of wine for a present. It was an experience that was pretty typical of the hospitality and kindness that Chi-bin has shown me for many years. As I have grown, I have come to appreciate more with each step in my career, how he has influenced and helped me. It is something that I try to pay forward every chance I get.
Lakshmi Pillai
January 5, 2012
Dear Niki, Molly,
My deepest condolences on your loss. It is indeed a great loss for us. He was ever inspiring and full of ideas.
May his soul rest in peace.
Lakshmi, UKY
Molly Wagner Nyholm
January 3, 2012
Hi Niki and Molly,
I was so sad to hear about Chi-Bin. I thoroughly enjoyed being a student in his lab. He was one of the most encouraging and supportive folks I met during my many years as a grad student. He will always be an inspiration to me!
Love and peace to you,
Margaret Mc Donald
December 31, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
My deepest condolences on your loss.
Raheel Samuel
December 18, 2011
I got to spend a very short time with Chien. But yes, I would strongly agree with most of you about his humility, intelligence and grace. A great encourager and motivator for grad students like us. As a student of mechanical engineering but with projects in neurobiology, Chien was the first biology professor who supported my ideas. I wish I had more time to work with him.
Longhua Guo
December 14, 2011
I wanted Chi-Bin to be in my committee, and chatted with him about my immature thought of the project. He encouraged me greatly, pointed out the key principle of the experiments, and sent me papers almost immediately. The second time I met him was in my pre-preliminary examination meeting. He told me not to worry about the moving and I would be taken care of. I miss him deeply. I still have questions to ask him. I still want to hear stories about his research.
Owen Tamplin
December 14, 2011
I met Chi-Bin when I did the zebrafish course at Woods Hole in 2007. He was a thoughtful and kind teacher and he really inspired me to continue in science. He made tremendous contributions to our community and will be greatly missed.
Sudha Mudumana
December 14, 2011
I had the good fortune of knowing Dr. Chi-Bin Chien while i was working at Utah. He was the most humble, generous and intelligent teacher/scientist I have met. It's definitely a great loss for everyone. My sincere condolences.
Gaurav Das
December 13, 2011
I was a PhD student in the Neurobiology department.
I have rarely seen a more compassionate teacher and mentor. He touched the life of everybody around, including mine, with his grace, courage and patience.
Anand Chandrasekhar
December 12, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
I am very sorry for your loss. I first met Chi-Bin in Tuebingen in 1997, and was struck by his gentle and humble nature. He was a wonderful colleague and friend. He shared scientific advice and reagents freely, and was a source of wonderful ideas. I will so dearly miss him for his science, and especially his dancing at the zebrafish meetings!
Louisa Stark
December 11, 2011
Dear Niki,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Tina Garyantes
December 11, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
Chi-Bin was an absolutely wonderful friend and compatriate during graduate school. I remember teaching him to drive and standing outside a club in a long line only to realize that as a 3rd or 4th year graduate student he wasn't yet 21 so the hour+ wait was for naught. No bother, we had fun. Of course there were also so many scientific conversations and plenty of advice to be had in the Pine lab but mostly I will remember his smile and laugh and support. I only wish I had made the excuse to visit over the years. I am sure you miss him. My heart goes out to you.
My condolences, Tina Kramer Garyantes
Natascia Tiso
December 11, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
my condolences,
Natascia Tiso,
University of Padova, Italy
Sharon and DL Lin
December 10, 2011
Dear Niki, Molly, Chi-An and Chi-Kai, and Chih-Yung,
Beautiful, just beautiful! Family and friends shared their fond memories of Chi-Bin at his Memorial Service. These memories made us feel fortunate and proud for having had special relationship with this wonderful, intellectual, remarkable and brave man. It really hurts at the thought that we shall no longer see him in person. We'll miss him dearly, but will always remember his sweet smiles, and witty, generous and caring personality! He has left a wonderful legacy that shall have long and wide impact on many.
Niki and Molly, you are simply incredible! Please do accept our condolences. We love you!
Sharon and DL
David Meyer
December 9, 2011
Dear Niki, Molly, Chih-Yung, Chi-Kai and Chi-An,
I feel privileged to have known Chi-Bin for most of my life. While we had not much impact on each other's academic work (although while we were both in San Diego I was always sure that if I could get him to think about any math/physics problem on which I was working, he would be able to help!), he had a huge impact on my personal life: it was while playing on intramural volleyball and softball teams with him and people from the biology department that I met Mel.
Our daughter, Eleanor, remembers Chi-Bin, Niki and Molly's visit last fall and has told me several times this week, "I love you, Daddy. I'm really sorry about your friend." She also asked how Molly is doing---I will tell her how proud Chi-Bin would have been of her at the service today. I am deeply saddened, but I see Chi-Bin in all of you, and I know he will always be remembered.
Love,
David Meyer
December 9, 2011
Dear Ms. Hack,
Malise, Ryan and Aaron Jenson are so sorry for your loss. I hope that you will accept our condolences. Please know that you are loved, missed, and cared for.
Barbara Niemeyer
December 9, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly, dear Chi-An, Chi-Kai and Chi-Yung,
My thoughts are with you during these difficult times. Chi-Bin was a wonderful and exceptional person. I'm glad he had such a great family supporting him. He will always be remembered.
My deepest condolences,
Barbara Niemeyer
Lindsey Salt
December 9, 2011
Dear Niki,
I was saddened to hear of Chi-Bin's passing, but I know that he is free from pain now. I was honored to know such a intelligent individual such as himself. I was grateful to be a part of his healthcare team at Huntsman. I hope the fond memories you have will keep you strong during the days ahead.
Sincerly,
Lindsey Salt (Dr. Brogan's M.A.)
Darren Gilmour
December 9, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
We were deeply saddened to hear that Chi-Bin has passed away. We were lucky enough to have had Chi-Bin as a colleague and neighbour for two happy years in Tuebingen. It was quickly apparent that Chi-Bin was someone very special. His intelligence was simply breath-taking - this was a guy so smart that he was correcting our German teacher after a few lessons (no joke!). His encyclopedic knowledge, his enthusiasm and his openness meant that people were drawn to him like moths to a flame. His humour, his humility and his kindness made him something to aspire to.
Chi-Bin was simply a phenomenon and an inspiration, even back then, but it was his attitude to life in the face of illness that taught us the most. Courageous, optimistic and full of love for his family, his friends, for life itself. We feel deeply grateful and honored to have known this remarkable, lovely man and we will miss him always. Our thoughts are with you during this time, we hope that you can find comfort in knowing that your husband and father improved the life of everyone who knew him.
Love,
?Darren Gilmour and Francesca Peri
Anonymous
December 9, 2011
Dr. Chien was an excellent teacher, and a kind and compassionate person. I remember seeing him at 2 Creek coffee house and he would always go out of his way to ask how things were going. It was a privilege to care for him as a patient. I was amazed at his strength, resilience, and ability to remain friendly and cheerful even at a very difficult time for him and his wife (who was also wonderful). I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man, and my heart goes out to his wife and daughter, as well as the rest of his family and friends.
Christine Holt
December 9, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
We are so sorry to hear of Chi-Bin's passing and extend our heartfelt sympathies to you. He was such an incredible person in so many ways. We have many happy memories of him from shared times in San Diego that we will forever treasure. He was marvellously inventive, inspiring, generous and charmingly modest. He touched all our lives and we will miss him greatly.
Christine and Bill
Freek van Eeden
December 9, 2011
Dear Nikki and Molly
I was shocked to hear the news today, I knew Chi-Bin from my time in Tübingen and was always deeply impressed by his positive look on life and his collaborative spirit. He will be sorely missed.
Freek
December 8, 2011
Dear Niki,
We feel saddened by Chi-Bin's passing. Although we undstand that it is time for him to rest after the amazing heroic fight for so long (which won extra years than what doctors expected). His 46 years had been filled with outstandging achievements. In many ways, he accomplished much more than an ordinary person who may have lived 30, 40 years longer. More important, his sweet, generous and caring personality had a long enduring impact on friends, relatives, colleagues and students. You must be proud of him. We are too! He'll always be remembered deerly and hold a special spot in our hearts.
You have been heroic too. Caring for Chi-Bin for so long and in uncertainties and under much stress. For sure, Chi-Bin was very grateful. He enjoyed a wonderful family life with you and Molly always stood close by his side. And then, there are many other loyal family menbers and dear friends, colleagues and students. Please take comfort in that Chi-Bin did have an extraordinary life! Please take care. We all love you very much! Hope you'll visit the Bay area after some rest.
Love you dearly, Ergugu/gufu, Jennifer and Kenneth
Kara Cerveny
December 8, 2011
Chi-Bin was a kind, giving, and whip-smart scientist. I had the honor of working with him during various iterations of the zebrafish course and he will be missed by many, many people. My condolences to his family and close friends during this sad time.
Joao Peres
December 8, 2011
To Chi-Bin's family,
A teacher, a colleague, above all a friend.
Chi-Bin's peaceful and friendly smile will always be with the ones that were fortunate enough to meet him. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Peter & Susan Huang
December 8, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Arul Subramanian
December 8, 2011
I have known Prof. Chien through his benevolent services to the zebrafish community. At every zebrafish meeting, one could be sure that there would be some new service or tool from his lab for the community. He was a true scientist, who believed in progress of science through cooperation and sharing of resources and tools without any pride. He will be dearly missed by each and everyone in the community. My heart felt condolences to his family and friends and I pray for his soul to rest in peace.
Sylvie Retaux
December 8, 2011
To Chi-Bin 's family
Sincere condoleances in this time of sorrow. As a roommate in La Jolla, and as a lab-mate during our common postdoc in UCSD, I will always remember Chi-Bin's deep kindness, blicking eyes and smile, and scientific insights.
Sylvie Retaux
December 7, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly
My deepest condolences on your loss. We lost a kind and generous colleague and mentor. He will be deeply missed and his generosity and spirit will be kept alive through his gateway reagents in our research community for generations!
Fang Lin, Iowa City, Iowa
Becky Burdine
December 7, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
My deepest condolences on your loss. Chi-Bin always made me smile when we talked. His enthusiasm was infectious. I appreciated the fact that he was always so interested in what I had to say and excited to share his thoughts with me in return. I admired him so much and feel he set the standard for how people should treat each other in science. He will be missed.
Sharon Weinstein
December 7, 2011
Our sincere condolences to the family of Chi-Bin on your loss. It was a privilege to serve Chi-Bin. We will remember him with respect and affection.
Dr. Sharon M. Weinstein
Huntsman Cancer Institute -
Pain Medicine and Palliative Care Team
Bruce Appel
December 7, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
Chi-Bin made us all in the research community better through his creative, principled, enthusiastic example and his boundless generosity and friendship. His impact is immeasurable.
Chuck Hansen
December 7, 2011
Chi-bin was a wonderful colleague and friend. His enthusiasm was contagious, his scientific insight was deep and his willingness to collaborate was exemplary. He will be missed. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
Kathleen and Jack Karmel
December 7, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly, Chi-Bin was an such an inspiration to me over the last 13 years. He was truly blessed to have you and Molly to love and support him and vise versa. . My deepest sympathies go out to you and the rest of your famlies for your loss. The World has lost a truly exceptional husband , father and scientist.
kathleen mcelligott cheung
December 6, 2011
Niki and Molly,
I read with a sad and heavy heart the news of Chi-Bins death. I know the joy that both of you were for him. My deepest condolences.
Katie McElligott
Norma Jean Berry
December 6, 2011
Chi-Yung,
I was so sorry to hear that your son had passed. Though it is a wonderful thing that he has no more suffering or sorrows, it is so hard on those of us left behind. Just a few months ago, you and I shared some stories about family sufferings. I know in my heart that you have good memories of your son. I hope that those memories will bring you comfort. In this season of joy and celebration, I pray that you will find consolation, knowing Chi-Bin is resting in the arms of God. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Jeff Essner
December 6, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
I am greatly saddened by this news and have spent the last few days remembering all the wonderful times with you two and Chi-Bin. I will always cherish those times. Chi-Bin's friendship meant a great deal to me and has been a source of great strength, even as he struggled with his illness. He was a truly kind and remarkable person in so many ways. He will be greatly missed. Please know that I am thinking of you two.
With love and sympathy,
Jeff
mario rivera
December 6, 2011
Niki and Molly and families,
Profoundly sad to see a familiar face in the Salt Lake Tribune obits. We never knew about Chi Bin's illness, we just knew him as a loving dad to Molly and husband to Niki. Ian and Molly were together for the earliest parts of their lives under the care of the First Baptist Church in SLC. I remember not too long ago running into Chi-Bin , Molly , and Niki at a half marathon in Moab. Beth and Chi- Bin had run the half and afterwards we all did a short hike in Arches. I was also unaware of Chi Bin's academic prowess but am not surprised by his gracious humility. Our thoughts are with you now, the world seems a little colder with the passing of such a great guy. Mario, Beth, and Ian.
Scott Holley
December 6, 2011
Chi-Bin was a magnanimous, positive colleague and friend. I fondly remember our ultimate frisbee games in Tübingen and Geneva. May he rest in peace.
Pat Renfranz
December 6, 2011
I am so very sorry to learn that Chi-Bin has passed away. We were fellow graduate students so many years ago, and studied together for neurobiology prelims. I admired his generous spirit and confidence, and will always recall his warm smile (and a certain perplexed look, too). He had a maturity that belied his youth. I will miss him. Please know that my thoughts are with you all at this time.
December 6, 2011
Dear Niki & Molly
We were so sorry to hear the sad news of Chi-Bin's passing. He will always remain with you both in your hearts and in precious memories, but our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Chris (nee Joyce), Mike, Sarah & Hannah Tinson
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Chi- Bin will always remain in your hearts and you in his. Take Chi-Bin's strength and find a future filled with continued hope and love. I wish I could give you and Molly a super big hug. Love always,
Cherrie Brinlee
Dave Reiter
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I spent many CTY years with Chi-Bin. He helped make CTY a wonderful place for me and many others. I will always think of him with a smile.
With deep sympathy,
Dave Reiter
Sylvie Silberg
December 5, 2011
Dearest Nikki, dearest Molly.
The other day I was thinking how much we enjoy receiving your letter of the year's news that always comes around Christmas and we were looking forward to hearing from you again.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Chi Bin's passing.Our thoughts go out to you and the whole family It feels very painful to be so far away at a time like this. Sending you a huge hug and lots of strengh to come to terms with this great loss.
Alice Schmid
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
I was out of town on the 2nd and only now found out about Chi-Bin's passing. I am so sorry for you both, and know the sadness you feel. I am relieved for Chi-Bin, that he is now at peace, but sorry for you and for us, who will miss him so.
Alice
Marnie Halpern
December 5, 2011
Chi-Bin was a generous, helpful and stimulating colleague to me and many others. He will sorely be missed in the research community and I personally will greatly miss his advice and positive spirit.
Michael Barresi
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
I am truly sorry for your loss and want you to know how very special Chi-Bin was to me and I know so many other scientists in the zebrafish research community. We were colleagues, collaborators, and friends over the past 10yrs. While never a direct student of his, Chi-Bin taught me by example how exceptional science should be conducted and how to be unbelievably humble in that process. I will sorely miss Chi-Bin, and will remember him with the greatest admiration possible.
Sincerely, Michael Barresi
Menno, Masha van Lookeren Campagne
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki, we are very saddened by the news - Chi-Bin was an exceptional person in many ways, as a devoted father and husband and as an extremely bright scientist. He will stay alive in our minds while our hearts and thoughts go out to you, Molly and the rest of his family.
Christine Beattie
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I knew Chi-Bin since the late 1990s as a fellow researcher. I share many of the lovely memories of Chi-Bin and reiterate his sharp mind, passion for experiments, and his basically fantastic attitude. In addition, Chi-Bin could dance! I can not help but smile every time I think of those zebrafish meeting banquet nights with Chi-Bin out there dancing circles around everyone else. It was unique, it was energetic, it was Chi-Bin. We will all miss him dearly.
Brian Ebert
December 5, 2011
Niki and Molly,
I worked as an undergraduate in Chi-Bin's lab a few years back. I will always be grateful for all he taught me. He taught me a great deal about science, for which I am grateful, but he taught me more about kindness. Despite his prodigious abilities and many talents he always interacted with me (a very average student) with warmth and on a level I could understand. He will forever be a an example of what it means to be humble and approachable irrespective of our talents or level of professional accomplishment. His laugh was contagious and I will miss him.
Fitz Bushnell
December 5, 2011
I knew Chi-Bin from ultimate. He was competitive without being mean, and friendly without being overbearing. Whenever we happened to meet in the neighborhood, conversation was always upbeat and compelling, even if the topic might've been sobering. I will miss those occasional talks. My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Stephan Neuhauss
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
we are so sorry to hear that Chi-Bin embarked on his final journey. I will forever cherish the memories I have of Chi-Bin. The fun we had in Tübingen, your beautiful wedding in Utah and the fond memories of the many summers we spend in Woods Hole. I always felt him to be a little bit like an older brother: gentle, nurturing and full of knowledge and wisdom. We will miss him dearly, but I take comfort in the part of him that will stay with me.
December 5, 2011
To Niki, Molly, and all of the rest of the family,
Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. We have wonderful memories of our years in Salt Lake.
Love,
Lara (Hutson) and Mike (Tillou)
Holly Godsey
December 5, 2011
Niki - I am so sorry to hear about Chi-Bin's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can help ease things in any way.
Bill Harris
December 5, 2011
Dear Niki,
Christine, Julia, Jake and I send you and Molly our love. We are so grateful that Chi-Bin found you and vice-versa. You couldn't have had a more interesting and wonderful partner on this earth. We are also so lucky to have known and worked with Chi-Bin since he was young. In our minds, he will be forever a monument to the scientific community, to ingenuity, to courage and to human kindness.
Chris Peterson
December 4, 2011
Chi-Bin was my first-year graduate school adviser at the University of Utah, and one of my favorite teachers. His passion, on which others in this venue have commented, was among the earliest that inspired me as a scientist. He will be sorely missed as a mentor, and more, as someone who trusts and believes in young scientific minds. To stand behind students in the way that Chi-Bin did is a quality that I will always remember, and always hope to carry on.
Brenda Bates
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki,
I truly admire Chi-Bin's devotion to living fully while he could and his valiant fight for the past 12 years. He has made a lasting impression on me. I am saddened at his loss and my heart aches for you. He will be greatly missed.
Love, Brenda
Ana Bozas
December 4, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. I knew Chi-Bin as a professor in my doctoral program of study, but his talks were always interesting and he had a very nice, approachable personality. I am shocked and saddened by his early passing. He was a shooting star that burned very brightly.
Scott Welsch
December 4, 2011
I will always miss Chi-Bin.
Michele Lemons
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly, We are deeply sorry to learn of Chi-Bin's passing. We feel very fortunate to have had so many good times with all of you in Utah. Please know you are in our thoughts and hearts. MIchele, Michael, Eli and Caden
Eliza Rubenstein
December 4, 2011
What a loss. What a guy. I'm glad I knew him even a tiny bit (through CTY connections, even though I didn't become a mattababy until after Chi-Bin had moved on), and I wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
December 4, 2011
Dear family,
I volunteer at the Huntsman Institute in the infusion Clinic.
We will all miss Chi-Bin.
With respect and love,
Brent V. Marrott
Jody Rosenblatt
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly
I am so sorry for your loss and ours. Chi-Bin was a wonderful role model as a scientist and parent. I am glad his suffering is over but sorry for all the rest of us. Our love is with you-Jody and Mike
Andrew Feng
December 4, 2011
I'm really sorry to hear about Chi-Bin's passing. Our prayers go out to his family.
Andrew Feng (childhood friend, Baltimore, Maryland)
Chi-Bin, with members of the Dorsky Lab, acting like a fish at the fish meeting, 2008.
Jennifer Bonner
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
We were so sorry to hear of Chi-Bin's passing. Please know that though we are all in NY, our hearts are with you in Utah.
Take care, and may you both find peace.
Jennifer, Ken, Toby and Kai
Susan Dorsky
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
We were so sorry to hear about Chi-Bin's passing but are grateful we had the chance to spend some time with you all. May the support of your friends and family ease this time of sorrow.
Regards, Susan and Al Dorsky
December 4, 2011
I just saw in the paper the Chi-Bin has passed away. You probably don't remember me but I remember you. I was a nursing student when Chi-Bin had one of his first surgeries. I'll never forget how kind and gentle both Niki and Chi-Bin were... even when I made a mess of his bed immediately post-op and we had to change all the sheets (which was definitely painful for Chi-Bin), but no complaints, only gratitude. I've run into you over the years at the store and in L&D when you had your baby and always went away feeling a sense of peace and joy. I am so sorry to hear that he has passed. I hope you find comfort knowing that you have made a difference in my life, and many others along the way.
Maura McGrail
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki,
You, Molly and Chi-Bin are in my thoughts, and I have been revisiting memories of great dinners and fly fishing beautiful streams. Chi-Bin will always be an inspiration.
Maura
Clark Coffman
December 4, 2011
Dear Niki and Molly,
My sincere sympathies. I was a colleague of Chi-Bin's when we worked together in the Harris and Holt labs at UCSD. Chi-Bin was always great to be around. He was a terrific colleague at work and a great addition to our Harris Lab floor hockey teams.
I have nothing but fond memories of the days when Chi-Bin was part of my life.
Clark Coffman
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How to support Chi-Bin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Chi-Bin Chien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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