Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Neil Lai Obituary
In 1958, Neil K. Lai left Shanghai by himself at the age of 16. His father was dead, and his mother wanted Neil to flee for security to Hong Kong. Their family had been turned upside down by the Communist Party rule that started in 1949. Mr. Lai's father, a former factory owner, had been branded a capitalist.
Neil Lai worked for two years in his uncle's tailor shop in Hong Kong before attending night school. He learned English, which landed him a series of relatively well- paying jobs through the mid-1970's. But the sight of Vietnamese boat refugees in the waters around Hong Kong made him realize that the Asian political situation was unstable. So at the age of 34, he came to the United States to study at a community college in Arizona.
He transferred to Arizona State University, where he studied accounting ‹ a skill that eventually led to his job at the New York State Office of Taxation and Finance.
Mr. Lai wanted his two teenage children to maintain straight A's in school. "His experience had told him education is a path to success," said his wife, Yvonne.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
S J. Friscia III
April 26, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Geraldine Halderman
September 6, 2010
Neil Kwong-Wah Lai, this year at the September ll,, 2010 ceremonies I will be honored to read your name. God bless you and your family. We share the same sorrow.
Greg ..
August 8, 2007
Gospeed Neil. You are what America is all about.
Your firends @ The Free Pioneer.
P Tabbernor
December 1, 2006
In memory....
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
September 11, 2003
Neil, May you REST IN PEACE.
DEBBIE KAPLAN
September 11, 2002
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS WHAT I FEEL IN MY HEART FOR YOU YVONNE AND YOUR CHILDREN, I AM SO SORRY, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU EVERYDAY, AS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MOVE FORWARD. I WIPE THE TEARS FROM MY EYES AS I WRITE THIS TO YOU, THE SORROW I FEEL IS GREAT, I REMEMBER SHARING DISCUSSION AT WORK WITH YOU ABOUT NEIL, MANY TIMES, I THANK YOU FOR THE TIME OF SHARING WITH ME, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR CONVERSATION, GOOD AND NOT SO GOOD. LOVE AND PRAYERS, FROM YOUR PAST CO-WORKER, DEBBIE.
alan adelman
August 15, 2002
I met Neil while he was auditing a client of mine. He was a sweet and kind man who enjoyed a good laugh. My best wishes to his family.
Angie Campbell
May 3, 2002
Rest in peace..........
Jerry Koa
March 31, 2002
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Mrs. Lai and family. I pray for the very best for you in the future.
February 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN NEIL K.LAI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA ..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF SHANGHAI..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEM
ron black
January 10, 2002
to neils family,i think about niil,jerry,and richie every minute of every day,its comforting to know that these three men were as i have heard together near the end,god bless the three of them and everyone else that lost their life on sept 11th,,,,,richies brother in law ron,,
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Neil. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Geraldine Ahern Scott
November 30, 2001
To the Lai family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. My father, Jerry Ahern, worked with your Neil.
Sincerely,
Geraldine
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Neil Lai's name
How to support Neil'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.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
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.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
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.
Read more
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 Neil Lai's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored