Te-Chih Hsu

Retired Maj. Gen. Te-Chih (Jerry) Hsu of Paradise Valley was born in Tienjing, China on Sep. 17, 1925.  Te-Chih passed away on October 2, 2006 at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea in Scottsdale, Arizona. Te-Chih joined the Chinese Air Force Preparatory Academy at age 13.  He later received advanced training to fly Saber Jet F-86 and F-5 fighter jets at military installations in the United States (Lackland Air Force Base, St. Antonio, TX.  Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, TX. Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV).  As a 'Top Gun pilot' for the Republic of China (Taiwan), he defended freedom and democracy in the battle with Communist China for control of the Taiwan Straights in the early 1950s.   Te-Chih also flew joint missions with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was proud of his record of flying 7000 accident-free fighter jet hours. In the early 1970s, Te-Chih was appointed Air Force Attaché representing the Republic of China in Washington D.C.  While President Nixon was establishing diplomatic ties with Communist China, Te-Chih worked closely with Sen. Barry Goldwater to maintain U.S. support for Taiwan.  His efforts were crucial to preserving military security for the people of Taiwan. In 1976, Te-Chih retired from the military and moved to California and embarked on a new career.   After years of training in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine, he obtained his California license and practiced acupuncture with his wife, Susannah.  In 1997, he retired to Arizona to be closer to his daughter and her family.  Te-Chih loved living in the U.S., which he proudly called "home." In his retirement years, Te-Chih was a self-taught writer and avid oil painter.  He wrote many articles for the Arizona Chinese News and was actively involved in church activities and community services.  In 2005, he published, "God is My Navigator," a book about his life journey and inspirational relationship with God.   Te-Chih was a loving family man who is survived by his wife, Susannah of 51 years, daughter Kelly Hsu, MD, his favorite son-in-law Charles M. Schron, MD, his grandchildren, Diana and Emily, and his brother, sisters, and many nieces and nephews.  Te-Chih was a highly respected member of the greater Phoenix Chinese community and deeply loved by his family and friends.  Te-Chih left a legacy of generosity and kindness.  His life was an inspiration to all of us. Visitation on Friday, Oct. 6th from 6-8 pm at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd, Scottsdale.  Funeral Service on Saturday, Oct. 7th at 9am, at the Greater Phoenix Chinese Christian Church, 890 W. Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85225, Tel: 480-786-4977.  Final resting place at Paradise Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Te-Chih Hsu Memorial Fund at the Greater Phoenix Chinese Christian Church.