Dr. Samuel C. Chu

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Ohio State University

Samuel Chu Obituary

Chu Dr. Samuel C. Chu, 84, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio. Born in 1929 in Shanghai, China, Dr. Samuel Chu (Sam) lived in the U.S. since the early 1940s. He was educated at Dartmouth College (AB) and Columbia University (MA and PhD). Since 1969, Sam taught at The Ohio State University where he served as the first director of East Asian Studies, retiring in 1995 as Professor Emeritus. Sam was an avid sports fan, particularly passionate about the Buckeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A devoted husband, brother, and father, Sam is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lucy K. Chu; his brother, Daniel Chu (Lenore Schiff); his children, Elaine Chu (Elliot Fan), Laura Chu Stokes (Jimmy Stokes) and Jonathan Chu (Sumana Kesh); as well as five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at North Broadway United Methodist Church in Columbus on September 28, 2013 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Samuel Chu to the Ohio Health Foundation online: https://www.ohiohealth.com/foundation-givingopportunities/ with designation to the Paul Dusseau, MD Endowment Fund or by mail: Paul Dusseau, MD Endowment Fund c/o Ohio Health Foundation, 180 E. Broad St., 31st Flr, Columbus, OH 43215.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Sep. 5 to Sep. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Chu

11 Entries

Evetta Bush

July 31, 2014

I was also a student of Professor Chu's in the 1980's. He always presented East Asian history in an interesting and insightful way, relating personal experiences and concurrent events in world history. I loved attending his classes! I've continued to read for pleasure and personal enrichment many books (as well as movies)related to East Asian history, literature, culture, and food. Which brings me another very fond and grateful memory of Professor Chu.
I don't know if Mrs. Chu still remembers the 3 students her husband brought home for dinner one spring. I was one of them, and recall lovely and delicious homemade Chinese food. (This, at a time when an Eggroll King was IT near the OSU campus.) There were also 3 visiting scholars from China attending the dinner. Since I'd studied some Russian, I was fascinated to hear them speak Russian-language influenced English. This reflection makes me think how much the world has changed since then.
It was Professor Chu's bragging on what great cooks his wife and his mother were that led to our dinner invitation. I never had a chance to take a cooking class with Mrs. Chu, much to my regret. I do still recall the full-page article in the Dispatch's food section when Madame Ruby Chu passed away.
I don't know if Professor Chu ever wrote a personal memoir for his family or for publication, but I for one would be pleased to learn more of his and his family's own personal experiences during such tumultuous times this past century. May I assign this to one of his children or grandchildren?

Lane Hakel

May 21, 2014

I was a student of Dr. Chu's back in the early 80s, and as I began teaching a sixth grade Social Studies unit on Ancient China here this morning in Bowling Green, Ohio, I thought I'd look up his name. While saddened to hear of his death, I'm gratified to have this opportunity to let those who knew him better know of his impact on my life.
He was my most memorable and influential teacher in my four+ years at Ohio State and his ability to teach in what I remember as a quiet, calm, and fascinating way not only persuaded me to study East Asia as a whole for my undergraduate degree, but also, some years later, influenced my decision to be a teacher myself. I am sorry for your loss and wanted you to know he is well remembered.

Parents and groom—July 2013

October 6, 2013

I miss my dad...or "Pa" as we called him. Am thinking of many poignant moments together. He drove us everywhere (including to piano lessons in Dayton 75 miles away), then taught us how to drive when we turned 16, showed us how to bat and throw a softball, expounded on history, and was always willing to listen.

-Elaine

A favorite photo from Jonathan & Sumana's wedding last summer...

Li-Sheng Fu

September 26, 2013

Dr. Sam Chu was a colleague and a friend who gave timely support and encouragement. He will be sadly missed.

Jeff and Geraldine Baggs

September 25, 2013

Our dealings with Mr. Chu were limited to leaving phone messages for Mrs. Chu, our piano teacher. He was also master of ceremonies during the annual piano recital. Even viewing him from afar, we can tell that he was a good man - loving to his wife and family and caring to people around him. Mrs. Chu, Laura, and the rest of the family, our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace. - The Baggs' family

happier times

Tien Yu Hsu

September 9, 2013

Leslea and I will surly miss Sam. We will miss his humor, advices, and his knowledge of sports. We are glad to have had such a good friend for such a long time, and had the good times together. Rest in peace.

Jane Hathaway

September 9, 2013

Sam Chu was vice chair of OSU's History Dept. when I was hired in 1992. He was a great colleague and a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.

Jerry & Nancy Mitchell D'51

September 8, 2013

Elaine, Thank you for your call. We are very saddened to learn of your father's death. Sam was a wonderful traveling companion and leader of our five trips to China in the 1980's and 1990's, Hope Lucy is doing well.

Au's family

September 8, 2013

We were saddened to hear about Dr. Chu passing. We hope and pray that you and your family will have the strength during this time of loss. We want to let you know that we are here if you need anything.

Barbara and Bill Kiser

September 6, 2013

We did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. Chu but Laura Chu Stokes is our niece (by marriage) and is a beloved member of our family. We grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find great comfort in your memories.

September 6, 2013

Thinking of all you and so saddened by your loss. With love from Eric and Beverly Fang

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