Henry Bit-Hing Sun

Henry Bit-Hing Sun passed away after cardiopulmonary arrest on August 8, 2024.

Henry was born in Malaysia on July 22, 1939, to Sally So and Edward Kin Sun. The second of five sons, he was raised in Hong Kong and graduated from Pui Ching School in 1957. Henry earned his bachelor's degree from Colgate University and a second bachelor's degree and master's degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University. While still a student at Columbia, Henry fell in love with a beautiful nursing student from Hong Kong named Bella. Upon graduation, the young couple married and had a son, Stephen.

Henry began his career in Electronic Design Automation at NCR in Dayton, Ohio. In 1967, he was offered the opportunity to move to a place called the "Silicon Valley" to work in the Research & Development Group at Fairchild Semiconductor. Shortly after moving to California, the couple had a daughter, Pamela.

Henry was among the pioneers in developing Computer Aided Design (CAD) software for first generation Large Scale Integration chips. Throughout his career, he held various technical and managerial positions with high-tech companies such as Amdahl, AMD, and LSI, along with a few start-ups. After 31 years in the Silicon Valley, Henry and his wife moved back to Hong Kong, where he accepted a position as the Asia-Pacific regional sales manager for Actel Corporation. The couple returned stateside in 2002, to spend their retirement years close to their children and grandchildren.

Henry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was very proud of his family. He enjoyed playing tennis, piano, and bridge, but his favorite pastime was traveling near and far with his family and friends. In July 2024, he and his entire family attended the Sun Yat-sen Family Descendants' Ancestral Root-seeking and Cultural Exchange in Zhongshan, China - a historic event that he proudly planned for over a year. While on this trip, Henry celebrated his 85th birthday at a large banquet with all of his brothers and their offspring as well as local government and museum officials. Upon his return home, he celebrated his 61st wedding anniversary. Indeed, Henry lived a life of legacy.

Known for his patience, kindness, and integrity, Henry brought equanimity and peace to his colleagues, friends, and family - he will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Bella, and two children: Stephen (Magaly) of Washougal, WA; Pamela Ellingson (Stephen) of Menlo Park, CA; and four grandchildren, Tyler, Tara, Thomas, and Tessa Ellingson.

A private celebration of life will take place in San Mateo, CA on a date to be determined.