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Charles Chiou Obituary
July 15, 1924 - September 9, 2014
Resident of San Jose
Devoted husband. Loving father. Loyal friend. Trusted mentor. Our rock. We miss you already and don't know how we're going to live our lives without you.
Our beloved Charles passed away peacefully on Tuesday night with Jane, his wife of 54 years, and his daughters Diana and Regina by his side.
Charles came to the U.S. in 1952 to attend graduate school, distinguishing himself as the very first Ph.D. graduate of Northwestern University's Department of Materials Science & Engineering. It was while working for IBM in New York that he met the love of his life, Jane Yeh. He went on to dedicate 26 years to IBM, where his research, his many awards, patents and publications, and his close-knit circle of friends made for a truly fulfilling career, but he wasn't done yet. After a pleasantly unexpected 9-year stint at Raytheon, he embarked on a fruitful consulting career which took him (and Jane) around the world.
His love for his work was exceeded only by his devotion to Jane, Diana and Regina. He was just as dedicated to the many lifelong friends he made at IBM and Raytheon. The monthly IBM retiree luncheon he founded has been bringing friends and colleagues together for nearly 20 years.
Charles enjoyed traveling, gourmet Chinese cooking, mahjong, classic movies and real estate investing, but it was his commitment to healthy aging that made him a role model for many and he was a fighter till the end. Although his last few months were often challenging, he always managed to find joy in the simple things---a delicious meal, a steaming cup of green tea, a particularly silly episode of Mr. Bean, or just time spent with loved ones. We will remember him always, cherish our memories and know that his was a life well lived and well loved.
A celebration of Charles' life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Chiou
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
George Huang
January 3, 2015
Charles Chiou was my mentor, my advisor, and my valued friend. I believe that he is not truly dead, but alive in our memories, staying forever with us. We always talked excitedly with each other, giving our thoughts, and sharing a meal. He always had the greatest advice. I hope that this man will always be remembered not only by me, but by everyone else.
Theresa Chu
September 24, 2014
So sorry to hear your loss of Charles. Dick and Charles went way back to the good old days in China when Charles used to work with Dick's uncle. It was delightful to hear them talked and remembered all the details. Charles always reminded me being such a loving thoughtful husband and caring father when you were ill in Poughkeepsie. He was a true gentleman, always very gracious and hospitable. I am sure Dick and Charles are smiling and watching over us from above.
I know at this time no words will help to lessen your grief of your loving Charles. I hope that time will heal. May your many loving memories of your lives will bring you comfort.
With my sincere condolences to the Chiou family. May God bless you and your family.
Love and Prayers, Theresa
Richard
September 20, 2014
Tho our hearts are heavy we celebrate a life well lived and a man for all seasons. Many happy memories that time cannot erase. Our deepest condolences to Jane, Diana and Regina. The Woelkers family, Richard, Jackie, Tom, Doug, Kirsten
YIP SISTERS
September 19, 2014
Jane, Diana, & Regina
our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
Carl McCann
September 17, 2014
We shall all miss Dr. Chiou. Charles was always there with his infectious smile and lively eyes.
When Charles came to work with us at Raytheon Semiconductor, I had an opening for Staff Engineer, not someone possessing the vast background that Charles had. Even so we were able to arrange a mutually satisfactory employment package and he joined us.
Charles brought to the table years of experience in the Materials Science world, so very valuable to us. For our part we were able to bring Charles out of the cloistered halls of IBM and introduce him to the rough and tumble world of semiconductor electronics, which included some of the offbeat characters who made this area and these businesses- Silicon Valley.
I very much enjoyed working with Charles and we, later, maintained phone contact with each other in our respective retirement years. I am saddened to lose him and his sage wisdom.
September 17, 2014
Uncle Charles, word cannot express how much I admired and loved you, every day since 1974 when we became next door neighbors. Auntie Jane, Regina, Diana, much sorrow for your loss and much admiration for the strength of your family. Love, Jennifer Tseng
Diana
September 15, 2014
Lake Tahoe
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
Diana
September 15, 2014
With Leo & Sam
Diana
September 15, 2014
Reunion of Elementary and Junior High School Classmates (Shanghai/2002)
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Oia, Santorini
Diana
September 15, 2014
ITRI Buddies---Professors K.K. Wang & Wen Ko
Diana
September 15, 2014
Istanbul, Turkey
Diana
September 15, 2014
Pisa, Italy
Diana
September 15, 2014
Heroes' Square, Budapest
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Alaska
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
He missed his Northwestern U. Ph.D. convocation ceremony in 1958 because of his job at IBM. Cut to 1993 when he went back for Diana's MBA graduation.
Diana
September 15, 2014
The day Charles and Ike Chang arrived in the U.S. for the very first time (San Francisco, CA/September 19, 1952)
Diana
September 15, 2014
Diana
September 15, 2014
50th Anniversary Mediterranean Cruise on the Crystal Serenity
Diana
September 15, 2014
David Wang
September 14, 2014
Charlie was a role model to his friends in how to treat people, in how to solve problems, in work, and in life. We will miss him very much!
September 14, 2014
A True Friend
I was at the fringe of the so called IBM San Jose in group in the 1970s. Three Chinese IBM elders approached me. One had political (China related) motive, the other just wanted to be a business associate. Charlie was the third one. He had no motive. He just wanted to be a friend!
The mortgage interest rate then was high, higher than the interest bank paid me. I contemplated to pay the loan off. Charlie offered his business sense. Spent time to educate me on the correct math. He convinced me that it was better to use the money to buy rentals. You all know how smart the advice was.
Without Charles's advices, my retirement life now would be less comfortable.
Charlie, we miss you.
Bernard/Alice
September 14, 2014
I was at the fringe of the so called IBM San Jose in group in the 1970s. Three Chinese IBM elders approached me. One has political (China related) motive, the other just wanted to be a business associate. Charlie was the third one. He had no motive. He just wanted to be a friend!
The mortgage interest rate then was high, higher than the interest bank paid me. I contemplated to pay the loan off. Charlie offered his business sense. Spent time to educate me on the correct math. He convinced me that it was better to use the money to buy rentals. You all know how smart the advice was.
Without Charles's advices, my retirement life now would be less comfortable.
Charlie, we miss you.
Bernard/Alice
Diana
September 14, 2014
Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills
September 13, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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