Bert Tsu-te Tan

Bert Tsu-Te Tan passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the age of 70. With deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we remember his mindfulness towards his family, his observance of duty, and his passion for education and Buddhism.

Born in Taiwan in 1955, he was a dedicated younger brother to five older sisters. After completing his undergraduate studies at the acclaimed National Taiwan University, he immigrated to America in the early 1980s in pursuit of higher education, and his wife Li-Su shortly followed. He completed a masters in urban planning at Ohio State University. He studied towards a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania before redirecting his focus towards computer science, in which he earned another masters. He ultimately built a long and well-respected career in computer science, prior to a well-deserved retirement in 2025.

His most meaningful work in life was in Buddhist education. He was the most steadfast supporter of and contributor to the Pure Land Center, a local Buddhist education center launched by Li-Su in 2003. As the demand for Buddhist resources in the greater Chicagoland area grew, he made regular visits to the Stateville and Hill Correctional Centers to help the incarcerated seek inner peace. He also accompanied Venerable Wuling to multiple locations throughout the midwest, including universities, cultural centers, and schools. He devoted more than 20 years as a dharma translator with the Pure Land Center, helping English-speaking audiences access Buddha's teachings.

Bert will be remembered for his dedication to helping others.

He is predeceased by an older sister. He is survived by his wife Li-Su, his three children Trisha, Peter, and Lotus; his grandchildren Veronica, Whit, and Madeline; and four older sisters.