Peter Yukuen Chang

Born in Nanking, China, on January 20, 1946, Peter Y Chang was the second son to Clark and Marilyn Chang. He immigrated to Taiwan at age 3 years old when his family escaped communist rule. As a child, Peter Y worked tirelessly in his studies, while also supporting his family, going door to door to obtain chicken fertilizer to help his father for their farm. As his father would spend months away from home to farm in the mountains, Peter Y was often left with the chores and errands of the household. Despite this, he graduated as the valedictorian in his high school class.
In 1967, Peter Y went on to graduate at the top of his class from National Cheng Kung University, with a major in Electrical Engineering. This was supposed to earn him the honor of avoiding military combat during mandatory Taiwanese military service, allowing him to serve in a classroom teaching position. However, as a result of political corruption, he was instead placed in the frog division of the Taiwan Marine Corps. Though unable to swim, because of his charisma and charm, he made many friends in his squad, and his fellow cadets would pull him along in the water to help him pass the tests. His squad captains would look the other way because of how much they liked him. After his year of service, he received a full scholarship for an electrical engineering PhD at Columbia University, in New York City. Generous as he was, he would send every possible dollar of his scholarship money to his parents in Taiwan. Strong in his faith in the Lord, he was the president of the Columbia University Chinese Bible Study. He was also very active in the other Christian groups, as well as the Chinese Christian Church in New York. Despite not knowing any English on his arrival to America, he graduated with a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering, a Master's Degree in semi-conductors, and a Master's Degree in capacitors from Columbia University in 1976. Throughout the rigor of his academic pursuits and the challenges of navigating a new country with little economic resources or connections, he continued to remain at the top of every class. His diligence and discipline were unmatched, and they remain an inspiration to the generations that follow him.
After his parents immigrated to America, Peter Y met the love of his life, Mary Fang, through the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington, DC, in 1973. On January 1, 1977, they wed at Viers Mill Baptist Church, with the reception at the same church where they met. Together, they raised 1 daughter and 3 sons in Potomac, Maryland. Peter Y worked hard in his engineering career, for his family, and for his friends. He remained a prominent figure in his new church, New Life Christian Fellowship. He was a man of many skills and interests, which he generously shared with everyone he met. Even despite having retired many years prior to his passing, Peter Y still sought out projects to help his wife with their rental houses or for his children.
Peter Y was a jack of all trades, a true renaissance man. He was a handyman that could troubleshoot and solve any home repair or electrical issue. He was an expert chef who taught himself how to cook countless delicious meals for his family, and was the primary chef in the household while his wife ran a successful gastroenterology practice. He was a workhorse who had boundless energy and stamina to help his family with all things physical. He adored his wife, championed her education and work outside of the home, and advocated for the higher education and success of all of his children. Despite his many skills and accolades, he always humbled himself for the good of the family. He opened himself to any task or opportunity to support his family members, whether that was changing diapers, working on physics homework, cleaning rental homes, or caring for his elderly in-laws for many years in his own home. It was his greatest joy to be of service to others and to see their happiness and success in return.
Peter Y was a well of wisdom who would quote scriptures, Chinese poetry, and provide insight into all things worldly and metaphysical at the drop of a hat. He was a titan of integrity and honor, always with God as his compass. He was always willing to sacrifice his time, energy, wealth, and health for his family. He worked tirelessly to ensure less struggle and a better future for his children and grandchildren than he had. He was an ever-present patriarch that helped care for and raise each generation after his own. During the last 4 years of his life, he spent months at a time with each of his grandchildren, helping to support their parents in their burgeoning careers, moves, and new parenthood adventures. He delighted in building bonds with the babies who will carry on his legacy. On January 19, 2022, he passed away suddenly while with his wife of 45 years.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Chang, his daughter, Joanne (Chang) Wierda, his sons, Peter Chang, James Chang, and Enoch Chang, his granddaughter, Kylie Chang, his grandsons, Desmond Wierda, Alexander Chang, Clark Chang, Kai Wierda, and Lincoln Chang, his son-in-law, Robert Wierda, and his daughter-in-laws, Karina Kou, and Catherine Quinn.
On behalf of the Chang family, thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for us during this difficult time. Peter Y is now at peace with his Lord and Savior, reunited with his father, mother, and nephew.
In lieu of flowers, the Chang family asks that you send donations to Christian Aid Mission, at https://www.christianaid.org/.
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