Felix Feng, M.D.
12/28/1975 - 12/10/2024
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Felix Feng, a beloved husband, father, son, friend, mentor, and scientific collaborator. On December 10, he passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Felix grew up in Palo Alto with his parents, Chester and Maria Feng, and his sister, Felicia. As an undergraduate at Stanford University, he met his future wife, Mary. Together, they studied medicine at Washington University in St. Louis and completed their Radiation Oncology residencies at the University of Michigan. They remained on faculty there until 2016, when they moved back to California for faculty positions at UCSF, where Felix rose to the rank of Professor. Along the way, he and Mary got married, had 2 beautiful children, and enjoyed many wonderful adventures together.
A giant in oncology, Felix transformed the prostate cancer program and translational research at UCSF, mentoring the next generation of scientists who will find cures for cancer. For years, he chaired the genitourinary cancer committee of NRG Oncology, a national clinical trials group, and built a network of research collaborators around the world who became his work family, supporting each other toward the common goal of ending deaths from cancer. As an entrepreneur, he founded 2 companies aimed at individualizing cancer treatments for each patient. It is only too ironic that Felix ultimately succumbed to cancer himself.
Felix's warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those around him have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He had an extraordinary ability to make every person feel seen and valued, always truly present and giving of himself in ways that left others feeling like they were the most important person in the world.
Felix's legacy will endure, not only through his groundbreaking work and scientific contributions but through the countless lives he touched, inspired, and shaped. As a mentor, he guided many with wisdom and kindness, helping others to reach their fullest potential. As a family member and friend, he was a pillar of support, always offering love, compassion, and encouragement. He has raised 2 amazing children, Eric (18), and Emily (15), who will need the support of this community in the coming months and years.
Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. We will miss him deeply, but his influence and example will continue to guide us.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like, you can donate to support the American Cancer Society-American Society of Radiation Oncology Felix Feng, MD Clinician Scientist Development Grant Award, established by his colleagues to honor his career & lifetime contributions. https://ow.ly/Uc3H50TSBiC.
If you would like to say goodbye to Felix, please drop by the visitation Friday 12/20 5-8pm or the memorial service Saturday 12/21 10-11am. Both will be held at Crosby-N. Gray & Co Funeral Home in Burlingame.
Thank you so much for being part of Felix's life. Although it was too short, he enjoyed every minute of it.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Felix Feng

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

16 Entries

Rebecca Abela

February 21, 2025

To Dr Feng's family - What a loss but what a life to remember. I was so saddened to learn of Felix's passing when I came upon his obituary by chance while perusing The Cancer History Project. I worked with Felix in the Lawrence Lab at U of M. I had just graduated from undergrad and Felix in his residency was already a mentor then. He was so smart, so kind, and so insightful as I considered my future career. Of course he achieved great heights in his esteemed career helping others. I'm sure he was a wonderful physician and parent. My deepest condolences.

John Ward

February 13, 2025

Will be missed by Family, Patients, Colleagues and Friends.
Condolences.

Bob Gregory

February 7, 2025

I just learned of Dr Felix Feng's passing and would like to pass on my heartfelt condolences to his family & associates at UCSF and the PCa community. Being diagnosed at about the same age and the beneficiary of all the outstanding work done on PSMA/PET & SRT for recurrent PCa over the past 15 years, I am truly grateful for his important work. So thank you.

Barb Murrer

February 7, 2025

Hello - I didn't know Dr. Feng but read about him in my UCSF newsletter. I am very sorry for your loss and for the loss of one of the greats in cancer research. He seems like an incredible person and I also greatly admire the mentorship he provided as noted in the UCSF article. His time was too short as you note. I am sure there are many grateful patients and colleagues for the time they did have.

Noel W Benkman

January 30, 2025

Dr. Feng treated my metastatic prostate cancer seven years ago. I am here and reasonably well because of him. He was so kind and generous. I am profoundly sad to hear of his passing.

Anthony DAmico

January 28, 2025

Dear Mary, Eric and Emily,

At any point in the future, I would like to extend an invitation to speak with you as a family or individually about the love, the wisdom and the hope that exists in the hearts of many because of Felix.

With love and respect
Anthony

Martin Coyne

January 8, 2025

Deeply saddened to lose such an asset to UCSF and this worls. As a patient of Dr. Felix I felt the utmost confidence in his care throughout covid. He was always empathetic and authentic in his delivery of my radiation plan and ongoing progress. He oversaw a very competent team of techs and medical associates.

SAEID MEHDIABADI

January 5, 2025

One of the most dedicated and kindest people passed away. My deep condolences to his family. He will never be forgotten.

Ting W.

Planted Trees

Andrei Iagaru

Planted Trees

Pedro Tama

December 20, 2024

Dr Feng was my PCa radiologist after post-RARP remission. His treatment helped save my life. He was both gracious and real, completely professional and disarmingly down-to-earth. I could feel his dedication, commitment, and humanity. I send my prayers and compassionate thoughts to Mary and their childten.

Nallasivam Palanisamy

December 19, 2024

Should we feel happy for the days we have lived so far, or should we regret that the days ahead are becoming fewer? If the life we have lived so far has been happy, strive to preserve that happiness. If life has been filled with mistakes, take steps to correct them and turn them into joyful ones.
If the days we have lived so far were joyful, we should try to sustain that joy by nurturing love and goodness. On the other hand, if struggles and disappointments have marked life, we should recognize that there is always a chance for change and take hold of it to move forward.

The desire to live happily should serve as a guiding principle. Past endings never define life; the opportunity for change is always in our hands.-- Dr. Felix lived a purposeful life and made huge difference in many who interacted with him. Our life on earth is short, but we strive to make an impact in society that will be remembered forever. A person like Dr. Felix is a great asset to society. We follow his path to make a difference and live a meaningful life.

Eric Winer

December 15, 2024

Dear Mary,
I am so sorry for what Felix, you, and your entire family have had to endure. There is no way to speak of Felix except in superlatives. My thoughts have been and will continue to be with you.
Eric Winer

Nayha

December 15, 2024

My heart is with the entire Feng family - I will always cherish Felix´s friendship and sense of humor. He was a giant for sure - and one of the most dedicated and kindest people there was. I´ll only remember him with a smile on his face.

So much love

Thomas Pisansky

December 14, 2024

I cannot begin to express my grief over the loss of such an outstanding person and friend, colleague and fellow warrior in our joint pursuit to ease human suffering. Felix was such a bright beacon in the world, a light with an afterglow that will last a long, long time. I´ve known Felix a long time and had the great pleasure to watch him rocket to the heights of academia. But, I mostly admired him for the sterling example he set as a human being - a truly remarkable person. My most heartfelt condolences Mary and family.

Marc Perry

December 13, 2024

My deepest sympathies to the family. I worked (remotely) with Felix as part of the SU2C-PCF West Coast Dream Team from 2016 - 2021. As you already know, he was a brilliant, driven, successful clinician-scientist who made huge contributions in multiple aspects of biomedical research. He will be sorely missed. It was a privilege to join his team that he rebuilt after moving west, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.

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