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Brian Cho Obituary

CHO, Dr. Brian, 42, of Richmond, died September 16, 2007. He was a professor of Biology at J.S. Reynolds College and formerly a professor of Biology at Longwood University. He is survived by his parents, Dong and Phyllis Cho; one sister, Deborah Cho; and special friend, Caroline Ogunware. Visitation will be on Monday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave. Funeral will be Tuesday, 11 a.m., at Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church, 2010 Carlisle Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231, with a graveside commital service at 1:30 p.m. at Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sep. 17, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Cho

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Pamela Cowley

October 4, 2007

I regret that I never got to meet Brian, who was clearly a beloved, intelligent and extraordinarily gifted young man. My acquaintance with Brian exists only through his mother Phyllis Cho at our church,where Phyllis is much loved. Phyllis has been an inspiration to us all, an example of a mother's deep and perfect love, and an exemplar of the power of faith. I pray that Brian's family and friends find the strength, the means, and the patience to get through THIS difficult period, and on through their lives, until united with Brian again.

Patricia Martin

September 25, 2007

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cho,
Both of my son's Joe & Jonathan were friends with Brian. I can still see Brian and Joe standing by Joe's little blue Volkswagen Beetle getting ready to leave for their Varina H.S. graduation celebration in Virginia Beach.
I was telling those two to drive safe and all of the other things parents say to their kids when they are going on a trip. As I spoke my son Joe was rolling his eyes but Brian, true to form was being polite. I always enjoyed Brian being around our house. The boys would laugh a lot and play music far too loud. When I would get tired of the noise and tell them to turn the stereo down, they would become ever so charming. I use to call them the comedy team of Cho and Joe and tell them they were too funny and should take their act on the road! Well Brian took his act on the road and achieved much. It was always obvious how smart he was, even when he probably preferred to be thought of as cool back then.
Brian made his mark on this earth in many ways. I am only one of many people who will never forget your special son.

Jerron Greene

September 23, 2007

I am a Biology major at Longwood University, and I just wanted to send my condolences out to the Cho family. When I heard of his passing my heart dropped, and I am still very deeply sadened but I know he is in a better place. He was the nicest human being that i've ever met, and I thank God for allowing me to meet him during his time on this earth. I can remember like it was yesterday walking down Brock Commons and chatting with Dr. Cho. I would be walking and would here, "Hey J" and I would turn around to a smile and we would talk for a while about school, movies and life in general. Dr. Cho has truly been a blessing to everyone he's encountered. And I Thank him for all he has done for me.

Jonathan Eibl

September 23, 2007

Brian and I were good friends in our teens and early twenties. Later, we touched base off and on over the years. I was so very proud of his academic and research accomplishments. I was very blessed to have known Brian...we had many fun times together. My heart-felt thoughts/prayers go out to Mr. and Mrs. Cho as well as to the many folks touched by Brian's great spirit. Peace be with you all.

Coach Greg, Jen, & Skylor

September 22, 2007

Brian was a surprise to all of us when he registered with I N' Motion Boxing. From the time the southpaw started taking class, we knew this guy was determined. He was a gental soul who would go anywhere and do anything for anyone. We missed him dearly when he fell ill. Brian, you have left us knowing that I N' Motion Boxing holds a place close for you to fall back upon in your time of passing. Remember us as we remember you. You were a great sparring partner during your time with us and a great participant in class during our adjustments during our southpaw change overs! Hands up, chin down, elbows in, hands together in prayer..Please give our love to Ben for us...forever I N' Motion

Caroline Ogunware

September 22, 2007

I've known Brian for about 2 years, but our friendship seemed like a lifetime. We spent so many wonderful times together, and our relationship blossomed from our love of biology to so much more. Brian and I enjoy playing many different sports together, such as tennis, cycling, rock climbing, and boxing. He taught me how to play tennis and in return i helped him learn to box. After about two months i got so good at tennis that he wasn't able to beat me! We also enjoyed playing board games together like chess and scrabble. The thing i loved most about Brian was that he was just as competitive in anything that he attempted. When I found out that he was diagnosed with colon cancer, I broke down and cried. Being the researcher that he was.. he looked up stats and probablity of survival... and told me they were very low. I didn't want to believe it ... this once incredibly healthy person that I spent 90% of my time with was going to leave me. I had to gathered up my strength, be strong for him and told him we will fight it, because he was losing faith. I truely believed deep down that we were going to win the battle.. Everytime i talked to him, i tried not to mention his illness.. almost like he was never sick.. guess i was trying to fool myself or make him focus on the good.. And he did seem to get better.. He even came out to visit me, and it was like old times again. Later when he returned back to VA, he told me he was going to take a teaching job back at J.S.R.C.C. and I thought this would be great.. thought it would kinda give him a sense of purpose again.. get back into the old routine. But then when i called to ask how classes were going he told me he just couldn't committ to them.. His voice was soo faint, i had to strain to hear him through the whole conversation. After chatting for about 30 mins... i just thought to myself.. oh.. he is just having a bad couple of days and that he was going to get better.. But he never did.. 4 days later i recieved the call that changed my life. I felt cheated.. like I just needed more time.. like it was all happening too quickly.... and the rest of the important events in my life .. he will not be there to share them with me. The time I spent with Brian and the memories that we shared together, i could not express in words. I just know that God places people in your path for a certain reason and wherever Brian is in heaven, he should know that he was greatly loved and appreciated. My condolences goes out to his mother and father. And i will continue praying for them through this difficult time.

Susan Prosser-Owens

September 20, 2007

I rode the bus with Brian when I was in High School, Brian was a year ahead of me. I remember him to this day as a sweet, pleasant, always very polite young man. I was sorry to hear of his passing and I know he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Debra Jones

September 18, 2007

Your presence will truly be missed, but your sweet spirit will live forever in our hearts. I know you are rejoicing with our Lord now, He has taken away all pain.

Nikki Feldman

September 17, 2007

Dr. Cho was the best. Not only was he a great teacher, but he was a nice man and was always willing to give extra help to his students in any way that he could. I was so excited when I found out that he was the one teaching my Biology class again this semester because he was so great the first time around. He will definately be missed.

September 17, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your precious memories help you through this time. Carolyn White (Charles), J. Sargeant Reynolds Comm College

Gayle Childers

September 17, 2007

I extend my sincere sympathy to the family of Brian Cho. Brian was regularly in my office area when he was at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and was always a pleasant person to know. Brian was well-liked by his biology students. We will miss him very much.

Cheryl Corbin-Blake

September 17, 2007

Mr & Mrs Cho & Debbie,
I am stunned to learn of Brian's death. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

AseraCare Hospice

September 17, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

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