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Richard Tam Obituary
Richard Cee Nan Tam, M.D., age 40, of Monclova Township, died January 19, 2018 from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident. Richard was born June 28, 1977 in Philadelphia, PA. Extraordinarily intelligent and blessed with a strong work ethic, he graduated from University School in Hunting Valley in 1993 and Case Western Reserve University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1995, at the age of 17. Richard obtained his M.D. at the age of 21 from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri in 1999. His internship was at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago and ophthalmology residency was at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Richard had been practicing ophthalmology alongside his wife since 2005, when he started a successful solo practice in Bowling Green. They then merged with Associated Eye Care with offices in Toledo, Bowling Green, and Wauseon in 2009. A wonderful, compassionate physician and gifted surgeon, he cared deeply and worked hard for his patients. He also enjoyed the strong friendships he developed with other colleagues, surgery nurses, and staff at AEC. He was known throughout his life for his brilliance, gifted in every way—academically, professionally, and musically.
Richard was an especially talented singer, violinist and pianist. He had been a cantor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Cleveland and sang with his St. Louis Cathedral Choir for Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy in 1997. He was an accomplished tennis player, belonged to multiple USTA teams and completed last season unbeaten at 17-0. He cherished many friendships with other tennis players at Perrysburg Tennis Center, where he spent a lot of time. Richard was also a talented cook and enjoyed sharing his love of music and musical talent with his family.
Richard found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, especially his wife and children, to whom he was incredibly devoted. He spent many hours weekly practicing music and playing tennis with his children. Regular family trips to Grand Haven and Traverse City on Lake Michigan and to Disney World were also very special to Richard. He treasured his time with his family. He was an amazing role model and instilled strong values in his children, whom he completely adored and who adored him.
He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, physician, and friend. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 15 years, Christina Pacio Tam, M.D.; children, Claire, Nathan, Hannah, and Leah Tam; parents, Dominic Tam, M.D. and Rose Tam, M.D.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilfredo Pacio, M.D. and Imelda Pacio; paternal grandmother, Helen Yung; sister, Christine C. Tam, M.D. (Anthony Elias, M.D.); brothers, Michael Tam and Alfred Tam, Esq. (Jiaping Yin); and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He touched thousands of lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 1-8 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018, in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., Toledo, concluded with a scripture service and sharing of memories at 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 24250 N. Dixie Highway, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Toledo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Richard's family for the education of his four children (payable to Christina P. Tam) and accepted at funeral home or mailed to P.O. Box 39578, Solon, OH 44139.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Tam
Sponsored by Walker Funeral Home & Crematory - Sylvania.
Connie and Roger Meeker
January 17, 2023
We still think of you often. Such a great loss of a doctor and friend. No one can replace you.
Linda Lieber
January 17, 2020
My wishes for your family is as heart felt today as it was the day you passed. You were a great doctor with so much compassion, it was truly appreciated by me and I am sure by all your patients. Return In Peace and continue to watch over your family.
Pamela Bailey
March 9, 2018
It is with great sorrow that I can't believe your gone!!.. More than just an amazing Dr.....soooooo saddened. Prayers for you and your family Dr. C. Tam. <3 <3 <3 <3. 4 hearts for your beautiful children
Sondra Snow
March 1, 2018
Dr. Tam, you will be forever remembered with the fondest of hearts.
Sam
February 12, 2018
My deepest sympathies to the family for your loss. May the words at Isaiah 61:1,2 bring you a measure of comfort through the months and years to come.
Priscilla Coleman
February 9, 2018
I'm devastated to hear of Dr. Tam's passing. He was such a fine doctor and a kind gentle soul. I was his patient for many years. My heart breaks for his family experiencing such a profound loss. I've been praying for his wife and daughters and will continue.
Alex Robinson
February 1, 2018
I had the honor of working with Richard Tam. He was a brilliant physician but an even better person. He was always kind and humble. Christina- Regina and I mourn with you on the passing of such a caring and decent man. Richard left an impression on every person he cared for as a physician and and even deeper mark on them as person. God be with you and your family during these difficult times and know you have the support of many people- both near and far.
FRANCINE & DAVID PRIDE_HALING
February 1, 2018
Dr. C Tam, We give you our prayers while remembering your husband's care for us. Fran Pride Haling & husband David.
CARTER CLAY
February 1, 2018
SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS, I WAS A NEW PATIENT OF DR TAM AND HAD A VERY GOOD TRST IN HIM, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY
sumi felix
January 31, 2018
dear christina and family,
i am so saddened to hear about your loss. Both of you have been such a source of inspiration to me. Your whole family is in my daily prayers. Please know you have a friend always in me. Rich and you have taken care of both my parents , and he will never be forgotton. He was not just a friend truly family .Please convey my condolences to the whole family. love always. Tobin Sumi Leah Abe and Eli
Mary McCloskey
January 30, 2018
I'm very sorry for your loss . Dr. Tam was a warm sweet man. I was a patient for years , I couldn't believe his time ,and genuine concern whenever I was there. I'm so very sorry for your loss . God Rest him and God Bless You all.
Bishop John Sebastian Lula, OSB
January 29, 2018
It is with deepest sympathies, going out to the Family of Doctor Richard Tam. Dr. Tam was my Doctor and also a Friend. I found out on the 29th that he had passed away, as I had a appointment with him for February 13th. It is very sad when a young man,as he was, with a family passes into eternity, His Memory will be Eternal and he will be in our thoughts and prayers. I am adding him to our "in memory of prayer list", where he will be Remembered ,daily at Mass and at Divine Office. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace
Joe Megyesi
January 29, 2018
One of the brightest and must humble doctors I ever had the pleasure meeting, Dr. Tam was a world class doctor and dedicated family man. Richard was always a great person to talk with and would light up when you mentioned his family and children. He will be sorely missed but always remembered.
Margie Murphy, MD
January 27, 2018
I am profoundly saddened and so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and your beautiful family.
Shelia Patterson
January 27, 2018
My deepest condolences to family and friends. God's peace within, Amen!
January 27, 2018
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your tragic loss. I cannot even imagine how painful a loss this must be. I remember Richie as a boy when he was at University School with my son Daniel.
Steve Powell
Mary Knueven
January 26, 2018
My deepest sympathy for your family. I was so saddened to hear of this traggic accident. I worked in the Wauseon Office with Dr Negrich along side Dr Tam and staff. He always seemed so kind and caring. Please know that your family is in my daily prayers for healing and peace.Blessings,Mary Knueven
Melissa Foos
January 26, 2018
I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Tam did my mom's cataract surgery. He was always very patient and took the time to answer all of our questions.
January 26, 2018
Dear Christina and family,
We want to extend to you our deepest sympathy. Richard was a special person
and he will be greatly missed.
We know there is a special place in
heaven for him.
Love and prayers,
Rene and Connie Ramos
Lisa Young
January 26, 2018
I was shocked and heartbroken to hear of the loss of this brilliant and kind Doctor...the best Doctor I have had. He was so kind and engaged with his patients. This is a tragic loss and my heart goes out to his family and all the staff at Associated Eye Care...rest in peace , Dr. Tam....you will be very missed.
Lisa Young
January 26, 2018
I am shocked and heartbroken by the loss of this brilliant Doctor and kind man....he was my eye Dr. and the best I have known...always thorough and fully engaged. This is a very tragic loss and my heart goes out to his family and all the staff at Associated Eye Care.
Violet Nycum
January 26, 2018
Christina and family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Richard was a wonderful person and doctor.I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jennifer Augsburger
January 25, 2018
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Just know that he is watching over you now and always.
Sincerely,
Jenn
Linda Lieber
January 25, 2018
I was a patient, he was my favorite doctor. He was so full of compassion and had a wonderful sense of humor which put me at ease. I will really miss him.
Janet Furlong
January 25, 2018
Patient of Dr. Tam. He was a kind caring person who made you feel like you were the most important patient he had. Prayers for his family, especially his children.
Mark and Linda Alper
January 25, 2018
We were patients of Dr. Tam . A very skilled and kind man who
will be missed by all.
Our deepest condolences to you and the family. Keeping you
and the family in our prayers.
Wilma Teems
January 25, 2018
So sorry for your family, dr tam was a wonderful and kind doctor And will be missed greatly by his patients. .he always made me feel like he really cared for his patients!
Paul and Joyce Mueller
January 24, 2018
We were patients of Dr Tam and our world lost a very skilled and kind man. We are so sorry for your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Paul and Joyce Mueller. BG , Ohio
Angela Rood
January 24, 2018
I'm going to miss you Doctor Tam , your the best Eye Doc I've ever had. Your patience with me, your caring manner, never felt rushed. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends. He will be greatly missed. R.I.H.
January 24, 2018
Christina and Family,
My sincere sympathy and prayers to you at the loss of your wonderful and much beloved husband and father. You are in the thoughts and prayers of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
God bless,
Sr. Mary Ann Culpert, SND
Arjun Gupta
January 24, 2018
He was an excellent doctor. It is rare to meet such an incredible person.He will be missed by my whole family.
May Almighty give peace to the departed soul .
Brett Holden
January 23, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Christina and the kids. What an indescribable loss for all of us who knew him.
David Bland
January 23, 2018
So sorry for loss of Dr. Tam. Family is in our prayers. He helped me in my eye surgeries. He was so kind.
January 23, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to Dr. CT & RT's family. I had the pleasure to learn and work with Dr.RT. He is an incredible smart, genuine person. He made a difference in this world and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Dr. RT.
Barbara Short
January 23, 2018
My brother, Tim Nofziger just had his second surgery by Dr. Tam and we are so sad for you and your family. He was so kind and had such a gentle spirit and our prayers are with you.
Trey & Crystal Tollstam
January 23, 2018
Tam Family,
We are very saddened for your loss. Richard was great man and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Sarah Clark
January 23, 2018
Claire and Tam Family,
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. Please accept my sincere condolences. Prayers of peace to all who loved and knew him.
Rufus Coffey
January 23, 2018
My condolences go out to the Tams Family my name is Rufus Coffey I'm a patient of his and Christina may God Bless the Tams Family
Barb Carr
January 23, 2018
My deepest sympathy to you, Dr. Christina. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Crawford
January 23, 2018
So very sorry to his wife Dr Tam, children, family, friends & office team. Dr Tam was an amazing person & Doctor. He was our familes' doctor, as is his wife. We always commented on their kindness, empathy & brilliance. He will certainly be remembered by all who had the privilege to meet him. Praying for all of you at this very difficult time.
Linda and Dave Vermett
January 23, 2018
Dr.Tam was a wonderful eye doctor so patient and really cared about his patients.May God be with his family at this difficult time.
January 23, 2018
I never met this man but world has suffered a profound loss at his passing. God be with his family during this heartbreaking time.
Mary Lozer
January 23, 2018
My deepest sympathy in your loss. Dr. Tam was so kind and caring to me for years and I will sincerely miss him. A patient, J. Lozer
Connie and Roger Meeker
January 23, 2018
With a heavy heart we mourn the passing of this fine doctor and man. Always such a gentle and brilliant young man.
A few years ago after my husbands cataract surgery doctor gathered the rest of the surgery group together to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to him.
We truly loved this man and ask for Peace and Prayers for all his family.
January 23, 2018
May God comfort your heart and give you strength each day during this difficult time. 2 Thessalonians 2 : 16,17
Andy Torres
January 23, 2018
This is a very tragic loss for everybody that has been touched by this young, compassionate and intelligent doctor. We will grieve this loss but we also will celebrate his full life well-spent in a very short span amongst the living!
We will pray for his soul and his loved ones. Andy & Norrene Torres
Vicki Smith
January 23, 2018
We send our deepest sympathy to the family. He was a wonderful physician and we always enjoyed hearing about his children and wife when we would have an appointment with him. He is going to be dearly missed by us and so many others, I'm sure. We hold his family in our prayers and share in this great loss. Bob and Vicki Smith (his patients)
Leslie Ellen Frey
January 23, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Tam's passing. His wife, Dr. Christina Tam is my ophthalmologist. Prayers to the family in this difficult time. (Leslie) Ellen Frey
Stephanie Pelow
January 23, 2018
Dr. Tam was a wonderful person and physician. He took excellent care of my daughter when she was hospitalized at 4 years old and continued to treat her for the last 9 years. Her diagnosis was a challenge to him and he truly went above and beyond when it felt like no one else could or would. He was always kind, caring and smiling. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Louise Kahle
January 23, 2018
I am so sad to read of Dr. Tam's passing this morning. He did surgery on both of my eyes just this past Nov. and Dec. I loved his sense of humor. After the first cataract surgery, he told me there was a pair of sunglasses in the bag he was giving me and I said, "Oh, you mean those old people glasses?" He responded with, "Yes, they are old people glasses until you are the one wearing them." Holding his family in light and love.
Michelle M Ariss MD
January 23, 2018
Richard was a very kind man. He was chief resident at Cole Eye when I first met him as a med student rotating. I will never forget how kind he was, busy as chief but took the time to get to know me and give me advice as someone interested in ophthalmology. And luck would have it we would eventually work in the same town. He was very dedicated to his practice, patients, and family. He will be deeply missed as a colleague and genuine human being. I am unfortunately unable to be present during the services but wish to express my deepest sympathy. Many prayers of strength and support for Christina and the children.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ariss
Elias Traboulsi
January 23, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Richard's family. He will be dearly missed.
Stephanie Buck
January 22, 2018
So sorry, he was a wonderful Dr. who actually cared. My prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Peggy Hoot
January 22, 2018
My heart is so heavy for your family. I was a patient of Dr. Tam, and truely adored him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Riley Foos
January 22, 2018
Our prayers are with you. So sorry about your sudden loss.
Linda Peer
January 22, 2018
Christina I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your children
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