Zhen Guang Gu

I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Guo, Isaiah 33:24 says: No resident will say: “I am sick”. Yes soon you won’t worry about losing your loved one to death because of sickness, for it will be gone, never to return because God know your pain and care. Please find some strength and comfort from this and your memories, in your difficult days ahead.

Dear Yan, I think of your Dad as the head of a wonderful family. As I got to know you and your family back in the 80?s, I was impressed by how bright, hard working, charming, handsome and fun you all were. Your family stood in great contrast to how scary and depressing China could be at that time. I think of your Dad?s generosity in letting me stay in your family?s apartment and then the fear when the authorities at his work unit said you and your siblings would never study abroad if I didn?t move out of that apartment promptly. I think of his big smile and outstretched arms when a few short, but radically different, years later, I ate with your family at a Peking Duck restaurant teaming with patrons and excellent food; he said ?see what we can accomplish with a little freedom!? Years later, in California, it was clear your Dad doted on everyone in your family, especially Eileen. I am thankful that you were able to live so closely together and know you were a great joy to each other. May your mother take comfort in having shared her life with such a kind, gentle and resourceful man. I am so sorry for your loss. I love you dearly. Charlotte

I was honored to have been a part of the funeral service for such a wonderful person. Mr. Gu was so unassuming in demeanor, so generous in spirit, and had love for humanity. I am doubly honored to have had conversations in English(!) with Mr. Gu at length. What a wonderful spirit!!! With much love, Mari

Goodbye By Eileen Gu He was the source of joy, He was braver than those of Troy, When he was there, I never needed a toy, He was my North, my East, my South my West, He always behaved his Sunday best, Never more, certainly never less, Grandfather never got mad, He never was sad, I guess it was my fault, To never realize his life, Would come to a halt, I thought he would be there forever, And I thought I was clever. I guess love never lasts forever, Never. Now I must say goodbye, Even If I want so say hi, I must leave him now, I can?t move on, But now I guess I shall, Goodbye now grandpa, I shall see you in heaven, ?Tis a shame, That I never got to give you one last hug, Before your angel came to give you a tug, I will not lie, It really is hard to say goodbye, Our time together really did fly by, And as much as I want to deny, I know you truly are gone, Yet not quite. You are still in my heart, So we never will truly part, I really wish my life would restart, So I could live with you once more, I really did adore, Those rocks you brought from ashore, I remember we used them as unique décor, Oh, what I would give, to have you here on earth with us, Oh grandpa, it?s you I miss, Its like my head has fallen into an abyss, Goodbye now grandpa, Goodbye now, Goodbye now, You always will be my very best pal. ?

That smile of his will ease your toughest day. Even when Eileen and her teammates would lost a soccer game, Mr. Gu’s smile would brighten everything as if saying that everything is going to be just fine. We will that smile but most of all we miss him dearly. A grandfather, husband, a friend, a true fighter with one great smile.

Mrs. Gu, Yan and Eileen, It is amazing how such a short time spent with someone can mean so much at their loss. Mr. Gu epitomized the wisdom, beauty and kindness intended by God. I am so grateful for having met him. My love and heart are with you now and always. Barbara Ellman

Yan and Eileen, Although I did not get to know your dad/grandpa that well, I will never forget how he helped Will shuffle to the car after he pulled his hamstrings the day of your open-house party. There was your father, gently holding the arm of an injured 46-year old man, offering his strength, compassion, and presence. It took 15 minutes for Will to walk those 20 ft and your dad stayed with him the whole time; it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I will always carry that memory of him. My grandma used to say that, often, we forget what people say or do, but we always remember how they made us feel. It is clear to me that there must be 1,000s of people who, when they think of your father/grandpa, feel good and grateful for having known such a gentle, kind, and loving human being. Much love, Susan, Will, and Jordan Deemer

I am heartbroken at our loss. In many ways, I thought of Mr. Gu as a father. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, most patient, brilliant and — for better or worse — stoic person I have ever known. We first met when Yan invited me to her “dorm” apartment at Standard while her folks were visiting. The (home-cooked) food was extraordinary — second only in my fond recollection to the amazing company provided by Mr. and Mrs. Gu. Though we had not met before and language was an issue (MUCH more so than in later years), I knew these were two very special people. Of Mr. Gu, I remember the quiet strength, the soothing demeanor, and the broad and genuine smile. What’s perhaps most extraordinary is that that smile persisted no matter what came down the path, even in the last few years. I will miss him like a father, and my deepest condolences go out to his family and everyone else who loved him. – Scott Ellman

My condolences to the entire Gu family on the passing of their beloved father, grandfather, and husband. Mr. Gu always greeted me with a happy smile whenever I saw him, and I will always remember that. I am glad to know that he was surrounded by his loving family throughout his life.