Eric H. Hsueh's Obituary
n loving memory of Eric Hsueh April 1, 1989 – Feb. 11, 2020
Ask anyone who knew Eric what he was like, and this is what you’ll hear.
They’ll tell you about his genuine kindness. He was always the one who would go out of his way to make someone feel welcome. He would drop what he was doing to help a friend in crisis,even in the middle of the night. If you needed him, he would be there.
They’ll tell you about his infectious smile. His easygoing cheerfulness always put you at ease.His quick wit and groan-worthy jokes could comfort anyone. Eric was always laughing – and pretty soon, you’d be laughing too, your troubles in the past.
They’ll tell you how considerate and selfless he was, no matter how small the issue. While other kids would fight over who gets to play the video game next, he would say “you go ahead, I’ll watch.” He once listened to a friend who was having a bad day rant about stale cookies, then showed up at his door that night with a fresh box of cookies. He put other people’s happiness and ease of mind first, especially his family. When he fainted in physical therapy and had to go to the emergency room, he never mentioned it to his mother – he knew she’d worry too much.(She still might not know to this day).
They’ll tell you how intuitive he was. His ability to understand and get along with anyone led to a wide circle of friends. He always seemed to know what to do, too, whether it was figuring out what was wrong with the car or taking control and giving explicit, calming commands in a moment of crisis. It was impossible to not immediately like and trust Eric, to depend on him and feel at ease when he was there.
They’ll tell you about his integrity. There are people who are polite, and then there are people who stand up for what’s right and inspire those around them to do the same. Eric was the latter.This was apparent even as a child, when he would stand up for his sister Allison by admonishing their cousin to be patient when she knocked their Legos over. Eric was eight years old.
They’ll tell you about his adventurous spirit. Eric was down for anything. He’d participate in 5Ks,Tough Mudders, and Spartan Races. On a moment’s notice, he’d hop on a bus to Southern California or fly to Taiwan just for a weekend of eating – no problem.
They’ll tell you about his strength. From doctor to doctor, from appointment to appointment, he took his fight with cancer in stride and never wavered. He lived by example and reminded us all to not be afraid, and to always try.
Eric was a beloved son, protective brother and cherished friend. An avid gamer, Ultimate Frisbee enthusiast and lover of books and adventure. He is survived by his parents Joy and Jeffrey Hsueh, his sister Allison Hsueh, and a circle of family and friends who will always remember the joy and light he brought to our lives.
May we all be inspired to live as he did.
Eric Hsueh was born on April 1, 1989 in Palo Alto, California. He grew up in Fremont and graduated from UC Berkeley in 2011 with a double major in math and political science. He worked in the Bay Area for most of his career, most recently at Apple as an ECAD librarian. He passed away on Feb. 11, 2020 at age 30 after a year-long battle with lung cancer.
Eric’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo,Calif. The service will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, the Hsueh family asks that you consider donating to the GO2 Foundation in Eric's name to support lung cancer research.https://www.supportalcf.org/InLovingMemory/evillic
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