It's a rough start to the Year of the Dragon. My dad passed away recently and I gave the following eulogy at his memorial service.
Dear family and friends. We appreciate you coming to my father's memorial. I'm going to say a few words about my dad on behalf of my mom and myself.
My dad was born in Guangzhou, China in 193x. He was the youngest of 6 sons. His family would move to Hong Kong where it became home and the place where my dad would meet my mom. They grew up together, were deep in love and married.
After getting married, my dad wanted a change of scenery and immigrated to the United States where they would settle in Los Angeles. For a time, both my parents worked for my dad's older brother in a neighborhood market. While working there, my parents would end up meeting their closest & dearest friends.
In 197x my mom and dad had me. Unfortunately, not long after that, my dad developed health issues. My dad sought treatment and would slowly recover, although his health was never the same. He would eventually go into business with another one of his brothers when they purchased and ran a liquor store. My dad worked 365 days per year, at least 12 hours a day, and never had a day off for 10+ years.
It was an arduous life and with his health issues, my dad would eventually suffer a heart attack in 20xx. He would undergo quadruple bypass surgery, go through countless visits to multiple doctors, and made many trips to the hospital. My dad passed away in his sleep on the morning of Jan xx, 2012.
My dad was a loving husband and cared for my mother deeply. I never ever saw them fight. My dad was also a loving father who taught me right from wrong and to always do what is right. He taught me to be compassionate, to be respectful and to be humble. My dad was a good man and lived an honest life. We miss him terribly, but know that he’s in a much better place. He's no longer in pain, he’s no longer suffering.
Dad, you don’t have to worry about mom. We will take good care of her. You can rest in peace. I will always love you and I will never forget you.
I miss my dad. I am the man I am today because of him.
I miss my dad. I am the man I am today because of him.
