Hung Chou "Jay" Yang

Yang Hung Chou “Jay Yang” passed away peacefully on August 15th, 2025 in his home in Sammamish, Washington surrounded by family. Jay was born on August 2nd, in Hsinchu Taiwan to Yang Ching Jong (father) and Chen Jui Ching (mother). He is preceded in death by his brother, Yang Hung Chang, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth O’Brien-Yang, his son, Joseph Yang, and daughter, Ava Yang, all of Sammamish WA. He is survived by his sisters Lee Shu Ju of San Diego, CA and Chiang Shu Ling of Valley Stream, NY as well as their spouses, niece, and nephews.

Jay was the youngest of four children and spent his early childhood in Hsinchu, Taiwan and then later moved to Taipei where he received his education. Upon graduating, he focused intensely on improving his English, a focus that led him to meet his future wife, Liz. At this time, he began his freight forwarding career in Taipei with Hellman Worldwide Logistics.

After spending three years in Taiwan, Liz suggested he try out the US. Jay loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, quickly embraced life in the United States, and the two decided to grow their roots in Seattle, and married in July of 1991.

He often credited his early English learning to his first job at US Bank, where he input data into the company’s loan system. Eager to return to freight forwarding, Jay was hired by Expeditors International in 1997, where he enjoyed many opportunities and friendships over 28 years of employment. During this time, he also became a US citizen in 1998.

Jay loved road trips and driving his Tahoe around the Pacific Northwest. He loved to travel and enjoyed visiting Ireland, London, Vancouver, and Paris as well as several trips to Taiwan to visit his parents and enjoy Taiwan’s delicious food. Jay loved music, and he regularly listened to Frank Sinatra as well as contemporary artists from both the US and Taiwan.

You could often find Jay watching true crime shows or working outside in his garden, where he always found new ways to improve his backyard. He also enjoyed reading books in Chinese and, perhaps most of all, taking photos of his family and friends. Jay was often behind the camera, quietly making sure moments were captured and remembered.

Jay learned of his cholangiocarcinoma ‘bile duct cancer’ diagnosis in early July. Jay returned to the home he loved to undergo hospice care with the support of his family. While he was looking forward to retirement and the joys that come in life’s third act, he faced his condition with strength and grace. He chose privacy, peace and quiet.