We think of you often, Yang.  Your bright, kind, perfectly zany spirit will always be missed.  Sending love to friends and family and all of the many people whose lives you touched.

Robert, Yu Yan and Lan,
As we come to grip with the tragic loss of Yang, we reflect that only once in a lifetime does a person with Yang’s caliber comes into our lives. Yang is your son, a brother, and a friend to many. We mourn this loss because it was not time for him to depart. Yang’s dreams and talents was unfolding before us. We predict all the great success and good he offered the world.  The friendships and bond that was forged between him and us are strong. That is why his leaving our mist hurt so much more. Paying respect with our condolences do not diminish the pain and grief. Yang would not want this for us. He would want us to celebrate his life and cherish our fond memories of him. We know we will meet again in the hereafter if we have faith.  Faith will be our rock and help lead the way back to our departed friend.  Zhao family, we pray that you may have comfort and peace.
Heartfelt love,
Rima & Richard

  


This year would have marked 20 years of knowing Yang.  When I first met him, Yang was surrounded by people who eventually would grow up with him over the next two decades.  From classes and clubs, to traveling great lengths just so we could be together again. Despite the distance that separated all of us, there wasn't any part of our lives that didn't involve Yang.  

And when I look at old photos of us, Yang is fittingly standing there in the middle, anchoring us together.  His impact will always be felt, someone who will always be present in our defining memories. 

Yang lived with such unadulterated enthusiasm; he knew how to wring every last drop of joy from every moment.  He once showed me a picture of himself doing aerial yoga: upside down, wild hair, typically zany expression.  That’s how I visualize his spirit.  He was hilarious, fun, adventurous, silly, full of radiant energy.  He traveled to faraway places, drove a sports car, had a giant Snorlax beanbag, dreamed of moving to Hawaii, and was always the life of the party.

Yang was brilliant too, and successful.  I remember how hard he worked to become our high school valedictorian. He was also a talented pianist: Elton John once shook his hand after attending one of his performances (although an unimpressed Yang didn’t know who he was).  I have such fond memories of working with him on the Robotics Team, chatting on AIM while cramming for AP exams, him introducing me to stinky tofu, and hanging out at Bertelsen Park over the summer. 

I’m grateful we had the chance to reconnect later on, and will always treasure the time our friend group spent together in New Mexico, at Bandelier and Sandia Peak, and in San Francisco just a few months ago. I wish he could’ve visited us at our ranch like we’d planned. 

Yang was a true friend, kind and caring and genuine.  He deeply loved his parents, his baby sister, and his girlfriend Stacey.  Condolences from the Tashiro family to all who knew and loved him.


 I don't have words to fully express just how wholeheartedly devastated I am to hear of the loss of Yang Zhao. Your son was absolutely incredible and talented (I still remembered his excellency in performing piano, as well his creative thinking in high school Robotic projects). I feel so honored to have met such a wonderful boy. My wife and I are truly so sorry to hear of your loss. 

Sending all of our love,

Kathy & Mason Liu


I’m heartbroken to hear of your passing. I remember back when we used to work on Robotics and Speech & Debate in high school. You filled the room with energy, enthusiasm, and most of all friendship. May you rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Yang Zhao

7 August, 1988 – 5 January, 2022

San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home

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