Dr. Adrian Liem

Adrian Liem was born to Liem Sian Ie and Kwee Bie Swan on April 26, 1947, near Lumajang, in East Java, Indonesia. He spent his childhood days sword-fighting fruit trees and learning how to mimic birdsong, playing badminton with his 2 brothers (Liem Sioe Tien and Liem Ing Hong), and bothering his 2 sisters (Liem Sioe Lian and Liem Sioe Lien). Early on, he showed an ability to overcome physical adversity when he was temporarily paralyzed with polio.

The pursuit of an education soon called him away from home and Adrian spent his formative years in Surabaya and Bandung. In medical school, a bright young woman caught his attention, and though she challenged him at every turn, or perhaps because she did so, he decided to spend the rest of his days with her.

The newlyweds settled in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia as late repercussions of the Indonesian War for Independence drove many ethnic Chinese to seek new frontiers. Amidst the kangaroos and farmland, they scraped together a life that was rich in laughter and friendships, if little else. There, Adrian became fluent in English and completed a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of New England. Invited to do a post-doctoral fellowship in Amherst, Massachusetts, the young couple voyaged to America with a toddler in tow, carrying the dreams of a generation.

Adrian’s professional life was marked by a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit that carried him up the ranks of several pharmaceutical companies, and eventually led to the creation of ImmTech Biologics, Inc., and a patent for the fusobacterium necroforum vaccine. ImmTech’s innovative team included Dr. Gary Anderson and Dr. Douglas Stine; these three musketeers realized a shared vision and remained close even in retirement. Indeed, both Gary and Doug were with Adrian the day he passed- truly “all for one, and one for all”.

Adrian always opened his heart and home to family and friends alike, providing a launchpad for his two nieces, Mei-Hwie and Lanny, and nephew Andre, to pursue their own American dreams. He was a second father and substitute mom for his nephews Irwan, Ivo and niece Lia. And he delighted in frequent pranks with his son-in-law, Eric.

At age 57, Adrian suffered the first of three strokes, but met this challenge with his usual humor and stubborn grip on life. What began as just being able to wiggle his left big toe, led to a relearning of how to walk and how to exist in the world. On a spring day, you could find him zooming along on his bright red scooter, on the lookout for cherry blossoms. Over the years, his mobility declined, but his optimism endured. A debt of gratitude goes out to his caregivers David, Etta, Judy, Irene, Nancy, Lillian and Lucia, who always treated him kindly and with grace.

By his side through it all, was his wife of 49 years, Lisa. From a chance encounter on a train and a rescue of shoes off a rooftop, to basement laboratories, a suburban coffee-shop, and late-night sing-a-longs, a life was forged over 2 continents, 3 countries, and 4 states. He always fought his way back to be with her.

Dad loved dogs- especially collies, badminton, tennis, karaoke, nature photography, the Kansas Jayhawks, good food, bad jokes, and me. He is missed and will always be remembered.

According to his wishes, Adrian will be cremated on April 15, 2023. A celebration of life will be held in his honor next month, by invitation from the family. In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, please feel free to make a memorial contribution to the American Stroke Foundation (americanstroke.org). Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. Arrangements by McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913) 642-3565.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Liem family.