Mr. Chueng Stephen Louis Chu

Stephen was born in Shanghai to the late Chu Chung Run (father) and Chow Wing Soon (mother) in 1937. He grew up during the Japanese war and the Chinese civil war. He moved to Hong Kong in 1954.

After completing his schooling in Hong Kong, Stephen went to Taiwan to for undergraduate work where he excelled and obtained a scholarship for the graduate program in Architecture at Princeton University. After graduation from Princeton, Stephen moved to Columbus, Ohio to begin his architecture career and to wait for his love from Taiwan, Madeline, to complete her architecture degree from Ohio State University.

Upon the completion of her degree, they married and had two children. For the next two decades, they worked and raised their family in Columbus, New York City, and Houston. Stephen and Madeline were divorced in 1992.

In the early 1990’s, Stephen moved to Taiwan to work and teach in Architecture and Urban Planning. As a teacher, he inspired many students and made life-long friends. His legacy continues in the numerous projects designed by him, ranging from residential homes to community centers. He was especially proud of his role in the creation of Project Row Houses in Houston which transformed a former industrial complex into a community-focused art center and artist residency.

In his late 60’s, Stephen retired to Bali where he became an active figure within the local expatriate and artist community in Ubud. In his retirement, Stephen pursued his love of travel and art. Stephen began a second career as an artist, participating in shows in Beijing, Vienna, Florence, Taipei, and Bali. He engaged with many people and established deep friendships all over the world.

By the early 2010’s, Stephen’s health to began to falter. As he required more medical attention, he increased his visits to Taiwan for treatment and care. His many friends, children, and Madeline’s family continued to provide love and support through some very challenging years. After surgery to remove a brain tumor in April 2018, Stephen spent most of his time in Taiwan. In March of 2022, Stephen and his family made the difficult decision to move him to Vancouver Canada where he could be closer to nephew William and brother Jim. He spent his final two years at the Dufferin Care Center in Coquitlam. His children and family warmly cared for him until his passing on May 9, 2025.

Stephen will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his art, teaching, friends, and family.

Stephen is survived by ex-wife Madeline, daughter Yvonne, son Albert and his wife Rosey, and grandchildren Benjamin and Corinna, brother Jim and extended family.