Tiong J. Liem

Tiong Jong Liem passed away peacefully in his home on November 22, 2019 at the age of 74. He was born on December 19, 1944 in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, and moved to the United States at the age of 23. With only a suitcase and backpack, Tiong landed in San Francisco, CA. He found a room at the YMCA and took English courses to earn a student visa. Soon after, he was accepted as an international student at UC Berkeley and graduated with a B.S. in Geology in 1969.

Tiong married Cecilia A. Surya in 1973. They began their lives together in San Diego, which spanned 47 wonderful years. Tiong and Cecilia welcomed their first son, Kevin Stuart Liem in 1975, and bought their first house in Santee together the following year. Their second son, Kenneth Sebastian Liem was born in 1978, followed by Christianne Marie Liem in 1981.

A self-made man, Tiong’s exceptional life included establishing his own business (his 4th baby), Allied Geotechnical Engineers Inc. in 1979, which continues to thrive 40+ years later. He was a founding member of the Asian Business Association and the Communities United for Economic Justice, and a board member for the Combined Health Agencies. After his son, Kevin, passed away in 1993, Tiong became active in the Lupus Foundation of America, serving as the Director and President of the Southern California Chapter. He also served as Director of the American Lupus Society.

Tiong was a dedicated family man, active community leader, and enjoyed working even as his health declined. He loved traveling, cooking and enjoying a good meal, tending to his garden, maintaining his beautiful koi pond, listening to Motown while cleaning the house, and had the gift of turning a casual conversation into lifetime friendships. The ultimate speechmaker, Tiong was a speaker at every family event, big or small, and infused his humor and personal touch into all of his stories. He was beloved by his friends and family for his candor, compassion, and generosity.

Tiong is survived by his wife, Cecilia Liem, children, Ken and Jennifer Liem, and Christianne and Nick Walters, and brother, Tiong Hoo Liem. He was the proud grandfather of Connor (8) and Cameron (5) Liem and Alexandra (7) and Charley (4) Walters. He enjoyed being part of a large and loving family of relatives and friends.