I knew JH at work, while working on the software for the Space Shuttle flight computers. Our work lives probably crossed in the early 1980s.  We became closer friends during the last 13 years at United Space Alliance when  we shared adjacent cubicles.  Since JH rarely talked about himself, I never knew that he played bridge, or once played basketball or soccer, or loved mardi gras in  New Orleans. Not everyone knew that he earned a PhD in Mathematics. He was a quiet, humble and unassuming friend and coworker. 

Work life in an office cubicle can be interesting. Once, someone was complaining about food quality, and JH asked if anyone else had eaten rice weevils. That was the time I learned that he had been in the army in Taiwan and stationed on one of the Quemoy Islands. Rice supplies were stored in caves for months and often had weevils. According to the army cook, they were good protein. I asked JH about his work in the army and learned that he was a Civil Engineer sent to the island to design a reinforced concrete embankment with walls one meter thick. In that one discussion, I learned two things about JH.
 
When JH stopped doing yard work, he gave me his lawn mower. Years later, I complained that his lawn mower needed repairs and was costing me money. He had a big laugh when he pointed out to me that the lawn mower was a gift, to me. We shared many laughs during our long friendship.
 
JH was proud of his Chinese heritage. He loved to tell me that a particular fruit or vegetable being discussed, was actually from China.  

He was most proud of his children and their accomplishments.  I know that he felt blessed by each grandchild. 

As they grow, I hope they will read these memories and know that their grandfather was a valued coworker and friend to many people. 


To the Family of Dr. Jen-Hung Chuan.
I was unable to attend JH’s funeral. I express my sincere sympathy to all of the family. I knew JH primarily from working at United Space Alliance. I did not work directly with JH but was aware of his presence. He was a humble person.  I never knew he had a doctorate degree until I saw the obituary. He and I would exchange greetings but that was the extent of our work relationship. I found out later that he did have a competitive spirit that was exhibited in playing bridge at the Clear Lake Bridge Club. Maybe this was a carryover from his previous athletic experiences. I have not seen JH in the past year and a half since I have not played bridge in this time frame. I remember his smile, pleasant demeanor and friendliness.  

Jim McGaha


My brother Jen-Hung Chuan was born in 1942 in Kunming, China. During the War II, Academia Sinica, the top research institute of China, moved the most treasured researchers and their all family members following the Central Government of the Republic of China. Hence JH literally grew up in Lizhuang 李莊, a little historic town (established 1800 years ago) on the bank of the Yangtze River (28.8054530, 104.8023260). As a true baby-boomer (born in 1948 in Nanking) I certainly have not witnessed the daily life there. Our parents and their friends, however, did tell us a lot of nostalgia stories about Lizhuang. A generation afterwards, a number of publications http://www.sanmin.com.tw/Product/index/001161591 appeared giving somehow exotic account of the days there. Believe me, if you read closely, you may even find how our mother handled the live chicken trying to make it into a sumptuous meal. It is my pleasure for me to share here photos I took in 2015 at another nearby historic city of Leshan 樂山 some 100+ miles upstream. 

140.114.32.33/d2/photos/2015/2015-12%20Leshan/Leshan/

The place together with Emei 峨眉山 are conveniently reachable by the High Speed Rail. Like everywhere, all historic sites are silently transformed. Do hope you can pass your own account of Lizhuang-Leshan-Emei to your descendants.

Jen-Chung Chuan 全任重


I have known JH (Lau Chuan) for over 30 years.  He was my landlord when we first moved to Houston from Chicago in 1979.  I did not know anyone in Houston when we first moved here.  He was so kind to help us to get familiar with this new area and introduced us to his friends.  Later on, we found out we both loved to play bridge.  We started to play bridge together.  And, the bridge game lasted over 30 years.
He was friendly and helpful.  He was intelligent and thoughtful.  Best of all, he was a very good bridge player.
He will be missed dearly.  

It was really nice to hear the sweet stories about your dad.  I was reminded a lot about my dad, especially when Joe talked about JH's Casio watch (my dad had one too!) and when Michelle shared how JH raised you all for a period of time as a single dad.  All of his dedication and perseverance paid off and there's no doubt JH is proud of you two.  It is evident that the qualities everyone admired about your dad continue to live on through both of you.  Your dad will continue to send you signs that he is okay and that he is watching over you.  We hope we were able to absorb some of the anguish of your bereavement and we wish you peace and solace during your time of mourning. 

I have never met Dr. Chuan before (I'm a friend of Joe and Connie's), but my very first thought when I saw his picture was, "What a kind looking man with a sweet smile,"  and after having been to the service, my first impression was confirmed repeatedly by each person who shared.   I was moved by his devotion to his children  (and grandkids :)) and to see an example of a man who knew how to love well with his actions.  You could also tell that he loved his friends as well since so many people had an abundance of fond memories to share.   There was always a smile (or chuckle) on their faces when they would talk about their friend, JH.  What a great legacy he has left behind for his family.

Dr. Chuan, or JH as we knew him, was a delight to play bridge with.   He told us that he played bridge mainly to keep his brain active. And boy did he have a brain!  We played on a team together and we always looked forward to his great smile.  He will certainly be missed at the Clear Lakeke Bridge club.

Dr. Chuan, or "J H" as we knew him, was a delight to play bridge with. we were on a team together and he really looked forward to playing on Fridays in our Swiss team.  He always had a positive outlook and played Bridge mainly to socialize and, as he said, to keep his brain active. What I remember most is his great smile. He will definitely be missed at the Clear Lakee Bridge Club.

OBITUARY

Dr. Jen-Hung Chuan

March 1, 1942 – November 27, 2018

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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