Dear Auntie Garbo, Kay and Jenny,

We will miss Uncle Sam.  He was such a great leader, husband, father, and grandfather.  We all admired him for his strength and kindness.  Please accept our condolences, and we are thinking of you and your family during this time.

Sincerely, 
Arthur, Emy, Maddy, Jonah and Darin

Sam's early departure is a great loss to all of us. We'll miss his friendship, his thoughtfulness and his humour. May the Good Lord comfort Garbo and his family. Now that Our Father has relieved Sam of his suffering and let him rest in His arms, we'll lift up our eyes to the mountains till we meet again.
With deepest condolences
 from SP (亞僕) & Antonia

  We would like to extend our Condolences and deepest Sympthy to    Family of
         Shiu Kin Bong,
 beloved husband,  father,  friend, and   pillar of his community!
         His shall be deeply missed and we are only comforted  in knowing that he is in the House of the Lord!

This cherished photo captures a beautiful bond between our retired boss, my colleague, and me.  It beautifully captures the deep bond we forged during our time together, symbolizing the lasting impact of mentorship and teamwork.

In this heartfelt photo, I stand beside my retired boss and mentor, capturing a special moment that reflects the profound impact he has had on my life and career.

I proudly stand as the MC for Sam's retirement celebration party. The atmosphere is filled with joy and gratitude as colleagues and friends gather to honor Sam's remarkable career. 

In the photo, at the far back stands Brent Handerson, the Head of PDC, while Sam stands in front of him. Their humble nature is exemplified as they graciously allow the partners to take the forefront for a photo. These partners returned home with a wealth of knowledge on software development cycle management.

Dear Garbo,

We are so honoured and blessed to have known you and Sam.  Even though we have not connected for years, the help you and Sam extended to us in our younger days will always be in our hearts. 

May the memories of Sam always bring you comfort, peace and strength.

Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 9)

Today, I received the shocking news, realizing that I will never have the chance to see him again. Memories of our shared experiences bring a heavy sorrow to my heart. How can such a remarkable individual pass away so quietly, without any forewarning?

Sam, you were not just a leader and mentor; you were a friend, a role model, and an embodiment of grace and humility. The lessons you taught me, both in words and actions, have left an indelible mark on my life. Your dedication to fostering talent, your pursuit of excellence, and your unwavering support will forever be cherished. Though you may no longer be physically present, your legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives you touched.

Farewell, Sam. May you find eternal peace on your final journey. And may we strive to emulate the qualities that made you the exceptional leader that you were. (The article ends)


Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 8)

However, the teachings and guidance I received from Sam allowed me to maintain a sanctuary within IBM. In the tumultuous sea of blue, I remained afloat and never sank. I am grateful for the opportunity to embody his principles of fairness and persuasiveness through reasoning. Sometimes I ponder, perhaps it is the three letters "S," "A," and "M" that make the three letters "I," "B," and "M" majestic and endearing to me. After Sam's retirement, I continued working at IBM for another 14 years before leaving for a position in a private enterprise.

I have always hoped for an opportunity to see Sam again. During my tenure as the CIO at Yutong Group, the company acquired the finest Xinyang Maofeng tea. It reminded me of Sam, and I felt that he must have enjoyed it. So, I sent him an email inquiring if he was in Hong Kong because I wanted to visit him and bring some tea as a gift. At that time, he was in Toronto, and he replied to my email, saying, "I'm getting older, not as healthy as before, but still playing golf."

Over three years ago, he wrote to me, asking if I was still with IBM. I informed him that I had already left but thanked him for his concern and wished him to "catch a few birdies" for us (birdie, an outstanding golf shot that scores below par in a hole). 
(Continue on Part 9) 

Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 7)

The only time I truly assisted Sam was when the lighting controller in his home malfunctioned, and he asked me where to purchase a replacement. Knowing that there were many appliance stores in Xisi, Beijing, I went ahead and bought the replacement for him. It was just a small matter, but Sam was genuinely pleased.

In late 2003, Sam made the decision to retire as he reached the age of 60. Upon hearing this news, my emotions were mixed. On one hand, we were thrilled that he could finally enjoy a well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of hard work. On the other hand, I felt a sense of melancholy, realizing that we would be lacking his leadership and guidance.

After Sam's retirement, the work environment naturally lost the tranquility that he had brought. He was a person of integrity, a humble gentleman who conducted his duties impartially and won people over through his character. He also took pleasure in nurturing local employees for long-term service to the company. Without his presence, we inevitably faced storms and turmoil, even bloodshed and chaos. Many individuals came here to seek positions of power, with Americans and then Africans taking the reins. It was akin to poem in the novel "Dream of the Red Chamber," as the saying goes, "Just as one side finishes singing, another takes the stage, and the foreign land becomes the homeland." (Continue to Part 8)


Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 6)

Before the 2003 Spring Festival, when Sam learned that I would be returning to Beijing for the Lunar New Year, he invited me to attend the Software University conference in Shanghai. I knew he still wanted me to maintain contact with the team in China.

After spending a year at IBM in Vancouver, I decided to return to China. Upon reporting this to Sam, he expressed his desire for me to rejoin his organization as the software pre-sales senior manager for the China region. This position was excellent, with the possibility of further growth. Many people said that I seamlessly connected my work in Canada and China. Deep down, I knew it was due to Sam's steadfast support.

Pre-sales work was undoubtedly something Sam valued, and he also attached great importance to the Solution Enablement Center's efforts. He always hoped that partners could grasp advanced development methods, technologies, and learn about development management. I believe his contributions to IBM's business growth in China and the elevation of technical proficiency among Chinese partners and clients will be remembered in history.

Sam placed great importance on cultivating and selecting new cadres as well as nurturing technical talents. Many of the leaders and technical experts who later assumed significant roles at IBM China were personally groomed by Sam. (Continue on Part 7)


Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 5)

When I expressed my desire to move my entire family to Canada after serving as the SEC manager for a year, Sam did not respond with anger or opposition. Instead, he genuinely worried about helping me find a job in Canada. Looking back, I greatly admired his broad-mindedness. Just one year after he promoted me to a respectable position, I resigned from it. Yet, Sam harbored no resentment towards me. On the contrary, he took the initiative to assist me in networking for job opportunities, while also saying, "I hope you understand how they think." What a remarkable leader and mentor he was!

During my time at IBM Canada, there was an occasion when IBM China organized partners to visit the "Pacific Development Center" where I was stationed. Sam specifically instructed me to assist in organizing the event, ensuring that my connection with Chinese partners remained intact.

In the winter of 2002, Sam suddenly sent me an email while I was in Vancouver, urging me to travel to the East Coast of the United States to assist a company called "Zhongti Tongfang" in Olympic-related matters. Zhongti Tongfang heavily invested in preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and wished to visit a Ph.D. at MIT on the East Coast to learn about organizing the Olympics.

It was my first time visiting Boston, and at that time, I only had a basic map and verbal directions; there was no GPS navigation. Accustomed to driving in the West, I assumed it would be the same in the East. However, as soon as I arrived at Boston Airport, I missed the exit, serving as an immediate wake-up call. The signage and fonts were also incredibly difficult to decipher. Since then, I have approached driving on the East Coast of the United States with trepidation. Fortunately, it didn't hinder my progress, and I successfully completed the task Sam assigned to me. (continue on Part 6)


Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 4)

Throughout my tenure as the SEC manager, Sam never scolded or reprimanded me. Instead, he offered guidance and advice in a gentle and persuasive manner. On one occasion, when the company held a general managers' meeting, a few managers, including myself, felt distanced from the top leadership and had other pressing matters, so we decided not to attend. With his wisdom, Sam instantly understood our thoughts and said, "If you can go to the meeting, it would be great to show up for your support even though you thought it was not important." Sam didn't lecture or preach; he simply expressed his sentiments, leaving us with a deep sense of guilt. We gleaned valuable lessons from his sincere teachings on interpersonal relationships. Throughout my subsequent career, I often recalled his words when interacting with others.

Sam had a remarkable talent for sketching. With just a few pencil strokes, he could capture the essence and resemblance of a person. He once sketched my colleague Liu Shengli, depicting him with crossed arms resting on his chest, and he also created a father-son sketch of me and my son, both incredibly lifelike.

Golf was Sam's beloved sport. His daughter, Jennifer, once gifted him a book by Tiger Woods titled "How I Play Golf." During his leisure time, he would browse through the book, occasionally mimicking the swing motions in his office. It was evident that he cherished his daughter deeply. (Continue on Part 5)


Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 3)

In the summer of 2001, Sam and I, along with dozens of partners from various industries in China, attended the IBM DeveloperWorks Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. IBM's partner companies in China were thriving in different sectors at that time, serving as catalysts for introducing new United States technologies and developing using IBM middleware. Their success was crucial for China's modernization and instrumental in IBM's achievements in the country. Sam attached great importance to this conference and went the extra mile to secure additional complimentary passes for our Chinese partners. He hoped to provide more partners with the opportunity to visit the United States, broaden their horizons, and learn to apply the latest technologies. IBM's software technologies like WebSphere, Tivoli, Lotus, and Data Management were highly advanced and beloved by developers.

Participating in the conference was demanding and fast-paced. During a break, Mr. Tung, who had been Sam's boss before returning to the United States, and his wife Roberta, made a special trip from their home in Saratoga to invite Sam and me to lunch at an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. Though the name of the restaurant escapes me now, it was located at an intersection not far from the Hilton hotel, likely Cesario's at 601 Sutter Street. (continue to part 4)

Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On （Part 2)
My acquaintance with Sam dates back to the time I joined IBM as a system engineer trainee. Sam held a lofty position while I was still a novice, making it challenging for us to develop a close bond.

However, it was during a moment of personal growth that I had the chance to receive Sam's teachings. A managerial position became available in the Solution Enablement Center (SEC), and my then-manager, Mr. Dung, recommended me to Sam for this role. As the founder of the SEC, Sam played an essential part in the interview process for the new senior managerial position.

During our first formal conversation, which would determine my potential role, Sam exuded elegance, devoid of grandiose speeches or profound philosophies. Instead, he simply shared, "Higher positions have a greater impact on others, so decision-making requires exercising prudence." With humility, he expressed, "My organization needs your assistance." Encouraged by his words, I embarked on my journey as the SEC manager. Back then, and even in today's IBM, ascending to a senior managerial position was no easy feat.

Sam's down-to-earth nature was truly remarkable. Despite the disparity in age and experience, conversations with him felt like chatting with a close friend. He possessed a handsome appearance and would often carry a small flat comb, using it to tidy up his unruly hair. We would privately jest that Sam must have been quite the heartthrob in his younger days. (please see next: Part 3)

Sam Shiu: A Leader Whose Legacy Lives On
By Michael Hu on May 29, 2023
On May 29, 2023, a day of remembrance in the United States, even Google's browsing bar turned gray. As I woke up that morning, preparing to tend to my yard, a WeChat message from Mr. Tung, my former mentor at IBM, caught my eye. It conveyed the solemn news: "Our esteemed colleague and friend, Sam, passed away in Toronto recently."

In that moment, my life seemed to come to a standstill. A profound sense of emptiness overwhelmed me, and my emotions refused to settle. Losing Sam, a seasoned leader and an exceptional mentor, left me in a daze, yearning for tranquility.

Sam Shiu, known as Shiu Kin-Bong (萧建邦) in Chinese, had previously worked at IBM's laboratory in Toronto, Canada. When IBM established its software division in China, he became one of the pioneering technical leaders who relocated from Canada to Shanghai. Sam played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the Shanghai Software Center. (part 1, total 2000+ words, split due to 2000 characters limitation each post. huxiaozhuan@gmail.com)

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of this special man.   Father, Husband, Grandpa.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

With love and hugs
Irene Gray

Dear Auntie Garbo, Kay (Allen) and Jennifer,

Sending healing prayers and comfort during this tough time.  Please accept our sincere condolences.  We will always cherish the wonderful memories we have with Uncle Sam.  He will be forever missed.

Warm Regards,

Lucy, Solon & Evan 

OBITUARY

Sam Kin-Bong Shiu

November 24, 1943 – May 15, 2023

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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