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Eulogy by Angela

Memories of my Father:

I would like to say thank you for coming on behalf of my mother Margaret, my husband Brian and daughters Caroline and Lauren plus my father's sisters, Annie, Julie, Betty and Lucy who are here today. As I look around the room, I am deeply touched and comforted by the family and friends who came to join us today. I thank each of you for making the journey here today as most of you are from out of town, to remember a great and one of a kind man, my father, Jim Ho.

My father was born February 13, 1944 in Chungching China during the second world war. He is the eldest son of four sisters, Julie, Annie, Betty and Lucy who are here today. His family moved to Taipei, which is where he grew up. Many of you in this room, knew him, long before I did and I look forward to hearing your stories. He attended Chunghsin National University and received a degree in Chemical Engineering. He would later recount to me some of his childhood memories, such as being a young boy in Shanghai and seeing snow for the first time, being pulled in a rickshaw, getting into trouble with his classmates, and generally, it sounded like, looking for fun wherever it may be.

My father's spirit was just that. He was always someone who could not sit still for long and had a longing to just simply "have fun". His favorite movie was Peter Pan and I think we can understand why and a little bit about who he was, because he fancied himself somewhat a Peter Pan. Forever young in the heart. Never wanting to grow up. He was always seeking adventure and seeking fun.

Nevertheless, my dad grew up and became a great man who always put his family first and did all he could to provide for his family but he never lost his spirit of adventure and for fun. He started a company, American Grating, which still continues today, under the care of my husband Brian and business partner Colin. He is always so proud that we took over the family business and as we recounted the early days of his entrepreneurial career just last week, he remarked that those days were "fun". Even though the times were uncertain, he persevered and worked hard. Those are two lessons, I learned. Ken Berg, our Vice President of Engineering of American Grating told me the following:

It has been a difficult 10 years for you and the family, but every time I saw him, I said the same "Jim's looking good". In spite of it all, he was always upbeat, always had a big toothy grin on his face and always had a kind word.

As much as your Dad was key in forming the smart, intelligent woman you are today, I don't think you know how important he was to our industry. Always pushing the envelope of manufacturing, always the innovator and always keeping the competition wondering how he does it. When I was at Fibergrate 15 years ago - they, rightfully so - feared him! And AGL was just getting started!

I am so glad I had the opportunity to work for your Dad, Jim. It is not in everyone's lifetime to be able to work for an entrepreneur, a consummate innovator and someone who reshaped an industry some 20 or more years after if began!

When I was a child my dad used to carry me around on his back, even when I was too old to be carried. I remember, some joyous memories of the two of us going to baseball games in Toronto and once, when I really wanted the giant banana at the fair, he guaranteed a win by playing every single number, 5 or 6 times and kept trading up the little prizes to ensure that I won it. Those were the things he did. He spoiled me in many ways yet somehow, I didn't (hopefully) become the spoiled brat everyone thought I would be.

Because, between those moments of spoiling me, he taught me many lessons. He would always be on me for manners. My friends thought I was the most polite kid in town. He had a specific way I had to ask for a friend when calling "Hi Mrs so and so. This is Angela Ho. May I please speak to so and so"? To this day, I still do this.

He taught me about working hard. My dad was one of the hardest working people you ever met. His hard work was met with principal and getting the job done.. because my dad was a "doer", a "fixer", somebody who had to finish one task so that he could get on to the next.

My dad always remained calm under adversity. When I was 16 and reckless, on our way to a cottage with my friend, and I was behind the wheel, I lost control of the car. Thankfully, we weren't hurt, but the wreck was bad - the car was completely totaled. The first person I called was him and the first thing he said to me was very calmly "Don't worry, don't worry. Are you OK? Where are you? OK, I'm coming to get you". He then proceeded to drive 2 hours out of Toronto, pick my friend Nancy and I up and the continue to drive us on to Sudbury and then drive himself home. Nancy's dad, still to this day couldn't believe that and said what a good man he is. Those are the things my father did for me.

The most important lessons he taught me however, were honesty, honor and integrity. This was a man who held very high standards for morals, had a very distinct knowledge of what was right and wrong, and held everyone up to this bar. I hope to continue to honor him by trying to live up to these high standards.

In 2002, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was not an easy diagnosis for my family to take. The doctors told him he had 2 - 5 years to live, but my dad said "hogwash". Throughout the years, the cancer went from colon to liver, liver to lung and finally lung to brain. During this time, I have never seen a man who faced this adversity with such grace and determination. Never once, complaining or feeling sorry for himself, defeated or without hope. He did chemo, and he did trials - some of the trials were so tough, that all the participants dropped out except for him. But, through it all, he never complained or felt sorry for himself. He was determined to live and live life to its fullest. Most people didn't even know he was sick not because you couldnt tell. He was always so upbeat, gregarious and fun.

My dad was always on the go. During all of this, he was able to see the world by going to places such as Japan, Ecuador, Chile, Denmark, Italy and travel to Asia in numerous times. He did not let his illness ever stop him from enjoying life. He and my mom had prepaid and booked trips to Russian, and England and Scotland for this year.

He even got to relive his youth by buying a motorcycle at 65 and subsequently crashing with my mom. I have a great photo of him on his bike and the next photo with his arm in a sling. I scolded him after for putting them both in harms' way... but this is the nature of my dad.

My friend Michelle wrote me:

Hang in there. I know its' a tough time. He was a pretty cool dad. Lucky to have you as a daughter on so many levels. He had tons of time to get to know the girls and the will have fantastic memories of him. It doesn't happen very often like that. They are lucky and so was he. Lots of ladies to love him in his last years and he really made they most of his time. Riding a motorcycle in Suzhou at the age of 65 with metastatic colon cancer. He sounds like Steve McQueen and he was your uber cool dad!

My dad's generous spirit, was without limits, with his friends and with his family.

He loved to play golf and better his game. I look forward to meeting some of his golfing buddies today. He was playing golf even up to December, before the lung cancer finally took him from us. Even to the end, he didn't give up hope.

Some of you, may think... silly man. Why put yourself through this? Why? Because that is who my father is. He didn't want to leave my mother and me and most importantly, he wanted to enjoy his grand kids. He doesn't give up and he enjoyed life. I often think how I would face the same circumstances. I do not think I would have the courage or frame of mind that he had. He is truly an inspiration to me and many others including his team of amazing doctors who have seen him through this throughout these years. His internist in LA, Dr. Hutchison, told me that my father was an inspiration to him and changed the way he looked at life. He couldn't believe there was such a man with so much hope and who didn't stop enjoying life all the way to the end.

The last few weeks have been difficult for my family, watching my father decline, yet not really understanding the gravity of the situation. He was in the ER before, he's been in ICU before, so we all thought that my dad, who the doctors claimed had 9 lives, would continue to go on. After his hospitalization in LA, we decided as a family that my parents would move here so I could care for them. They moved over here December 15 and we have been able to spend 2 wonderful weeks together.

During this short time, my husband arranged a very special trip. A surprise trip in a private plane to take us to Houston for a Rockets game. Yes, very fancy. My dad remarked how easy it was for him to breathe and how comfortable he was. Being up in the sky, took pressure off his lungs. He coughed less and felt really good. All of us had so much fun. My dad and I talked. We spent time together. We enjoyed Christmas Eve at a party and opened presents together. We truly had a joyous few weeks together.

My father loved his family and he loved life. He has watched me get married, build my own company with my husband Brian and I know that he was proud of me and happy for me. He told me, that he was happy and that he considers himself successful in beating the cancer and is at peace with everything. He was a lucky man in many ways and he would never want, nor should we feel anything but joy when we think about his blessed life, despite the disease that took him from us.

He loved his grand kids dearly. He would FaceTime with them regularly (my dad was a techie, always loving to buy the latest and greatest gadget), come and visit often and he would always light up and laugh when he saw Caroline and Lauren. They are blessed to have a grandfather who loved them so much and always took them places that were fun, such as Disneyland, Legoland and his favorite pastime - shopping. They share so many wonderful memories together, which I hope the girls will cherish. I know, he was so proud of them and will continue to watch over them as they grow.

There are a few people that I want to especially thank today. Dr. Lin and his wife Grace for being such good friends to my dad and mom. My father cared deeply about you both and truly valued your friendship. Thank you for being in their lives. My cousins Mike and Josephine who gave such beautiful speeches today - my father loved taking us out on adventures and I hope you will remember and cherish those days as I do. My dear friend Candice, who cared for my dad both medically and as a friend during the last few weeks of his life. She doesn’t realize, but the comfort you gave me and advice are immeasurable. One day, I will tell you the depth of what you did for me. I am forever in your debt for all you have done. Eleyna, for helping me organize the funeral and reception and the King Family who holds a special place in our heart.

I want to thank my husband Brian, for being so strong and always so thoughtful, never hesitating to do anything that was needed. You are always someone I can count on and I love you with all my heart. Caroline and Lauren, who were only too happy to push Gong Gong around in his wheelchair, make sure he was taking his medicine and just generally entertaining him. Last but not least, I want to thank my mom, who so bravely took care of my dad throughout these years. Who stayed up sleepness nights while my dad was hospitalized, who often didn't want to alarm me, who cared for him and who understood him the most out of any of us. I didn't realize the depth of her caring until recently and I want her to know how much I thank her for all that she has done. I know my father loves you more than anything and he thanks you for all that you've done for him. He is truly a blessed man, he led an extraordinary life and is most importantly at peace with his life.

I'd like us all to take a moment to remember a man who touched our lives in many different ways. He was a father, grandfather, son and husband and to others he was a good friend. He was a brother to Julie, Annie, Lucy and Betty. Beloved Uncle to so many, Michael, Josephine, Richard, Elaine, Gordon, Katy, James, Laura, Johnnie, and Jessica and many more.

Thank you all for coming today, from so many places. It means a great deal to my family and I to have you here with us.

We thank you all so much for your care and concern over the years and hope that you will be able to join us at our house for a reception to honor his memory. For those of you who can make it, we sincerely welcome you to our home. I know my dad would have enjoyed that very much.

Thank you all so much for being here.

Sincerely,
Angela Edgeworth

Eulogy by Jay Lin

It is my honor to represent Jim’s high school classmate and some of his traveling friends to say a few words about Jim Ho.

As I stand before you, It is very difficult for me to find the proper words to describe a close friend for 50+ years, he was always very cheerful and constantly surrounded by lots of friends.

He was an adventurist and always learning new gadgets, from computer, I-Phone, I-Pad to small new T.V. box, TV antenna (to watch Chinese TV program), he love to share his high tech knowledge with friends, he gave an impromptu lecture about I-Pad at our South America cruise, all my doctor friends became his I-Pad follower. His newest gadget is his new BMW.

Jim knew how to enjoy his life, he played golf twice a week, walked at nearby park every Sunday and having coffee and chatting with friends after the morning walk, he love Mahjong, he was a traveler, I was lucky to be his traveling partner for the last 10 years, we have been in Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Silk Road and many trips to different part of China. This year we had booked Russia River cruise in May and England tour in August, I know Jim won’t be physically with us anymore, but I know Jim will still be with us on the trip.

Jim was a very generous man, during one of our trip to china, at a very rural school, the student gave us a very nice performance, and fallowed by selling “tea block?” to us, we were told it was for the school building fund and each “old tea Block” cost US $300, I told him this probably a “Charity gimmick”, he told me he would buy two and hopefully they would use some the money for the school.
Jim was an Entrepreneur, he started his fiberglass Grating company about 20 years ago, the business kept expanding every year, he was very proud that after Brian ad Angela took over the business, the sale actually double or triple the size, he appreciate that Brian was willing to step up to take on this responsibility . He went to Sujou, China recently, to visit the newly installed factory and was very impressed with the new factory.

Jim was a very tough man, firm, unswerving and persistent, he had been fighting with cancer for the last 10 years, cancer had metastasized to the liver, lung and last year to the brain, he went through many surgical procedures, chemotherapy every week or monthly, several Cyber-Knife Radiation therapy, many times in and out of the hospital, he had never complaint about his suffering from the cancer treatment, He had never say “Why Me”?, he only asked doctors, “Is there any way to cure my cancer?”.

Jim loved food, during the last several years, we tried to find different kind of new restaurant every week or every other week, we have experienced most of new restaurant from Rowland Heights to Monterey Park, he loved specie food, Sichuan fish was his favorite, recently he became more health conscious and sometime he would try to show off his culinary skill, he would cook the beef noodle soup or Taiwanese pork rice, he would ask my opinion about the authenticity of the food.

Jim was a Family man, like most of the traditional Chinese Man, he doesn’t show his affection in front of Margret or Angela, but you could always sense the pride and love he felt towards them, he always very proud of his beautiful and intelligent daughter, he appraised the genuine business ability of his daughter and son in-law Brian. He was deeply in love with Margaret, he told me that when he was a young salary man, he would work second job in order to buy fancy gift for Margaret to please her. When Jim talks about family, he spent most of his time talk about his adorable, beautiful and intelligent grand-daughters, Caroline and Lauren, he love their caring and kindness personality the most.

The God must have rewarded this nice man during his last two week of life, he went to Las Vegas to stay with the Edgeworth , Bryan has surprised him by arranged a private jet to Houston to watch Jeremy Lin play basketball, he enjoyed his last two weeks stay with Lauren, Caroline, Brian, Angela and Margaret, the family that he precious the most, they showered him with love, the best care , and they cheered for him. He had left us with full of love from his family, relatives and friends. We will remember him as a nicest mankind has left us.
Farewell my best buddy, Please rest in Peace!!
Jui-Kuang Lin

Eulogy by Josephine Chen 

I am honored to say a few words today about my Uncle Jim, or Yi Dieh as I would call him. To some of us he was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend. To me, I considered him to be not only my uncle, but a shining example of someone who enjoyed life, who helped people around him enjoy life, who embodied an honest, easy charisma, and who greatly loved his family.

I have known Yi Dieh all my life and even as a 5-year-old I knew how special Yi Dieh was. He was a constant source of entertainment for me because he enjoyed life so much. We all lived in Toronto and spent many weekends and summers together. Yi Dieh loved taking us out to play. With him, we were always on some grand adventure. I have many fond memories of family picnics where Yi Dieh would be grilling chicken on the outdoor charcoal grill and at the same time, even as it was getting dark, playing badminton with us. His playful nature even extended into times of distress like when he took Angela, my brother Michael and myself, all under 12 years old, boating in Lake Ontario. We were what seemed like miles from shore when our motor stopped running. As panic settled in, we kids were convinced our boat would sink and we would be eaten alive by sharks. We didn't know how to swim and we started crying and hugging each other. Yi Dieh calmly started and restarted the motor and all the while in an upbeat and reassuring tone told us not to worry. He promised to get the boat running again and if he didn't, he would put us on his back and carry all three of us back to shore. He told us he could swim faster than the "sharks of Lake Ontario".

As the years passed, my family moved from Toronto, and I saw less of Yi Dieh. However, we always made it a point to see each other when possible like during the summer after my sophomore year in college when we took a memorable vacation together. We flew into San Francisco and road-tripped down California's highway 1, stopping in Las Vegas and ending in Los Angeles. Yi Dieh loved the carefree adventure and with him at the wheel, he shuttled us from one scenic outpost to the next, stopping to take photos and making comments like, "Well, when else are you going to take a photo with a giant cactus?" when we once stopped in the middle of the Nevada desert in 105 degree weather. He's right of course, but I did not appreciate his point until I grew older. I remember how much fun and all the laughs we had when we visited Disneyland. As we made our way through the park, he would stop at the shops and with a big grin on his face, he would put various Disney-themed hats on his head, goofy Mickey Mouse ears notwithstanding. We all agreed that our favorite was the Davy Crockett raccoon hat.

After Yi Dieh and his family moved to California, the only times I would see him was at big family events such as weddings. In 2002, I brought my future husband Tom to Los Angeles for a cousin's wedding. It was his first time meeting my family and I remember him looking awkward and feeling uncomfortable until he met Yi Dieh. Yi Dieh had no airs about him. He had an easy-going, relaxed and approachable manner that put Tom immediately at ease. He treated Tom as if he was already part of the family. It seemed as if he had found a kindred spirit in Tom and they bonded over a common interest: Star Wars. It made me smile inside and realize that those who are young-at-heart have a natural affinity to others who are the same. Yi Dieh knew Tom was special to me and I am truly grateful to him for reaching out to him. Six years later, after Tom and I had already married, we were at another wedding and Yi Dieh made a conscious effort to seek us out. Again, as if no time had passed, he asked us if we watched the Clone Wars on television. At 64, he was still up-to-date on the Star Wars saga!

Even though we saw less of each other, there was never any question that family was the most important part of Yi Dieh's life. One of the most special memories I have of Yi Dieh was when he visited me in Chicago. It was Christmastime and Tom and I were expecting our first child. In fact, our due date was December 26. Despite the freezing Chicago winter and being weakened by his illness, Yi Dieh made a momentous trip to see us during this important milestone of my life. I was so huge and pregnant and Yi Dieh was especially attentive toward me. He made sure I had enough to eat when he took us out to dinner and he made sure I did not slip on ice and fall. He was selfless and cared more about me than himself. Yi Dieh left Chicago without meeting my son, who was born 2 weeks later, but I will never forget how special Yi Dieh made me feel with his visit.

Yi Dieh passed away at much too young an age. When something like this happens, we are reminded just how precious life is. They say that you do not truly enjoy life until you realize how short it can be. Maybe in some small way it will help comfort us by knowing he was glad to have had the opportunities to travel to so many places, to have met such a variety of people, and experience so many things in his life. I know that he is in a better place. Yi Dieh's life is a reminder that we all need to enjoy the time we have, the experiences we're offered and the people we get to share it with.

Although Yi Dieh's life was cut short, he lived a full life because that is how he lived life - embracing it fully and with a whole-hearted and positive attitude. Uncle Jim, my Yi Dieh, you are an inspiration to us, we love you and will miss you more than words can say.

Eulogy by Michael Chen

My sisters and I grew up in a close family. As children all the cousins spent a lot of time together at each other’s houses. Those were some of the best and most formative times of our lives, and visiting my cousin Angela was always special. Her house was like a disco palace and my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Jim were cool, you know, the relatives that were least likely to embarrass you.

Like many of us here I have lots of fond memories of Uncle Jim. Reflecting on these memories has always given me great joy, something my uncle was often able to inspire.

You see Uncle Jim had many passions, and he never failed to share his passions with his beloved family. Perhaps my Aunt Margaret would have preferred he not have shared his motorcycle passion with her, but that’s another story.

When I was a kid my uncle’s passion was fishing. His garage was full of gear, including boats and tackle of all shapes and sizes. There was nothing more exciting than going fishing with him, and we all looked forward to every excursion with great anticipation. Sometimes these were planned, other times he would decide to take us the night before, often at our behest. I don’t think it took much to convince him. It didn’t matter that our trips started at the crack of dawn, or that we had to drive for hours, or that his car didn’t have air conditioning. I should mention that we usually went fishing in the summertime. We didn’t mind the cooler packed lunches and sodas, or learning how to tie a Duncan Knot, or how to hook a worm and cast a line or boat. In fact those were some of the best parts. Indeed it didn’t even matter if we actually caught any fish. (Of course it was better when we did – And no Angela, I caught that Largemouth Bass off that drainage pipe, I know what you’re thinking.) No, it didn’t matter.

Because no matter what, Uncle Jim made sure our fishing trips were educational and fun, and we always had a great time.

As his interests evolved, fishing became golf, and golf became frustrating, and he began his endless love affair with technology gadgets, which infected him for the rest of his life. Betamax, he had it. The first commercial VHS camera with the fifty pound battery belt; he wore it to every family event. iPod, iPhone, iPad, I know - he had it first. And, not surprisingly, he did get back on the fairways eventually.

As I got older I began to appreciate more and more the tremendous effort Uncle Jim put into not just our fishing trips but to everything he did, which he did with conviction, sometimes with a childlike curiosity, and always with an infectious spirit. Wherever his passions took him, his generosity, enthusiasm, and patience for sharing wonderful life experiences with the children in our family never changed and inspired us all – all the way down to his granddaughters Caroline and Lauren.

Ediah, we will miss you dearly but we know you are in a better place. Thank you for all the endearing memories. You will remain in our hearts and minds forever. May you rest in eternal peace.