Dr Kevin Chi-Wun Chen

A private family funeral service for Kevin will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hua Yuan Center - Hall of Grace, 3890 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601.

Kevin will be laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601; Gdn of Brilliance Monument Wal; Gate: 1, Section: 1, Lot: 121, Grave: 2.

Kevin Chi-Wun Chen was born October 24, 1949 in Zug Nam Town, Miaoli County, Taiwan. On February 21, 2023, he was called by the Lord and returned to his heavenly home at the age of 73.

Kevin grew up in a loving prominent Taiwanese family in the small town of Chu-Nan. Both parents are ones of very few highly educated during the Japanese rule, his father Yong-Jie Chen from Waseda University in Japan and his Mother Shiang Luan Tsai Chen from the top Taipei girl's college. Together they guided Kevin and assisted in doing everything possible for him to walk the path of goodness.

At age 12, Kevin moved to Taipei to live with his uncle and study at Datong, Taiwan’s premier junior high. He attended Jianguo High School where he was captain of his soccer team. Following his passion for serving the community through healthcare, Kevin attended Kaohsiung Medical University. His excellent fine motor control and attention to detail helped him become an amazing surgeon. While in medical school, he started to play tennis and his natural athletic abilities propelled him to the top amongst his peers. Kevin fulfilled his mandatory military service where he served as a physician. Kevin's father fell ill and passed away with Kevin at his side. Kevin spent weekends helping his mother and grandmother while fulfilling his military service. After military service he went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to finish medical training and complete his residency. He was appointed chief resident due to his dedication to his patients, high medical proficiency, and strong leadership. He became an attending at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and was repeatedly selected by the medical residents as the “best attending.”

On April 16, 1978, Kevin married the love of his life, Lih-Jiau. They went on to have 4 children: one son and three daughters. In March of 1984, shortly after the birth of twin daughters, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital sent Kevin and his family to Massachusetts General Hospital to do a clinical fellowship in endocrine surgery. Because his two sisters lived in America, Kevin decided to stay in America afterwards so his mother could be closer to her daughters and so his children could have a better future. Following this American dream, Kevin started a new residency in family practice at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa. Kevin’s work ethic and dedication to his family helped him persevere not only through residency’s long hours but also through moonlighting shifts of up to 58 hours straight at hospitals 150 miles from home to provide better opportunities for his children. After residency, Kevin followed his sisters to Southern California. He settled in Claremont, where he lived out the remainder of his life. He started his own medical practice in Arcadia, where he grew one of the most successful private practices in the area and was loved by many colleagues and patients because of his compassion, dedication to his community, and outstanding medical knowledge and abilities.

Despite his long commute and long hours of work, Kevin was always a devoted son, husband, and father. He knew his wife well enough that he was able to win a beauty pageant for picking out his wife's lipstick and shoes in a sea of other choices. He found a rewarding work-life balance; he valued family time and cherished teaching his children math and science, listening to their musical endeavors, and playing tennis and skiing with them. He was passionate about tennis and won the Southern California Physician Associate tennis tournament. He also loved golf, travel, photography, and exploring many experiences, foods, and cultures. He inspired his family to work hard and live life to the fullest.

In October 2019, Kevin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He found Christianity and was baptized in September 2020. By the grace of God and through Kevin's valiant fight, Kevin surpassed all expectations and lived his life to the fullest for three and a half more years. During this time, he traveled to numerous national parks, Mt. Rainier, Hawaii, Bora Bora, and set sail on a transatlantic cruise. Despite his illness, Kevin never lost his love for life and adventures with family, his charismatic personality, and his belief in God.

Kevin will forever live in our hearts. Rest in Peace.

Kevin is predeceased by Yong-Jie Chen, his beloved father and Alice Chen, his beloved mother. He is survived by his wife, Lih-Jiau; his son Jason Chen and daughter-in-law Alice Chen (and their children Timothy and Heather); his daughter Tina Twu and son-in-law Charles Twu (and their children Cameron, Madison, and Kristina); his daughter Tammy Chen and son-in-law Andreas Hoffbauer; and his daughter Tracy Chen and son-in-law Max Chen (and their children Avery and Keira).