Ing Shan Sun

Born in Jiangsu Province, China, Ing Shan experienced war, displacement, and the loss of his homeland at a young age. In 1949, he left mainland China and began a new life in Taiwan. There he completed his education, formed lifelong friendships, and developed a deep appreciation for the Republic of China and the opportunities it provided after a time of profound uncertainty. It was also in Taiwan that he met the woman who would become the center of his life.

Ing Shan and Shu-Mei were married in 1962. The following year, he traveled to the United States to pursue graduate studies and build a future for his young family. In 1965, Shu-Mei and their daughter Lisa joined him in California, and together they began the work of building a life in a new country. In the years that followed, they welcomed their son Dick and continued building the family that would become the center of their lives.

Over the decades that followed, they raised their children, welcomed grandchildren, and created a home known for its warmth, hospitality, and enduring sense of family. Friends and relatives remembered lively gatherings, long conversations, and Shu-Mei’s remarkable cooking. Ing Shan often spoke with admiration about her ability to create abundance from modest means and never hesitated to credit her for much of what they built together.

Though active in writing, public affairs, and community life, family remained his greatest source of pride. He took immense satisfaction in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and found joy in seeing the next generation thrive.

The most difficult chapter of his life began with Shu-Mei’s passing in 2015. Yet even in loss, Ing Shan chose to rebuild. For more than ten years, he visited Rose Hills almost every day. He tended flowers, cared for the gravesite, and maintained the quiet routines that connected him to the woman he loved. In the early years, he would often remain for an hour or more, sitting beside her, writing, reflecting, and speaking aloud about the events of the day. Beside him there was often a second chair, reserved for Shu-Mei.

Those who knew him understood something important about Ing Shan. Although he occupied many roles during his life, including refugee, student, immigrant, writer, public servant, husband, father, and grandfather, the role he cherished most was that of husband.

In the final days of his life, he left these words for his family:

“Your father and grandfather bids you farewell with a smile. There is no sorrow in this parting, only blessings. I go now to reunite with the woman I have loved all my life, your mother and grandmother.

Perhaps that reunion exists only in my imagination, a comforting dream beyond human understanding. Yet it brings me peace.”

Ing Shan Sun is survived by his daughter, Lisa Sun Tan, and son-in-law, Mariano Tan; his son, Dick Ti-Ko Sun, and daughter-in-law, Tanya Eng Sun; and his granddaughters, Lana Sun and Chloe Sun.

Visitation will be held at Rose Hills Mortuary, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601, US, on June 25, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Rose Hills Memorial Park - Hillside Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601, US, on June 26, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Final resting place will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, in Garden of Radiance III, Gate 1, Row 1, Lot 312, Space 2.