Farewell to Jiang Hansheng, representatives of the overseas Chinese community in Northern California gathered in Bailingyuan

On October 19, representatives from the Jiang and Yin families, along with members of the Northern California Chinese community, gathered at the Bayview Pavilion in the San Francisco area to honor the legacy of the late Jiang Hansheng during a memorial ceremony. This respected elder not only dedicated his life to his family but also emerged as a prominent figure within the community, earning deep admiration for his contributions.

Jiang Hansheng was the brother-in-law of Yin Jicheng, the founder of the Asian Pacific American Alliance (APAPA). Born in Nantong, Jiangsu, China, in 1932, he moved to Taiwan due to the turmoil caused by war. He attended Pingtung High School and later earned a degree in business from National Taiwan University. From a young age, Jiang was known for his diligence and respect for teachers, holding the profession in high regard and dreaming of one day becoming an educator himself.

With this aspiration in mind, Jiang began teaching in Taiwan before spending six years educating students in Singapore. Yet, the sense of mission he felt as a teacher did not deter him from furthering his own education. To pursue his dream of becoming a professor, he moved to the United States to study for a Ph.D. at the University of Washington in Seattle.

At the age of 30, Jiang became engaged to Yin Jihui, and they married two years later. Their first daughter, Jiang Yun, was born when he was 36. Life became challenging during the economic downturn in Seattle, but Jiang persevered and eventually earned his doctorate at 40, landing a stable full-time position.

For the next 20 years, Jiang capitalized on opportunities presented during the 1970s California tax revolt. With his strong background in economics and finance, he brought significant improvements in fiscal management to over a thousand school districts in California. Although he never taught in the classroom, he became a respected expert in public education finance, providing precise guidance that enhanced educational environments.

As his professional life flourished, so did his family. At 44, his son Jiang Pei was born, who not only inherited his father’s academic ambition but also became an educator at prestigious universities in Oregon and Shanghai, fulfilling Jiang’s dream of becoming a professor.

However, in 1999, calamity struck when Yin Jihui suffered a stroke, leading Jiang to end his professional career early to care for her. For the next 25 years, he devoted himself to his wife, displaying unmatched patience and love, rarely leaving her side. This selfless dedication won him respect from both family and the local community.

Even in retirement, Jiang remained active, engaging in online investments, playing bridge, and writing essays, consistently contributing his wisdom and energy to his family and community. He was also a generous philanthropist, often donating to the Asian Pacific American Alliance (APAPA) to support political education and engagement within the Asian community.

In July, Yin Jihui was baptized in the hospital, joining the Catholic faith. Tragically, she passed away on August 5, leaving Jiang heartbroken, yet he continued to face life’s challenges with resilience. In September, he received a diagnosis of colon cancer that had metastasized to his bones and lungs. Despite this grim news, Jiang maintained his characteristic calm and compassion in his final days, surrounded by loved ones and filled with a sense of peace about life.

Jiang Hansheng’s life was one of unwavering dedication. He not only invested deeply in his family but also left a lasting impact on his community and society at large. His wisdom, love, and selflessness will be forever etched in the memories of his family and the community. While his passing leaves a profound void, his spirit will continue to inspire those he loved, motivating future generations to pursue excellence and care for one another. May his soul rest in peace and find eternal happiness.