Chin, Gabriel Ching (Liang Chou)

Gabriel Ching Chin died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, March 31, 2005.

He was born in Shantung Province, China, September 28, 1920, the third child and first son of Chung Shu and Ching Cheng (Liu) Chin. He was raised and educated in Lin-yi, Shantung, China, where his mother was a mathematics teacher and dean of a mission supported school. He received a B.S. in military science from the Central Military Academy of China, Nan Cheng, China, during the Japanese occupation. After accepting his commission in the Chinese Army (Kuo Ming Tang), he remained in the army for ten years, rising to the rank of battalion commander.

After leaving the army in 1952, he worked as teacher, translator and interpreter, at the Overseas Missionary Society Seminary in Taichung, Taiwan, and at T’unghai University, also in Taichung, until 1968, after which he worked with Hai Yuan Trading Corp. in Taipei, Taiwan, until 1971, when he moved to Ann Arbor.

In 1970 he married Janet Allen, of Floyd, VA, in Taipei, Taiwan. She survives him, along with their children, Elleanor (Andrew Chang), of Cleveland Heights, OH, Peter (Cynthia Shaff Chin), of Portland, OR, Miriam, of Ypsilanti, MI, Harriet (Dominic) Held, of Ann Arbor, MI, and three granddaughters, Daille and Dorothy Held, and Sophie Chin. He is also survived by one sister, Anna (Andrew) Wang, of Portland, OR, adopted brother Hung-wen Hao, of Taiwan, and many nieces and nephews, in the US, Taiwan and China.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and two siblings in infancy.

Gabriel’s love of Chinese classical literature, was expressed in numerous poetic compositions and essays. His love of music led him to sing in the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club, the University of Michigan Choral Union, the choirs of Bethlehem United Church of Christ, and First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor. His lifelong devotion to the practice and teaching of tai chi and chi gung leaves numerous students all over the US and abroad. His love of cooking and his expertise made his catered banquets and his cooking classes memorable.

Gabriel’s body has been donated to the University of Michigan Dept. of Anatomical Research, by his specific wish.

Donations and gifts in his honor and memory may be made to: Organ Fund, Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Street, Ann Arbor, 48104, or to the University of Michigan School of Music Scholarship Fund, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor MI 48109

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Saturday, April 9, at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends at home, at 408 Hamilton Place, Ann Arbor, immediately following the service.