Obituary of Christen Hsiao-Ching Yang

Christen "Chris" Hsiao-Ching Yang peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2014. He was born on November 8, 1923, in Shanghai, China to Ching-Ching Yang and Yah Yeh Mao; Chris was 90 years old. Chris married the love of his life, Rachel Yun-Jui Sung, in 1950, and moved to Camas, WA the following year. Chris formerly lived in New Hampshire, New York, and Shanghai, China. He earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry and a Master's Degree in Pulp and Paper Technology from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He went on to work at Crown Zellerbach Central Research Department in Camas, where he was awarded six patents before retiring from James River Paper Company in 1985. After he retired, Chris continued consulting and traveled to over 40 countries throughout the world. He was an active member of the community including the Founder of the Camas Community Education, distinct honor of being selected to serve on the Long Range Planning Committee for former Camas Mayor Nan Hendricksen, Co-Founder and First President of the Chinese Scientist Engineer Professional Association of Oregon, a member of St. John's Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis, Lion's Club, Certified Picture Framer, and so much more. He will be remembered for his love of origami and art, golf, ping pong, trivia knowledge, his passion for food, and spending time with his family and friends. Chris is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rachel of Camas; Dave Vicki Yang of Vancouver, Bob Olga Yang of Austin, Texas, and Christine Matthias Mueller of Corvallis, Oregon; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. There will be a celebration of Chris' life on Saturday, May 24th at 11:00 am St. John's Presbyterian Church: 1206 NE Birch Street; Camas, WA 98607. Viewing will be held on Friday, May 23rd from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Straub's Funeral Home: 325 NE 3rd Ave. Camas, WA 98607. Private interment will be held at the Camas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Operation Homefront at 7014 NE 79th Court Portland, OR 97218-2816 or to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at www.onedown.org. Straub's Funeral Home and Columbia River Cremation in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.