Tse-Chiang Chang

Tse-Chiang Chang, M.D. passed away on May 7, 2020 at the age of 81. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a generous friend.

Tse-Chiang was born in a rural town near Taipei, Taiwan. His hard work enabled him to become the first graduate of his grammar school to gain entry to high school at a time when secondary education was not mandatory in Taiwan. He later tested into Taiwan National University, the top university in his native country, from which he graduated with his medical degree in 1964. He completed a residency in pediatrics. Tse-Chiang took pride in his identity as a tenth-generation Taiwanese.

Tse-Chiang and his wife became engaged while they were in college and married in 1963. In 1967, he traveled to the United States for further training including a cancer research fellowship at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo, NY. He extended his medical training to ultimately earn board certifications in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. Tse-Chiang, his wife, and their two older children proudly became naturalized American citizens in the 1970s.

In 1977, after that year’s historic series of blizzards in New York, Tse-Chiang moved his family to the Los Angeles area and began a solo private practice. He joined the medical staff at Beverly Hospital where he later served with distinction for several years on the Board of Directors. He also served for a time as chair of the Department of Medicine at Garfield Medical Center. Tse-Chiang retired in 2011.

Beyond his medical career, Tse-Chiang made significant contributions to the community. In 1978, Tse-Chiang and his wife were among the founding members of the Chinese Club of San Marino. They were also among the founding members of the Taiwanese American Citizens League in 1985. For a time, Tse-Chiang was a member of the Montebello Rotary Club.

Tse-Chiang enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with his wife and friends. Among his family and friends he was known as a gourmet, seeking out Chinese food worldwide. Raised as a farm boy, he always kept a garden, where he cultivated many varieties of organic vegetables and fruits. Over the years he and his wife also took pleasure in hosting barbecues; he was known for his triple meat menu: grilling chicken, pork, and beef each time as the centerpiece of an abundant meal.

Tse-Chiang is survived by his wife, four children, and nine grandchildren.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Chinese Club of San Marino in memory of Tse-Chiang Chang. Donations will be directed toward the Chinese Club’s arbor project at Lacy Park.  As a tribute to the Founders of the organization, the Chinese Club of San Marino has been planting trees in a grove near the Lacy Park rose arbor. In addition, donations will be matched by an anonymous donor.

Interment will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

A celebration of Tse-Chiang Chang’s life will be scheduled for a future time.