In an emotional 20-minute tribute, Liu Chunyi, the son of California State Senator Liu Chuangfeng, delivered a heartfelt farewell during his father’s memorial on October 6. “My father sacrificed so much for us, and while we can never fully repay him, I am eternally grateful for the future he gave us,” he shared, struggling to hold back tears.
Reflecting on his father’s passing, Liu Chunyi described his feelings as a complex blend of sadness, guilt, and profound gratitude. He recounted his father’s humble beginnings in a farming family in Taichung, where hard work and education enabled him to become the first in his family to attend high school, eventually securing a position at Taiwan Bank after overcoming numerous exams.
Despite having a stable job and a comfortable life in Taiwan, Liu Chuangfeng made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States, driven by a desire to provide a better future for his children. Liu Chunyi became emotional as he recalled that pivotal moment of his father’s decision.
He emphasized that his father wasn’t seeking a superior material life or trying to run away from responsibilities; instead, he wanted to offer his children more freedom of choice. Liu Chuangfeng believed that the U.S. provided opportunities for a broader range of experiences and a sense of freedom that he felt was difficult to attain in Taiwan.
This tough choice not only changed Liu Chuangfeng’s fate but also that of the entire family. Liu Chunyi pointed out that despite the chance to become a senior executive in Taiwan, his father humbly started anew in Flushing, taking on a low-level position at a Japanese bank. There, he contended with language barriers and adapted to a completely new culture and lifestyle.
Throughout these challenges, Liu Chuangfeng’s resolve never faltered. He eventually established his own accounting firm in Flushing. “He never complained and faced every challenge with determination. He would always remind us that these hardships were for our better future,” Liu Chunyi reflected.
While Liu Chunyi grapples with a sense of guilt for not being able to repay his father’s sacrifices, he made it clear that Liu Chuangfeng had no regrets. “For him, as long as his children could grow up and succeed in America, everything he did was worthwhile,” he stated.
“This is my father, Liu Chuangfeng. He achieved countless remarkable things in his life. Even though we didn’t share many intimate moments or frequently say ‘I love you,’ he showed his deep love for our family through his actions. His life was a silent dedication,” Liu Chunyi concluded, a look of respect shining in his eyes.
