On October 18, 2023, Zhou Yu, a retired colonel, renowned Chinese-language author based in Los Angeles, and a survivor of the tragic Montebello dance hall shooting, passed away at the age of 90.
His daughter, Jennie Qin, shared the news just five minutes after his passing, stating in a post, “Dad passed away five minutes ago.” She later confirmed this to a reporter.
Friend Chen Shimei expressed condolences online, writing, “He left quietly, which is a blessing. Please encourage and comfort Mom during this time.” Zhou Yu’s wife, Zhang Fumei, shares her name with a former chairperson of the Overseas Community Affairs Commission of the Republic of China. Zhou had previously written an essay titled “A Chairperson in the Family.”
Chen added, “He passed peacefully, and both the hospital and family took excellent care of him.”
Former Overseas Community Affairs Commissioner Yang Yiyi recalled meeting Zhou Yu on August 10, when he mentioned he had begun dialysis—doing it himself at home rather than going to the hospital. Little did they know it would be their last encounter. Zhou was present at the Montebello dance hall during the shooting that shocked the nation; fortunately, he left just ten minutes prior to the tragic event.
This past February, at the age of 89, Zhou published his 21st and 22nd works, a biography collection titled “Ink and Deep Affections” and an essay collection “The Taste of Diamonds.” A book launch was held by the North American Los Angeles Chinese Writers Association at the Langley Center in Monterey Park, attended by fellow authors and representatives from Chinese community organizations. World Journal Los Angeles President Yu Zhiqin also delivered a speech celebrating Zhou’s publication and his unwavering spirit.
Having immigrated to the United States over 40 years ago, Zhou was actively involved in the Southern California Chinese community, taking on leadership roles in various organizations, including the Los Angeles Writers Association and the Los Angeles Glorious Society. Throughout his career, he penned over three million words across more than 22 published works, receiving numerous accolades such as the Outstanding Chinese American Achievement Award in Los Angeles, the First Prize for Literary Reporting from United Daily News, and the “May Fourth” Literary Award from the Chinese Literature Association, among others.
