Our father, as a child, witnessed the cruelty of war.  We know you valued peace.  From 1970s to 1980s, you worked as Director of Human Resources at a garment factory in China.  In the early 1980s, you and our mother decided to immigrate to the United States to pursue the American Dream.  You sacrificed your good life to begin a new life in a new country.  Language barrier and culture differences did not stop you from providing for us.  You taught us the value of hard work, determination and education.  You loved and enjoyed cooking so much that you later became a chef.   We were proud of you as you were able to turn your passion into your career for many years.  You were a happy man.

Even in retirement, you still lent your helping hands by taking care of your grandchildren.  We were so glad to see you going to your favorite restaurant for Chinese dim sum every morning rain or shine.  

We still cannot believe you left us so suddenly – we will always remember and love you.  You have left a big void in our lives and life will never be the same again.  You will always be in our hearts.  We wish that we had expressed how much we loved you when you were here with us.  We wish we could turn back time.  We will never forget you and you will always remain our dear father.

林耀南, 1933-2021

我们的父亲小时候就亲眼目睹了战争的残酷。我们知道您重视和平。从1970年代到1980年代，您在中国一家制衣厂担任人力资源总监。在1980年代初期，您和我们的母亲决定移民美国追求美国梦。您牺牲了美好的生活，开始了在新国家的新生活。语言障碍和文化差异并没有阻止您为我们提供良好的成长環境。您教会了我们努力，决心和教育的价值。您非常喜欢烹饪，后来您成为了厨师。我们为您感到自豪，因为您能够将自己的激情转化为您的职业。你是一个快乐的人。

即使在退休时，您仍然可以通过照顾孙子来伸出援助之手。我们很高兴见到您每天早晨无论晴雨都去您最喜欢的餐厅享用茶点。

我们仍然无法相信您突然离开了我们–我们将永远记住并爱着您。您在我们的生活中留下了巨大的空白，生活将永远不再相同。您将永远在我们心中。我们多希望可以表达我们有多爱您。我们希望时间可以倒退。我们永远不会忘记您，您永远是我们亲爱的父亲。