Robert Yu

Although Robert Yu accomplished so much for his family to be proud of, he was a humble and gentle man whose greatest source of pride and joy, which he shared with his wife, was in his three daughters and their children. They were the love of his life. His intelligence was fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge that was unmatched despite numerous obstacles. He faced the obstacles and handicap with great courage, perseverance, and strength. Throughout his life Robert possessed an unwavering faith in God. That faith carried him through struggles which most certainly could have broken him, and it was these same struggles that are a testament to his resilient strength. A man who has been called a miracle, a genius, and one of a kind, Robert will be deeply missed while his memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

The 1920s was a time of great struggle in China as escalating tensions gave birth to the Chinese Civil War that began in 1927. Despite the unrest around them, a young couple rejoiced in the birth of their newborn son on May 24, 1924, in Hangzhou, China. Baby Robert was the oldest of three children born to his parents, Yujen and Luteh (Ting) Yu. They raised him in Shanghai, China until the Japanese invasion forced the family to leave for Sichuan Province, where Robert lived for the rest of his life before coming to America. Robert was the first-born and later more siblings would follow. But only his brother, Dawei, and his sister, Pongpong (Ruth), survived into adulthood. His father worked for the government while his mother focused her attention at home. Robert was all boy and liked playing soccer and Chinese chess, reading, and going to church.

When he was seven years old Robert contracted meningitis. He was unconscious with a high fever for several days. His mother knelt by his bed weeping and praying diligently for God’s healing hand to touch her son. Finally after several days Robert opened his eyes, but soon the family discovered that he couldn’t hear anything. In that moment life was forever changed for him from a vibrant world of sounds to a world of silence. This marked the beginning of a long journey for Robert that forced him to face challenges everywhere he turned.

Determined to provide her son with a quality education despite his handicap, Robert’s mother devoted her life to help her son succeed. She patiently helped him with his speech, teaching him to lip-read while correcting his pronunciation when needed. Robert’s mother also built on the English he had already learned so that he was conversant in reading and writing in English. He could even pronounce English words. With a phenomenal memory and perseverance that never ran dry, Robert learned to communicate with friends, participated in various social activities, and strengthened his faith in God. Robert completed all his basic and high school education in mainstream elite schools. By the time he was in high school he applied to a highly acclaimed private school in Chongqing called Guangyi Middle School. Although the school’s principal initially declined Robert’s request, Robert’s parents pleaded with the headmaster and Robert was eventually admitted. It didn’t take long before those around him realized that Robert was an exceptional student, and he sailed through Guangyi Middle School with flying colors including his exams.

After graduation, Robert entered two prestigious Christian universities: Qilu University Chengdu (CheeLoo University) and West China Union University. He pursued a degree in pharmacology, through lip-reading, borrowing lecture notes from classmates after class and then immersing himself in the library where he devoured everything he could from reference books. Since he was unable to hear the final bell, Robert was often shut in the library therefore missing lunches, and even for overnight. It doesn’t come as a surprise that his grades were exemplary, and his achievements were talked about far and wide. Because of his success Robert became a bit of a hero and recognized as a man of honor. He went on to earn his bachelor of science degree. Robert also wrote autobiographical short stories in English that were published in a British magazine, which earned him a full scholarship to a British University. Unfortunately, he was not able to go after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

It was during this same time that Robert became acquainted with the lady who was studying for Medical Science. Her name was Xingzhen Wang. They met in the West China University Medical School. They were true companions who complemented each other throughout more than 60 years that followed. Together they nurtured three girls: Rong, Deyi, and Shengyi (Christine).

After graduating from West China Union University, Robert stayed at his alma mater where he worked in drug research under the famous professor, Ma Zhifu. His work there was outstanding, and within just a few years he published more than ten articles on his research. Robert also discovered a new disinfectant, phenyl mercury, for which he achieved great recognition. He also discovered the traditional Chinese medicine "Forsythia," which is still used today. He extracted and identified effective ingredients from a Chinese herbal medicine, studied its molecular structure, named “forsythol”. Through his experiments he paved the way for many of today’s discoveries in modern medicine. Robert later accepted an offer to work at Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute where he became a senior research engineer.

During the Cultural Revolution, numerous intellectuals were arrested as counter-revolutionaries on trumped-up charges such as international espionage. As a result Robert suffered physical and emotional abuse and torture. He was sent to the bullpen to do hard labor and was regularly scolded and beaten. Even in isolation, Robert kept his faith and adhered to the principles on which his life was based, never betraying his beliefs or the responsibility to his family. Unimaginably, he survived his darkest days. Unfortunately, however, Robert never returned to his beloved teaching or research work, although his talent and knowledge have been preserved in some of his publications. Self-taught in six languages, he engaged in a number of translations of scientific works until his retirement.

In his last days, Robert lived with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren in the rural town of Berrien Springs, Michigan. During this time his beloved wife took meticulous care of Robert, never faltering in her love. He flourished in the joy of being a husband, father, and grandfather, and was so proud of his three girls who established their own successful lives and careers.

Someone whose life exemplifies what it means to live in grace, Robert Yu was an extraordinary man to know and love. Robert never let life get the best of him and viewed every day as God’s gift for him. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is in his eternal home.

Robert Yu died on April 10, 2012. Robert’s family includes his wife, Xingzhen ; 3 daughters: Rong, Deyi and Shengyi (Christine) ; son in laws, Guiyuan, Xiaofei; grandchildren: Lin-de, Betty and Joshua; and 2 siblings: Dawei and Pongpong (Ruth). Services will be held 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Village Seventh Day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs. Life Story Funeral Funeral Homes, Betzler & Thompson - Paw Paw; 60900 M-40 Highway (800-822-7594). Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook.