Cui Zengqi - high in moral character, but a wise philosopher, his taste is far beyond his reach, his voice and appearance are still there

Cui Zengqi - high in virtue and high esteem, his philosopher is withered, his character is far beyond his reach, his voice and appearance are still there - A farewell ceremony for Mr. Cui Zengqi …

— Notes on the Farewell Ceremony of Mr. Cui Zengqi

Written by Chen Lijun / Photographed

On the morning of April 7, 2016, a memorable day, the vast number of overseas Chinese gathered at the Green Cemetery in Phoenix City with a very sad heart to hold a farewell ceremony for the respected overseas Chinese leader Mr. Cui Zengqi, and sincerely bid Mr. Cui his last journey. The gloomy sky seemed to be mourning the dead along with the people. The hall was solemn and solemn, and the seats were packed. Mr. Cui's coffin stood in the middle, covered with flowers, and wreaths, elegiac couplets and flower baskets sent by all walks of life were placed on both sides. The TV screen scrolled through photos of Mr. Cui's growth, family, work and career. Everyone slowly understood his life trajectory and felt cordial and cherished.

Biography of Cui Zengqi: Born in Huzhou, Zhejiang in 1937, he fled to Yunnan when he was young and attended primary school and middle school in Shanghai. Graduated from Hefei Mining Institute majoring in civil engineering and mine construction in 1954. From 1954 to 1998, he worked successively in the Northwest Coal Mine Infrastructure Bureau, the Infrastructure Department of the Ministry of Coal Industry, China Coal Construction and Development Group, and China Coal Pipeline Company, serving as technician, engineer, chief engineer, deputy chief engineer, senior engineer, chief engineer, etc. During this period, he also served as a professor and master's tutor at China University of Mining and Technology, Shandong Mining Institute, and Xi'an Mining Institute. In 1993, he was awarded the Certificate of Outstanding Contribution by the State Council and enjoyed special government subsidies. Served as a member of the construction industry review committee for the National Science and Technology Progress Award. At the end of 1998, he retired and moved to Phoenix, the United States, to serve the overseas Chinese community and served as the chairman of the Phoenix Senior Citizens Association. He is currently the vice-president of the Greater Phoenix Overseas Chinese Federation, advisor to the Senior Citizens Association, and principal of the Alberta Chinese School. In the early morning of April 2, 2016, Mr. Cui, who had been fighting cancer for nearly 20 years, passed away due to ineffective treatment.

Life is as brilliant as summer flowers, and death is as quiet and beautiful as autumn leaves. The memorial service was emceeed by Overseas Chinese Affairs Councilor Gao Zhizhong. First, the Mandarin Choir and the Cantonese Choir of the Chinese Youth Association sang "Amazing Grace", "Walk Away", "Sing a Song from Heaven" and "Gently". Yu Wenjin, chairman of the funeral committee, delivered a eulogy. Deng Hongyue, chairman of the Greater Phoenix Overseas Chinese Federation, gave a life report in English. Li Jian, president of the Chinese Federation of Alberta, first conveyed the condolences of the Los Angeles Consulate General for Mr. Cui’s death and cordial condolences to his family, and gave a life report in Chinese. Representatives from all walks of life came to the stage to speak: former White House Asian and Pacific Islander Councilor Deng Chaoju, Alberta Chinese educator Shuai Zhiruo, linguist Dr. Chen Pu composed a poem with ink, Zhang Huafang, chairman of the Alberta Chinese Restaurant Association, Tian Lin, principal of Hope Chinese School, and the Board of Directors of Modern Chinese School Chairman Tian Shaowei, city council candidate Huang Xinmin, Phoenix Taiwan-American Chamber of Commerce President Zhang Shengyi, Chairman of the Senior Citizens Association Chen Xiubo and Mr. Cui expressed their memories and condolences to Mr. Cui respectively, and spoke highly of his noble character, personality and dedication. Many people did not make an appointment to speak in advance. Facing the deceased, the atmosphere at the scene was full of emotions and true feelings, which made everyone moved and shed tears. We have forever lost a dearest brother, a friend who solved problems, a teacher with both ability and political integrity, a selfless volunteer, a fighter against disease, and an amiable elder.

The Overseas Chinese Federation of Greater Phoenix and the office of U.S. Senator John McCain issued a certificate of appreciation in recognition of Mr. Cui’s outstanding contributions to the overseas Chinese community and the Chinese community over the years. The eldest son of Mr. Cui’s family members delivered a speech. Afterwards, the guests slowly paid their respects to the remains and expressed condolences to the family members. Under the watch of people, the overseas Chinese leaders Deng Chaoju, Deng Hongyue, Li Jian, Tao Shicheng, Fei Jian and Gao Zhizhong carried the spirit out together with solemn expressions. A farewell ceremony that was both simple and solemn, warm and touching came to a successful conclusion. Mr. Cui's ordinary but great life inspires us to never give up, and there will be successors to his unfinished business.

Here, special thanks go to Gao Zhizhong for announcing the news of Mr. Cui's death as soon as possible. Senior overseas Chinese leader Yu Wenjin took the lead, coordinated all parties, and quickly established a funeral committee. In just 4 days, a "high-standard" farewell ceremony was successfully held. It was not easy. Special thanks to the Overseas Chinese Federation, Hualian, Modern and Hope Chinese Schools, the Phoenix Senior Citizens Association, the Memorial Building Neighborhood Committee, and friendly people from all walks of life for their active participation and assistance, which enabled this common responsibility to be carried out smoothly and fully demonstrated the power of Chinese unity. I believe Mr. Cui in heaven also feels this true feeling. Mr. Cui, rest in peace! ! !

Senior overseas Chinese leader Yu Wenjin gave a speech

Mr. Cui’s son thanked all relatives and friends for seeing his father off on his last journey.

Mr. Cui has a good journey...

>Cui Zengqi's life

1938-1945 Fleeed to Yunnan, and attended the Mingliang Coal Mine Employees' Children Primary School at the age of 5

1946-1952 Graduated from Shanghai Peizhen Primary School, Chengyi Middle School and high school from Nanyang Middle School

1952-1954 Graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering of Hefei Mining Institute, majoring in mine construction

1954-1964 Technician, engineer and chief engineer of Northwest Coal Mining Infrastructure Bureau

1964-1991 Engineer and deputy chief engineer of the Infrastructure Department of the Ministry of Coal Industry. Promoted to professor-level senior engineer in 1984

1992-1998 Chief Engineer of China Coal Construction and Development Group, Deputy General Manager of China Coal Coal Pipeline Company. During this period, he concurrently served as a part-time professor at China University of Mining and Technology and Shandong Mining Institute, a master's tutor at Xi'an Mining Institute, and a member of the construction industry review committee for the National Science and Technology Progress Award.

1993 The State Council issued a certificate of outstanding contribution and enjoyed special government subsidies

1998-2016 Retired and moved to the United States at the end of the year. He served the overseas Chinese community and served as the chairman of the Phoenix Senior Citizens Association. Currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Greater Phoenix Area Overseas Chinese Federation, Advisor to the Senior Citizens Association, and Principal of Feini Chinese School