Kwang-Ping Hsu
March 20, 1937 ~ December 11, 2007
Capt. Kwang-Ping Hsu, USCG (Ret.) of Potomac Falls, Virginia and formerly of Vienna, Virginia died on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at the Johnson Center in Falcons Landing. Beloved husband of Rosemary M. Hsu; father of LTC David K. Hsu, U.S.A. Special Forces(Christensen) and Cindy K. Hsu; brother of Kwang-Yen Fine and grandfather of Catherine, Meilani and Rosie Hsu. Memorial services will be held at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia on Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 P.M. followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. Funeral services will be held at Fort Myer Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. Interment Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions for the Hsu grandchildren's education may be made to the Fidelity Fund, c/o Damien McKenzie, 7600 Leesburg Pike, West Building, Suite 201, Falls Church, Virginia 22043.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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K-P was my roommate 3/c year at the US Coast Guard Academy. He was the most memorable of all my classmates. He was a diligent and serious student and had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to play little tricks on me. Over the years it is unfortunate that we did not keep in contact, but I thought frequently and fondly of him and tried several times to locate him. I am saddened to learn of his passing, but honored to have known him. He will always be remembered!!
Ping will be missed by all. In October I got to talk with him in the Falls Church when he came to the Petrodactyls’ roost. After he pulled me down for a big hug he whispered in my ear exactly what he thought. Ping had not lost his sense of humor or his blunt way of stating things. God bless all of the family.
Ping was a dear friend and a true professional officer and aviator. He was a family man and never had a bad word to say about anybody. A keen sense of humor, I always enjoyed “sparring” with him. We will miss him dearly and Vivian and my prayers are with Ping, Rosemary and family.
We are saddened to learn of Ping’s passing, but we know he is with our Father and at peace. My first memories are of Ping as a quiet, stern first classman at the Academy who left the barracks life behind to be a leader/mentor in Officers Christian Fellowship in the chapel each Sunday evening. We served in the same area only once – Hawaii in the mid-eighties – and again I saw the quiet, confident leader who mentored so many younger officers and enlisted. May God be with you all as you remember the many great times you had together.
We will miss Ping and fondly remember the many experiences our families shared while stationed at ATC Mobile. We had some very interesting times. Our prayers are with Rosemary, David and Cindy and their families and friends as they deal with the loss of their loved one.
My room-mate during second class summer at the Academy. I will always miss you and your special way of getting organized for each day. Ping will not be forgotten.
We are saddened to learn of Ping’s passing, he fought so valiantly to the end to vanquish his cancer. Ping was a true friend to all that crossed his path as witnessed at the Sept social gathering at the Ptero Roost. Ping’s arrival was stopped cold just inside the ballroom doorway by the endless line of Pteros who wanted a moment of his time. He never made it beyond that doorway. And regardless of how tired he must have been, Ping had a word for every person. Our deepest sympathy to Rosemary and family. We will always remember Ping; a distinguished CG Officer, aviator, photographer and gentleman.
From CAPT Norman & Mrs Jeanie Harper, USN (Ret); Ping and Rosie became engaged in our kitchen! The first house we owned was on Nameaug Av right beside the USCG Academy. Though a submarine family, we were pleased to offer a weekly Bible Study and Fellowship to Cadets, through the Officers’ Christian Union. Our spare bedroom was a free dorm many weekends for dates of OCU Cadets. Rosie, being one, was so sweet we knew Ping had made the right choice. He was a very thoughtful, kind, and caring Christian. We still have pictures he took of our children during those years.
Ping was a wonderful person and great friend. He will be sorely missed.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I was in the graduating class of 1956 with Ping and Yen. He will surely be missed by family and friends. Sincerely, Eleanor
Ping was a great shipmate and officer who earned the respect of all those who had an opportunity to serve with him. He made our trip on the USCGC GLACIER a more enjoyable experience simply by his presence. It was a pleasue to watch his pilots respond to his leadership, and see the respect they had for him as a man and their Commander. Men like him made the Coast Guard a better organization. I offer my heart felt sympathy to the family.
Ping will be sorely missed by all of his photo buddies. We know that he lived a life full of strength and vigor. To Rosemary and family our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers. May he rest in peace.
Rosemary, David, Cindy, and Rosie: A day will never pass without a fond remembrance of Ping. Our lives and careers were, for several brief years, intertwined. He was my mentor. A great leader, humanitarian and American. He exuded courage and always took the high road. He showed us a great zest for life. Never ambitious, always humble…ready to attack the next problem and surmount life’s hurdles. He’s a hero to me and another will not soon pass our way. I offer the Smith family’s sincere condolences for all you’ve endured, culminating in this huge loss. God bless you all.
An officer and a gentleman. I can offer no finer tribute. G. S. Duca, Capt. USCG (Ret.)
To Rosemary and family: Our remembrances of Ping are of a man of quiet dignity coupled with that wonderful sense of humor. But one of the things we remember most is his pride and intense joy whenever he was speaking about his family. You were his strength, his inspiration and his comfort.
Never had the privledge of serving Ping-Hsu, howevwe over the years became friends. He fought a tough battle and did it very very well..He will be missed. Billyed
I was an SK at Barbers Point, Hi. in 1966 and 1967. Mr. Hsu was very nice to me. I had such a great interest in aviation, ocassionally I would go up in the C130’s and he would let me take the controls for a little while. That was a tremendous experience. I will always remember his kindness.
Capt Hsu was a wonderful pilot to fly with. I went on many SAR flights with him while stationed in Hawaii and always knew that my safety was in the hands of an outstanding pilot and friend. May God be with he and his family and may he soar the heavens on angels wings.
A man of honor, dignity and compassion – a great shipmate. He left a legacy.
Ping was one of the nicest people I met in the Coast Guard. I will always cherish my memories of him. My condolences to the family. I know he will be dearly missed.
Dear Rosemary, Mona and I extend our sincere condolences to David, Cindy and you. As you well remember, we served together at Headquarters and the 14th District. Most importantly to me, Ping was an extremely honorably man and a good friend. As an officer, his knowledge and professionalism was of the highest order—so much so that today’s aviators are learning from his experiences when complying with operational directives which he helped to develop and promulgate throughout the entire aviation community. So, his words and deeds are still with us in those and other directives and will continue to be for years to come. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family and you. We’ll all miss Ping.
Captain Hsu, then a LCDR, trained the personnel of USCGC RUSH (WHEC 723) in helicopter operations in 1971. He was such a positive influence and encouraged me to pursue aviation as a career. I have always appreciated the time he spent discussing aviation with this young ensign.
Ping was our dear neighbor. We will sorely miss him and will always remember his kind, compassonate words, and lovable personality. Rosemary, Cindy, and David: Accept our heartfelt prayers and sincere condolense. God bless you.
Ping and I started our association in 1958 sitting “Trees” together and then waiting for the Board to decide whether we should continue our cadet career. Both of us did and both had good and successful careers. We have met each other numerous times over the years; but, even though we were both airdales, never served together. Knowing him was a great pleasure and he will surely be missed.
It has been a long time since Barbers Point in 1965 but I remember Ping as a fine young officer (are any of us young anymore?) My deepest sympathy to Rosemary and the children.
I served as Ping’s XO at Airsta Washington. Ever the leader he was none-the-less a friend and advisor. Rosemary, Maryann and I send our condolences to you, David and Cindy and want you to know you all are in our prayers. Ed and Maryann Goodwin
Ping was on my staff in Honolulu when I asked him to go on a trip to China with me when I was head of a delegation. His knowledge of the language, traditions, etc was very helpful. My wife told him however, that it wasn’t necessary to tell us what we were eating–sometimes it was better not to know. He was a great guy and Betty and I were better for having known him and his family. My sincere sympathy goes out to you. Clyde Robbins VADM, USCG (ret)
I was Ping’s HH52 instructor at Mobile. He had tremendous ability and confidence. We bonded quickly and I have been proud of our lasting friendship. My sincere sympathy.
I always looked forward to seeing Ping at the Ptero gatherings since my retirement in 1998, We enjoyed talking about photography. He will be missed by all.
Dear Rosemary, David and Cindy, Ping’s passing is a very sad moment indeed. He fought so hard and suffered such a along time, we had all hoped and prayed that he would finally recover. Ping was just a wonderful guy; honorable, loyal, an extremely professional pilot and a loving dad and husband with a marvelous sense of humor. Annie and I send our deepest sympathy for your great loss.
Dear Rosemary and family, Our hearts were saddened by the news of Ping’s passing,especially after seeing and talking with both of you at Ptero Roost in D.C. We know that Ping put up a valiant fight, and thanks to the support of his family, he was able to overcome the affects of a devastating illness, at least for awhile. Our prayers and thoughts for a healing closure go to out to you at this time of great sadness. Jerry and Gail Mohlenbrok
I shall always remember Ping’s beautiful photographs and winning smile. He was wonderful to work for and to work with.
Dear Rosemary and Family, Ping was one of the finest Coast Guard Officers I have ever known. It was wonderful to see him at the Ptero Roost this year,in such fine spirits. He was still the friendly guy we all knew and loved. He was a wonderful photographer and friend to all. Bob thought the world of him as an officer and fine gentleman. He loved serving with him in Washington. His many friends at Arlington will be there to welcome their fallen fellow comrade. With Deepest Sympathy and prayers for your family. Love, Joan Watterson
In the late seventies, privileged to serve as Clearwater Air Station’s initial commanding officer, I was privileged as well — as we all were — to have then Commander Kwang-Ping Hsu assigned as our unit’s Operations Officer. “Officer and gentleman,” is sometimes, perhaps, overused or misunderstood, but that phrase, in its most superlative meanings, applied in spades to Ping. Later, in retirement, a few years ago, Ping, life member of the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyls, volunteered his significant professional photographic talents, time and equipment to document annual roost activities on film. Regrettably, soon after his exemplary work photographing the November 2005 roost at Savannah, Ping fell ill and began his tortuous journey to Paradise. In September 2007, as the Hsus drove away from Ping’s brief, poignant visit to the Falls Church 2007, I saluted from the curb, and Ping, riding shotgun for his devoted Rosemary, saluted through the copilot’s window of their sedan. Our eyes met. Mine welled. I was privileged once more to exchange salutes with this great Coastie in October 2007 as Iris and I had to withdraw for the airport after too brief a visit. After our goodbyes, Ping, bodily frail, saluted smartly in his wheel chair. I shall remember those precious moments. Knowing Ping was a huge gift, and we shall miss him as we extend our deepest wishes for comfort and peace to friend Rosemary and their family.
Dee and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Rosemary and the family on the passing of Ping. We thought the world of Ping. May God comfort and guide you thru the this time of sorrow.
I have been looking over some of the photographs Ping took for me at the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens when I served the authority as Public Information Officer. His skill is phenomenal. I read the announcement of his passing yesterday in The Washington Post. I am sorry that I did not notice the earlier announcement. My huband and I would have come to the service. Ping was a good friend, a skilled photo artist and good company. I have thought of him often in the two and a half years since I had to leave the park authority. I am grateful, Mrs. Hsu, that I met you shortly before I was let go. We met at a reception for the Nature’s Best Photo Show. Ping was so proud of his family and showed me pictures of your son and daughter and the first granddaughter. I wasn’t there to see the images of the others, but congratulations on your beautiful family. Seventy-one is so young! I am grateful for the good memories I have of him. We are fans of Ansel Adams and Ping described so well his California adventures, photographing Adams as he himself took pictures along the California coast, rediscovering and developing the film. May his memory be a blessing to all of his family. He was a blessing to his country and all who knew him.
Francey and I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Rosemary and family for their loss. I had the honor and privelge to serve with and work for Ping at CGAS Clearwater. I could not have wished for a better boss and mentor. We will miss him.
Dear Rosemary, David and Cindy, Bev and I send our deepest sympathies to you on the passing of Ping. We enjoyed being your neighbors in Hawaii and I very much enjoyed working with Ping at CCGD14. Ping was an inspiration to all that worked with him and for him. More than that, he was a wonderful person and a great man. I always admired how he keep himself in such great shape. He will be truely missed by all that he touched … but we know that he is in a better place.
Dear Rosemary, You have been the inspiration for me during my husband’s illness. I wish I could say something to ease your loss but I know there are no adequate words for that. But I know the love and support from your children and friends will carry you through this difficult period. Thank you for up lifting me from my misery when I needed the help most. Take care of yourself.
Hi, Rosemary: On behalf of all sisters of OCAW-VA, I’m deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. With Love and Sympathy, Rita OCAW-VA
May loving thoughts and treasured memories help you through this difficult time. Henriette
Our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. May the strength of friends and family keep you strong in the days ahead. Wanda
Dear Rosemary, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers now and will continue to be in the future. May the Lord be with you now and always. Sincerely, Donna and Tony Byler
Dear Rosemary: I am so sorry for your loss. You can always count on your sisters for support at the OCAW.
Rosemary: Very sorry to hear the bad new. You can always count on the sisters of OCAW VA Chapter. You should take care of yourself
Dear Hsu Family, I just learned about the passing of your husband and father today. I extend my greatest sympathy to all of you and hope that your family endures through this time. I only met Capt. Hsu on a few occsions and he was always very much a gentleman to me. Always carry his memory and the great life experiences you had together. Your friend, Tim Farmer
Dear Rosemary and Family, With deepest sympathy for your loss, I send this Hopi prayer. Carolyn Wong Hopi Prayer Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on the ripened grain. I am the gentle Autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die.