In Memory of Richard Wu

by Marie Lin

Ivan and I were acquainted with Richard in church, Chingshui in 1997. After pastor’s preaching we had a chat with him and randomly we introduced Toastmasters Club to Richard as he spoke English. I saw him a couple of times at toastmasters club. After marriage and child bearing I quitted toastmasters completely.

Other than church we met Richard once or twice at Police Station in Fengyuan to extend Ivan’s residence visa. He greeted us warmly there. Before his wife passed away we didn’t see him much. Starting from 2005 our memory of Richard was more clear. He told us he traveled around the world alone. Every time he visited us he’s very carried away by political relationship between Ukraine and Russia and the talk with Ivan.

What impressed me and Ivan very much is that he’s always there of our help. He knew that Ivan is not making a good living from art sale. Every time he stopped by us he picked up a painting right in his sight and paid for it. For 3 years he treated the Korean missionary group to Taichung Steak House and invited us along. He said his treat cost very little in comparison with the missionary effort. He even observed the tiny progress of our autistic boy Roman. Roman called Taichung Steak House as Uncle Richard’s Restaurant for he goes there only with Richard. These days we told him the truth that Uncle Richard will no more accompany him there, but we’ll go there as if we’re with Richard.

Looking back the years with Richard we learnt what LOVE means – unspoken giving and care. This is exactly what Christianity is meant for. He lives up to Christianity to the very last moment without fear of death tolling. Thank God that we came to friend with Richard Wu, a man of merciful personality.

We’ll try to live a giving life as Richard did !

Ivan Yehorov and Marie Lin

Editor’s note: Marie was an old FYTC member.