Peter Ching-Yao Tan passed away quietly at home on May 3, 2021, in his 98th year.

He liked to describe himself as a "lucky wanderer," and he had a truly remarkable life. His journey began as a 16-year old, when he left home to search for his father during the Second Sino-Japanese War. As he travelled through China, "Little Tan" completed an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. Having learned English, Peter then worked with American missionaries, before fleeing to Hong Kong, where he continued his youth ministry work, while teaching primary school.

A scholarship enabled him to sail to Decorah, Iowa. As a mature student and the sole Chinese, Peter quickly completed an undergraduate degree at Luther College. Subsequent travels took Peter to the University of Saskatchewan to complete a Master's degree and then to Ontario, where he met his future wife and completed his doctorate in mathematics at the University of Toronto.

A dedicated mathematics professor at Carleton University, Peter also taught as a visiting professor in Tanzania. Following his wife to South America, he then lectured at the University of Guyana before retiring at the age of 80.

Peter will be remembered by those who knew him for his passion for helping others and his strong Christian faith. Peter will be dearly missed by his wife Leila, daughters Denize and Mae-Yu (Blair), and his Tam and Davidson family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North York General Hospital at www.NYGHFoundation.ca

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