From Michael Huang

I was a high school senior when I met Dr. Cheng during the "transition period". At that time, I couldn't decide which college to go to, and UCLA was one of my top choices. I remember Dr. Cheng jokingly giving me really biased breakdowns of my possible college choices leaning towards UCLA, and at the same time giving really insightful and useful pointers about going to college in general. Dr. Cheng really made me want to go to UCLA and acted as a role model for me. Even though I didn't end up becoming a Bruin, Dr. Cheng's jokes and tips at the time has definitely helped me go through college. I want to thank Dr. Cheng for giving me great advice and a great smile. I will always remember his huge smiles and how he radiated positive energy. He was a great orthodontist, role model, and friend. Thank you Dr. Cheng for making going to the orthodontist exciting and fun. My sincere condolences to his family. I will always remember Dr. Cheng. God bless. R.I.P. Sincerely, Michael Huang

Samson H. Cheng Biochemistry Teaching Award - update

Just posting an update related to the TA'ships.

Chair's Office
UCLA - Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry
Box 951569
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569

Make checks payable to : UCLA Foundation
Memo : In Memory of Samson Cheng
Donations will be used for biochemistry TA'ships

It would be nice if we could continue to award the scholarships. There are enough funds for the scholarship for the next two years, but continued donations would help the Biochem department plan ahead.

Last year's scholarships were awarded to:
http://www.chemistry.ucla.edu/news/item?item_id=180804

One year later...

Almost year has gone by, but I think about Samson a lot still. Everytime someone mentions something about braces, or I eat dim sum, I think about him. It's comforting, yet bittersweet to miss him.

I'm a fan of traditions. I'm the type of person who remembers birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates. I like celebrating people. What are the kinds of traditions we can start in rememberance Samson?

Maybe cook a meal he would like? Go for a hike that he would enjoy? Make a donation to the UCLA Biochem Department so the scholorships can continue? Maybe just call some of his friends/family and share some memories together? Look at some photos together? Any other ideas?

I think about him often - I don't necessarily need to do something on a particular date to remember and honor his life. I just thought it would be nice to share it with other people.

I met Samson in undergrad on a group hiking trip. He was the only one who lent me a hand when we encountered rough terrains. Immediately his helpful and kind nature showed through his friendly gestures. It wasn't difficult to befriend a very likable guy who was fond of conversing and telling jokes. On occasion we would study together and encourage one another to do well in school. Samson was always hardworking and studious. There was no question he would achieve great heights in whatever he chose to focus on. At the time I was only aware he had his sights set in the medical field.

Besides work and school, Samson also enjoyed relaxing his mind playing video games. The ones I remember him playing were Minesweeper and Street Fighter II. Back in the days I did not know he could cook or even enjoyed cooking. For late night snacks he introduced me to the Mama instant noodles. They are good and I still buy them from time to time. Another activity he liked to do in the evening was go out for a jog to stay fit and relieve stress. I preferred being sedentary but he managed to drag me out a few times to breath the fresh night air and get the body moving. Honestly I did feel better after a bout of exercise.

We lost communication after a couple of years as I moved off campus and we were both busy with our respective studies and activities. In March of 2009 I received a surprise e-mail from Samson stating that he had moved to the Bay Area and that he was in the process of looking for a practice. I wished him luck but never heard back. Just recently I looked him up to get an update on how he's settling in with his new practice. Sadly I was greeted with the news of his passing. Even though he's gone too soon, I want to thank him for having brought happiness and smiles to those around him. I also want him to know how proud I am of him and admire all his achievements whether personally or professionally. Wherever he is now, I hope he is at peace and smiling. To his wife and family, please accept my condolences. At last, I want to dedicate the song "One Sweet Day" to Samson. May we meet again someday. We will all miss you.


Blue

Final Resting Place

Here are the details of Samson's final resting place.

Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary
3888 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
(562) 699-0921

From the Moeller Family, Patient of Dr. Cheng

My son is a patient of Dr. Kinoshita and since November 2009 had been seeing Dr. Cheng through the transition period. To be honest, our family was nervous when we heard Dr. K was retiring but felt immediately at ease when we met Dr. Cheng. He was wonderful, warm, incredibly educated and caring. His smile was infectious. I remember the day we were in there helping him decide on what business card design to choose - the monkey or the tooth? Our family liked him immensely, and we were so looking forward to working with him over the next years.

Our last appointment there was a week before he died; I remember him waving to us as we left and said he'd see us soon. Our first appointment since his passing is in two weeks. It's going to be so difficult to go back into that office. My kids (my other son goes with us to the appointments) were just devastated when they heard he died. We all were.

I just wanted you and your family to know how much he touched our lives in the short time we knew him. Please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy over his passing. He is and will be missed. Thank you for putting up the blog, sharing pictures, and memories.

The Moeller Family

Farewell, Uncle Samson

Samson was the very best uncle a boy or girl could ask for. We will all feel a huge void due to his departure, but I know Jackson (almost 6) and Cassidy (almost 5) will miss their only uncle tremendously.

Whenever Jackson had a loose tooth or lost a tooth, his first reaction was, "I can't wait to tell Uncle Samson." When Jackson would see Samson, he's immediately ask "what's different about me?" Of course, Samson would always notice. Jackson often had questions about teeth and I'd say, "That's a question for Uncle Samson." Uncle Samson would always have a perfect answer, but especially perfect for the understanding a 5 year old. Samson was always so caring and so loving with his neice and nephew.

We spent most Thanksgivings together. One Thanksgiving, Samson stayed up half the night assembling a Lego toy that Grandma had purchased for Jackson so that Jackson would be able to play with it in the morning. When it was done, Samson snuck into Jackson's room and put it where he wouldn't miss it. Jackson couldn't have been more delighted, but I don't think he realized the amount of work, effort and time that went into assembling that toy.

Samson introduced Jackson and Cassidy to the iPhone. When we'd go out for meals and they'd get bored, Samson would let them play on his phone. They loved it and couldn't wait to play with it. Now. they are both professional little iPhone users. Samson also passed on his love of video games to Jackson and Cassidy by introducing them to his Wii. I know we will think of him each time we play.

Cassidy is usually very shy around other people, but especially men. She took to Samson immediately - she was affectionate with him, sat on his lap and gave him lots of hugs. When I asked her what she thinks about when she thinks of Uncle Samson, her response was "love."

Goodbye, Uncle Samson, we miss you so, so much. We especially miss your genuine smiles, your kindness, your humor, your gentle heart, your generosity and your goofiness. May you rest in peace and may we meet you again in another lifetime.

Thoughts from Cindy

I've attempted writing a blog entry a couple of times, but had a hard time figuring out what to write. I went on a walk this evening and enjoyed the bright pink clouds as the sun was setting, and I kept thinking about how much I wish Samson were still here. So, I just wanted to write down a few things I was thinking about.

I remember the first time I met Samson. It must have been the winter break of 1996 or 1997. He came up to SJ to visit my sister Tracy while they were in college. I remember wondering to myself, "who is this guy!?". He had that big floppy hair still! :) I got to know Samson over years of Thanksgivings, Christmases, summers, various celebrations, and just hanging out. We both were at UCLA at the same time and even hung out from time to time when Tracy wasn't around (I was in undergrad and he was in dental school). I learned that Samson was smart, friendly, generous-spirited, enthusiastic and fun.

The funniest thing I remember about Samson was this time that I had this cool diskette case that I bought at a office supply store. He said that he really needed one and he asked if I would give it to him. It was the year that the Dixie Chicks came out with the CD with the hit "Ready to Run" and I happened to have it playing in the background. I told him, "if you learn the words to this song and sing it, you can have it." Samson, being so determined, did it! He actually sang the Dixie Chicks. It was hilarious. He was such a good sport and made me laugh so hard. He didn't care about how obnoxious I was being, he just wanted me to have a good laugh. I'm laughing and crying at the same time just thinking about it right now.

Another favorite memory of Samson is the time we went to Bryce Canyon together. It was just me, Tracy and Samson. We met in Vegas and drove to Bryce Utah together. We hiked, rode horses, and took pictures in front of every vista point sign. Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. There are beautiful red rock formations and canyons. Samson and I had the same point and shoot Canon camera, and he suggested, "Let's have a photo contest! At the end of the trip Tracy can judge who took the best photo at Bryce!" I experienced Samson's competitive side and it was so fun. We had a great time enjoying the scenery and snagging photo opportunities from each other. We each literally took hundreds of (the same) photos. Perhaps this is why I think Bryce is one of the best places to visit. We had a wonderful time.

I think about Samson many times a day. I can't help but miss him and I often wonder where he is now and what he's doing.

That's it for now.

From Ed & May Foo

I first met Samson through Tracy. I will always remember his warm personality and his gift of knowing great food. Ed & I were always happy to eat out with him because he knew the best dishes on the menu. We will remember our last meal together in November 2009. Great chinese food and walking around the strip mall after. Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple was shared with Tracy and Samson too.

Samson was a humble guy. He'd tell us about his roots in Monterey Park, how he collected recyclable cans, worked at Wendy's and even went to Pronto's Donuts like us. He shared with us how he worked during highschool and his highschool counselor believed in him and pushed him to attend UCLA. We admired all he'd accomplished in his career and family life. I'll also remember Tracy sharing with us how Samson was very bright, he didn't need to study as hard as everyone else, and he'd still do exceptionally well in school.

Samson was especially kind to my son, Justin and Justin was never afraid of him. I will always appreciate his dental advice for Justin and Ed. Samson gave us reassurance on Justin's growing teeth and even drove out of his way to give Ed a free dental consultation in which he affirmed our decision to forego painful dental surgery.

Samson was also a world traveler. I'd always hear about his China trips and his ways of meeting the locals who became his tour guide.

But most of all, whenever I close my eyes and think of him, I will never forget his infectious smile. We will miss you and never forget you.

Ed & May Foo

I met Samson and Tracy through my husband Peter and his long-time best friend, Kamyar Negari. I just had my daughter Audrey and we went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant in San Jose some time in 2007. I remember Samson having lots of good times with my daughter, who is now three years old.

Our last memory with Samson was having pizza at our house after he helped us tape around the house before painting it on Sunday, May 16. He looked so happy before he left us on May 18. I remember him asking when Audrey our daughter would turn three years. I told him that she would turn three on that Wednesday, May 19. He asked me to check on Audrey after he heard her cry while napping. After checking on Audrey, I told Samson she was only dreaming and it was OK to let her sleep.

Prior to that, I remember Samson and Tracy playing with our daugther Audrey, at a tennis court in Los Gatos or Saratoga in the fall of 2009. He was throwing balls at her to hit with a racket. Although Audrey was not successful at hitting most of the balls, she and Samson were having a wonderful time. Samson and Tracy continued to play with her on the playground swing and slides that same day.

I think Samson would have been a great daddy, based on his interactions with my daughter. Peter, Audrey and I will miss him very much.

Ria Villareal