More than 100 family members, co-workers, friends and fans yesterday gathered at Grace Baptist Church in Taipei to mourn the death of David Wang (
Wang died of liver cancer at the National Taiwan University Hospital at on Sept. 4. Prior to his passing, Wang had surgery to remove a tumor last May. However, it was discovered that the cancer came back approximately six months ago, but it was determined he was too weak to undergo another surgery. He died in hospital as a result of sudden blood pressure changes as the cancer spread throughout his body.
"Many of you are suffering now that David has left us. But I am telling you that he is now living in a better place," said Reverend Lee Chien (
A 15-minute video highlighting Wang's 39-year life was shown during the funeral service. Wang worked at ICRT since 1987.
After the service, Wang was buried at the "Peaceful Garden," a Christian cemetery in Jinshan Township, Taipei County.
For Taiwanese people who have been struggling hard to learn to speak English, Wang was their mentor because his English was described as having "almost no accent" by his co-workers, many of whom are native English speakers. However, Wang never had the opportunity to study abroad.
According to his wife Margaret Kao (高珍華), Wang was a person who enjoyed working out every day and would go jogging or swimming at least one hour a day. However, in 2003, doctors discovered that he had a 12cm-long tumor in his liver and suggested he undergo surgery to have it removed.
The doctors at the National Taiwan University Hospital filed a special application for Wang's surgery because all surgery activities were prohibited and suspended due to the spread of SARS during that period. When the application was approved, Wang was immediately sent to the surgery room and the tumor was successfully removed. Unfortunately, the cancer reappeared earlier this year.
Wang joined ICRT -- the only English-language radio station in Taiwan -- as an intern in 1987. He rejoined the station as a part-time disk jockey after he returned from his military service in 1990 and was the first Taiwanese on-air personality at the station.
In addition to his dedication to the radio business, Wang also wrote several books, which were best sellers at local bookstores, helping to inspire fellow Taiwanese students to learn and master English.
"David was a light for those Taiwanese children who want to learn English well. This is what he dedicated his life to," Lee said.
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