Lu Kang Chang

Lu Kang Chang died suddenly on October 20, 2024 in Lakewood, Colorado after enjoying a soak in the hot tub, an activity that reminded him of his youthful days at the hot springs in Taiwan. His death at age 86 leaves a hole in the hearts of his family and friends while also leaving wonderful memories of a long life, well-lived. Lu was born in Tianjin, China on February 1, 1938 and was the oldest of 3 boys. He was an energetic and mischievous child. From an early age, he loved a good meal. When he earned high marks in grade school and got to pick any reward, he requested a whole roasted pig. Lu’s family emigrated to Taipei when he was in grade school, and he graduated from the prestigious National Taiwan University. After serving in the air force, he received a full-ride scholarship to University of Florida where he earned his PhD in mechanical engineering. He discovered that he could eat very well on his stipend, with hot dogs only costing a dime, leaving him plenty of money to send home to help his family in Taipei. Lu was proud to be a Gator and credited University of Florida with giving him the opportunity to realize the American dream. He met his wife, Joyce, in 1967 and they enjoyed coastal living in Virginia Beach. Shortly after getting married, they moved to the Chicago suburbs, where he spent his career at Argonne National Laboratories and worked on the nuclear breeder reactor program. Lu would bring home stories about the office jokes and banter, laughing so hard as he regaled us that we wondered when he actually found time to work. His career-long colleagues at Argonne became lifelong friends. Lu and Joyce had 3 daughters, whom they raised in the Chicago area. Because he loved good food, he became an excellent cook. When Joyce started working outside the home in the early 1980’s, Lu assumed the daily dinner making duties. He would arrive home at 5:30 each weekday and manage to have a multi-course meal on the table by 6:15, when Joyce would arrive home after her commute home from the city. He showed his love to his family through his excellent cooking and had incredible knife skills to rival any master chef. When he’d experiment with a new dish and the girls would inquire skeptically, “Is it good?”, he’d reply “It’s good if you like it”, a Chang family catchphrase that is frequently recited by three generations. In his free time, Lu enjoyed playing sports and was a strong athlete, competing in tennis, basketball, swimming and ping pong. He was also a great dancer and known for his jitterbug. During retirement, he’d make a day of going to the local gym, playing sports, and socializing with friends over smoothies. He loved to eat out and indulged in sweet treats. His bedtime ritual included a cup of caffeinated black coffee and a slice of cake, against the advice of doctors and pretty much everyone around him. Lu loved laughing. He found “Three’s Company”, Carol Burnett and Benny Hill to be the height of hilarity, as tears of laughter streamed down his face while he watched each episode. Even in his 80s, his idea of what was funny remained constant and slapstick comedy never got old. Lu was crushed by the illness and death of his wife, Joyce, to cancer in 2022. But rather than wallow, he built a new community of friends at the Ridge at Pinehurst senior living center and became known for his singing while strolling in the pool and his daily routine of soaking in the sun. We imagine that somewhere, somehow, he’s still joyfully singing and strolling in the light. Lu is survived by his daughters Judy Chang (Jeff Mitbo), Virginia Wang (Prosper Wang), Joanne Chang (Tony Sollenbarger) and 9 grandchildren: Shane, Luke and Ella Mitbo; Ethan, Mia, Tyler, AJ and Lindsey Wang; Nova Schnakenberg. He is also survived by his siblings-in-law Lin-Gen, Lin-Sheng, Lin-Lin, nieces and nephews Lynn Chang, Wayne Lo, Ryan Lo, Andrew Mei, Eric Chang and Polly Colby. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Joyce, mother W.R. Wang, father Y.C. Chang, brother Peter Chang and son-in-law George Schnakenberg. Lu loved a good party, so we are inviting all his friends and family to a celebration of life in the Denver area on November 16th. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers and donations, please remember Lu by enjoying a decadent dessert -- he would certainly approve.