Dr. George Chi-Tsing Kao's Obituary
Dr. George Kao was born in Hunan, China on March 11, 1922 and was one of four children to parents Zichun and Shu’e Kao. His father, Zichun Kao was a prominent industrialist who founded a large textile company in the town of Yiyang, China. As a young adult, George was selected to attend the top Political Science University in China, at the elite Central Institute of Political Science in Nanjing, where he studied to become an international diplomat. In 1945, he received his bachelor’s degree in International Diplomacy, but he had always had a dream on advancing his education in the United States. In 1950, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Cincinnati while simultaneously receiving his US citizenship. He then traveled to New York City to begin his professional career. George worked in several disciplines including a duration with the United Nations as a Chinese/English translator. He was also the Assistant Editor at a New York Chinese newspaper covering major post war events for several years. George later accepted a professorship position at a College in Tennessee. Soon after arriving in Tennessee, due to his vast United Nations experience and diplomacy background, he was one of eleven individuals, and the only Chinese delegate, globally selected for an elite international embassy program. This program took him around the world reporting on US relations while also visiting foreign embassies in France, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, as well as other countries throughout Europe. George continued his world travels in the Middle East and Asia visiting locations such as Egypt, Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan. While in Taiwan, he met a young woman named Janfen Ko and soon realized this was to be his forever spouse of over 55 years. After their marriage, and upon returning back to the United States with his new bride, they were blessed with their first child, Jane. While teaching full-time in Tennessee, George would again decide to further his higher education in Political Science & International Law. While completing his doctoral degree, he accepted a faculty position at the University of Tennessee in Martin and was the founder of the Political Science Division. In 1970, George and Janfen were again blessed and welcomed their second child, David. Dr. George Kao was awarded his Doctoral degree in 1972 with Honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Through his 25 year dedication to the University of Tennessee, he completed Ivy League research at Harvard University and Stanford University. He was able to influence and advise thousands of students who, over the years, have gone on to become US Senators, US Governors, US State Representatives, US Dept. of Justice Trustees, Judges, Attorneys, & fellow educators. His retirement ceremony from the University of Tennessee in 1992 earned him countless awards and privileges as Professor Emeritus from the University of Tennessee. Colleagues and former students crowded the packed celebration and sent congratulatory letters of past recognitions and appreciation for his long dedicated service. The Governor of Tennessee wrote “I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize your unselfish dedication, loyalty, and the guidance you have provided to students in higher education over the past 25 years”. A colleague at the University of Tennessee stated “George, you are not replaceable. There are few people I would say that about. I doubt if we will ever be so fortunate as to find someone else as genuinely good as you are. If angels in heaven are any better than you, then surely those who are fortunate to be with them will live in paradise.” George retired along with Janfen in Plano, TX. They spent their golden years traveling, visiting family and grandchildren, and assisting in their daughter’s successful medical practice. Dr. George C. Kao passed away on Friday, February 3, 2017 and entered into the house of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great uncle, uncle, brother, educator, and friend. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his long time spouse and best friend of 55 years, Janfen Kao. Also survived by his children and grandchildren: Dr. Jane M. Kao, Pediatric Cardiologist, founder of the Heart Center for Children in Dallas, TX. David I. Kao, Vice President Worldwide for Siemens Corporation in Orlando, FL and Spouse, Joanne Kao, Business Coordinator for Orlando City Youth Soccer. Samantha Kao will be graduating with Honors from Lake Mary High School and will be entering Florida State University in the summer studying Sports Medicine. Nicole Kao is a Freshman Honor student at Lake Mary High School and has been selected into the National AP Capstone Honors program. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Restland Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:30 PM, in The Memorial Chapel at Restland. A Rosary will be held at 9:15 AM, Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Mission of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with a Mass at 10:00 AM. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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