Nai Wen Lin's Obituary
A Tribute to Nai Wen Lin
Nai Wen Lin (林乃文), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devout Christian, passed away on July 22, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 87. His life was a testament to resilience, faith, and dedication.
Born in 1938 in Fuzhou, Fujian, China, Nai Wen grew up amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II and the Chinese Civil War. Despite these challenges, he pursued education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Zhejiang University in 1961. His career as a mechanical engineer flourished, showcasing his brilliance and passion for innovation.
In 1968, Nai Wen married his beloved wife, Bi Xuan. Together, they raised their children, Amy and Jerry, in Sanming, Fujian, China. In 1980, driven by the desire to offer his family greater opportunities, Nai Wen and family emigrated to the United States.
A devout Christian from his youth, Nai Wen’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He actively sought out local churches, serving as a beacon of godliness and inspiring his children and grandchildren to embrace Christianity. His legacy of faith will continue to inspire generations.
In the United States, Nai Wen transitioned from mechanical to chemical engineering, fueled by his determination and grit. Balancing a full-time job, he earned his master’s degree in polymers in 1992. His ingenuity was evident through his three U.S. patents. After 17 years of dedicated service at ICI/Huntsman, he retired in 2003 as an engineering fellow.
Nai Wen’s devotion extended beyond his family and career. He served as an elder and treasurer at Oakland Chinese Church in Michigan, contributing significantly to the church’s growth and spiritual community.
In retirement, Nai Wen cherished simple joys: reading classic Chinese novels, traveling extensively across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and nurturing his garden, especially his favorite gua (gourd), well into his 80s. His passion for travel lives on through his son.
One thing he never retired from and was known for was his remarkable ability to fix mechanical gadgets; his toolbox remains a testament to his heart and skills, stocked with an array of nuts and bolts, ready to mend anything broken.
Nai Wen is survived by his loving wife, Bi Xuan; his daughter, Amy, married to Gilbert; his son, Jerry, married to Debbie; and five cherished grandchildren: Aiden, Evelyn, Kathryn, Matthew, and Nathan. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy of faith, love, and resilience will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.
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