On the morning of August 19th, 2021, Daan Xing left this world in peace and contentment. Daan will forever be loved and missed by his wife Yan, his children Nick and Jasmine, Holly and John, his grandchildren Evania, Noah and Levina.
Born on March 12th, 1941 near Wuhan, China, Daan was the first university educated person in the Xing’s family history. After graduating from the prestigious Wuhan University with a degree in Computational Mathematics, Daan became one of the first generation computer engineers, devoting his service to China National Space Administration. Daan was awarded multiple times for his extraordinary contributions to aircraft design and research for National Defence, and was honored with the title Senior Engineer in his early forties.
Daan came to the University of Victoria as a visiting scholar in 1989 and fell in love with this beautiful country and city. He decided to give up almost everything to move his family here so his children could have more opportunities and a brighter future.
Daan had a lifelong thirst for education, which to him, is a privilege. He helped many children in his extended family to advance their education, which he considered his most important accomplishment.
Daan lived his entire life with generosity, authenticity, honor, curiosity, passion and most importantly, humor. He has brightened the lives of many: his family, many of his relatives in China, his friends and neighbours.
The Celebration of Life for Daan Xing will be on August 25th, 2021 and the Interment on August 27th. Simultaneously at his birthplace in China, Daan’s life will be celebrated and remembered by his family and friends.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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Steven Lorenzo Baileys
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Stacey Sending your family love as you remember such a wonderful man. Our most sincere condolences. Love Jamie, Stacey, Luke and Breanna Lund
My wife and I lived in the same townhouse complex in James Bay with Daan and Yan until they recently moved to a different part of Victoria. Daan and Yan often went for daily walks in our neighbourhood along the Dallas Road Breakwater and meandering around the local streets. He had a joy and openness about him that always brought a smile to my face when we met. Although I did not know him well, I was always appreciative by how he took the time to stop and talk with me during these walks to share a laugh, ask how I was and enjoy the moment. He and Yan valued their family and joined in with our community of townhouse neighbours. He was humble, kind and so full of life. After he retired, he could be seen in our townhouse parking lot/playground playing ping-pong, or running around with his young grandchildren and the other kids. We were saddened to read of his sudden passing. Our sincerest condolences and hearts go out to Yan and his family. Sincerely, Steve and Fatma