Kent Hsien-Chen Chou
Passed: September 09, 2018
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Kent Hsien-Chen Chou
Passed: September 09, 2018
Obituary
Kent Hsien-Chen Chou passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 9, 2018.
Kent was born on July 25, 1970, to Valerie Chen and I-Hsin Chou. He grew up in New Jersey, then studied English at BYU and medicine at Yale University. Following residency and a hand fellowship through the University of Pittsburgh, Kent joined Ortho Arizona (formerly Canyon Orthopedic Surgeons) in 2004, and never unexpectedly missed a day of working at his dream job until he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in April of this year.
Kent’s great love of medicine and surgery was dwarfed by his love for his family. Kent was lucky to find Anne Michelle (“Shelly”) early in life, and had the good fortune to marry someone who complimented him, supported him, and softened him. Kent and Shelly’s strong marriage produced four exceptional children–Jordan, Emily, Ryan, and Natalie–all of whose achievements in academics, music, and athletics have made their parents proud.
To his survivors–Shelly, Jordan, Emily, Ryan, Natalie, his two parents, and three siblings Christina, Franklin, and Catherine and their families–Kent leaves behind a legacy of steadfast church service, exceptional hard work, an irrational dedication to the Phoenix Suns, and a consistent voice of sound advice and reason, which will continue to guide the lives of those who were blessed to know him in his too-short time on earth.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 425 S Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear, AZ 85338.
Viewings will be held on Friday, September 14, from 6-8pm and Saturday, September 15, from 11-12:45.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 15, at 1 pm.
Flowers may be sent to Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to lung cancer research.
20 responses to Kent Hsien-Chen Chou
Rhonda (Hicken) Phillips says:
September 13, 2018
Chou family,
“Elder” Chou was my district leader for a month in the MTC and then again for several months in Taiwan. He was a unique blend of hard work, deep spirituality, humor, and teasing. Even at 19 he was able to identify needs and respond to them in kind ways; I was a recipient of his kindness and service on multiple occasions. The mission was a long time ago, but remembering him always brings a smile. I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to your family at this time.
Michael Williams says:
September 13, 2018
Kent Chou was one of my most memorable students. He was brilliant and effortless in all of his endeavors. When he would come into my class some days, he would do a caricature of me (usually complimentary) in a matter of seconds. I used to tell him that I would have to labor for an hour to come close to what had created. A violinist and pianist, his day began with an early morning service at the Mormon temple where he and his family worshipped. Then, his school day would commence, where he was singularly outstanding. As proof of his ability, he was the valedictorian for the class of 1988. My heart goes out to Kent’s siblings, all of whom I taught. One of the highlights of my teaching career was accompanying his sister Christina to Washington, D.C. in 1992, when she was selected as a Presidential Scholar.
May Kent rest in peace, while his wife, children, and family come to grips with life without him.
Foro Gloria says:
September 14, 2018
Rip Dr Chou.
You were taken way too soon from this life.
I am so saddened by your passing.
You were just a doctor who operated on my hand but very saddened.
My condolences to your wife children parents and siblings.
Rip.
Mrs. Dianae Stoklosa says:
September 14, 2018
Dear Chou family,
I am of patient of Dr. Chou’s. He treated me with much kindness.
Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Mrs. Diane Stoklosa
Virginia Ludders says:
September 15, 2018
To all of the Chous but especially to Shelly, Jordan, Emily, Ryan and Natalie, while I knew of President Chou’s illness, I was none-the-less saddened to learn of his passing. If there was anyone in church that truly understood service to Our Father and to all of His children it was Brother Chou. Kirsten and I were blessed to have him as our home teacher and that meant we got the rest of the family as our home family. Jordon was often by his side as he came to visit and each Christmas, we looked forward to the caroling and the Christmas crossword puzzle that told of the children’s accomplishments and the service projects that would take them throughout the world. While he was the age of my middle child, I, we, learned a lot from brother Chou. He was a friend and my doctor but most of all he set an example for all my family. We will miss him.