Pen Hsiang(Paul) Li's Obituary
Pen Hsiang (Paul) Li, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024. Born on May 4, 1933, in Shandong, China, Paul lived a life marked by dedication, achievement, and love.
At the age of 16, Paul moved to Taiwan. He pursued his education at the College of Agriculture in Taichung, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture Science. In 1958, he moved to Oregon to further his studies, obtaining a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology/Horticulture from Oregon State University in Corvallis. His academic journey continued with a postdoctoral position in Minnesota in 1962, where he began his distinguished career as a professor at the University of Minnesota.
Paul was the eldest of four children, born to Di Sheng Li and Yu Ying Chang. He married Paulina on August 17, 1963, in St. Paul, MN, and together they shared 61 wonderful years. Paul and Paulina raised two children, John Li (married to Judy) and Jennifer Kaufman (married to Dan), and were blessed with four grandchildren: Nathan and Sarah Kaufman, and Brian and Kevin Li. Paul is also survived by his sister, Pen Min Li.
Paul retired in 2003 after a remarkable 41-year career, during which he authored over 130 scientific papers, co-edited five books, and edited three more. He was a founding member of the International Plant Cold Hardiness Seminar, which began in St. Paul, MN, in 1977, and he played a significant role in organizing the seminars through its sixth international meeting in Helsinki, Finland, in 2001. His work took him around the globe, including to countries such as Peru, Russia, China, Japan, and Sweden, where he collaborated with scientists to advance their research.
After retiring, Paul enjoyed traveling, particularly to China, and spent his time gardening and relaxing at his lake home. He was known for his easy-going nature, big smile, dependability, and dedication as a scientist and teacher.
Paul lived in St. Paul, MN, from 1962 until 2018, when he and Paulina moved to San Diego, CA. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held on November 16, 2024, at Clairemont Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Society of Vascular Surgery Foundation: www.vascular.org/svs-foundation
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