Lipang Chang passed away on September 24, 2024 at home in Toronto, Canada.
He was born in Nantou, Taiwan as the youngest of seven children. It was at National Taiwan University, during his third year studying Forestry, where a beautiful young woman named Sheyling Lin who was working in the library over the summer caught his and his friends’ attention. According to him, his rendition of Johnny Horton songs won her over.
Lipang obtained his Master’s degree at the University of Madison-Wisconsin before marrying Sheyling in 1973. They moved to New York State together where Lipang studied at Syracuse University and captained the Taiwanese softball team. His love of the game continued throughout his life with an undeterred devotion to the Toronto Blue Jays.
In 1975, he and Sheyling moved to Toronto where they ran several businesses but primarily a variety store all while fighting for Taiwan independence and recognition by serving with groups such as the World United Formosans for Independence (WUFI), Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto (TCAT), (National) Taiwanese Canadian Association (TCA), and the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America (TCCNA). Lipang was also the founding President of the Taiwan Merchants Association of Toronto (TMAT).
Lipang is predeceased by his sister Milody, brothers Tai-Pang and Peeco, and his beloved wife Sheyling. He is survived by his daughters Ana, Kimberley (Steven), and Cathy (Edgar); grandchildren Emily, Claire, Addison, Alexander, Ethan, Penelope, and Genevieve; and brothers Chien Bang, Cheng Pang, and Gi-Pang.
Lipang and Sheyling celebrated 50 years of marriage in July 2023. His ashes will be united with Sheyling’s at High Park in Toronto and Yangmingshan in Taiwan.
In keeping with his wishes, a private ceremony for family will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the organizations that had a significant impact to Lipang’s life : St Michael’s Foundation and the World United Formosans for Independence (WUFI, Interac e-transfer to wuficanada@gmail.com).