Pei Wen Chang, URI Professor, Dies at 91

Pei Wen (Huie) Chang, 91, University of Rhode Island emeritus professor of Kingston, RI passed away on August 14, 2014 surrounded by his family. Huie is survived by his wife Lucy of 63 years, daughters Amy Chang and husband Robert Young of Bethesda, Maryland, and Dorothy Rasco and Gary Rasco of Clear Lake, Texas; son Victor Chang and wife Lih Hwa Chang of Naperville, Illinois; grandsons Winston and wife Rebecca Chang, Spencer Chang, Andrew and wife Lulu Sun, William Young, Taylor Rasco, and Cody Rasco; great grandson Langston Chang; sisters Margaret Ma and Kay Wang, brother Irving Chang, and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and extended family. Huie is preceded in death by his father and mother Fuliang Chang and (Harriet) Louise Huie, and sister Louise Yang.

Huie was born in Changsha, China on April 26, 1923. He graduated from St. John’s University in Shanghai China in 1946 and moved to the United States on October 1, 1946. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 1951. He received a master degree in microbiology at the University of Rhode Island in 1959 and a doctorate in epidemiology and public health from Yale University in 1961. He practiced veterinarian medicine from 1951-1955 in Indiana.

Huie loved learning and served most of his life as a professor of animal science and pathology at the University of Rhode Island. At the university his research evolved over 35 years from poultry and large animal science to fish and shellfish diseases. Huie was humble and helped everyone. While he worked amongst eminent scientists and students at the university he was equally committed to applying his discoveries to improve the RI economy helping local farmers, fisherman and businesses.

In retirement, he learned a new trade—tax advising and served as a tax advisor for seniors in South County, RI for over 15 years. Huie encouraged many students to pursue their love of science and international students, in particular, establish a life in America. Huie was a passionate student himself, curious about science and medicine, philosophy and religion, and music.

After his retirement he attended lectures, learned to play the recorder, sang in choirs, and enjoyed ceramics. He loved to garden and swam regularly. He was an inspiration for all of us. Huie loved his family and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up, supporting their studies, music, recreation and sports, and gathering for family events and reunions. He lived a spiritual life dedicating much of his life to St. Augustine’s Church in Kingston, RI serving in the choir, church school, Building Committee and Bishop’s Committee, plus Habitat for Humanity mission. Until his death he was physically and mentally active. Huie was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, dedicated teacher and forever an ardent student.

Two memorial services are being planned: (i) Riderwood Chapel, Riderwood Village, Silver Spring, Maryland on October 11 at 3 pm, and (ii) St. Augustine’s Church Kingston, RI on November 9 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to either Riderwood Scholarship Fund that assist student employees fund college (3140 Gracefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904) or St. Augustine Church, his beloved church (15 Lower College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881 http://staugustineuri.org/give/).