[Jackie07]

Thank you all for the condolences. I wrote a long one about my Father yesterday, but lost it when I was ready to post (forgot to copy/paste/save before posting.) It happens whenever I write a long post. I'll try to post another one soon.

Oldest Brother just sent me a brief biography of Father in Chinese (probably is going to be printed in the program for the funeral.) Below is my English version:

Colonel Tan Mei-shu was born in Yung-shan County, Yunnan Province of China in August, 1915. For generations, the Tan family have been family-centered patriots well respected in their hometown. Colonel Tan joined the Army during World War II while a college-bound student. He graduated from the famed Chinese Army Academy (Huang-Pu 14th) and had been promoted to Company Commander, Battalion Commander, Regiment Commander, and general staff of the Army Headquarter.

He had participated in the India Expedition which led him to IndoChina. He attended the Ceremony of the Japanese surrender in Nanking, then Capital of China. He had also been in the battle field in Northeastern China against the Communist Rebellion in the late 1940's.

For his bravery and oustanding performance, he was awarded many medals including the prestigious Patriot/Diligent award. After his retirement, he taught junior high Chinese Literature and later served as the principal of an elementary school near the front line.

He was frugal and self-disciplined, and had been nominated and given the Model Father Award and the Model Family Award by the Premier of ROC. He went to Heaven at the age of 98*(97) - after a fulfilling life of good fortune and longivity. He will be remembered by all.

故譚美書上校,雲南允永善人.世以忠孝傳家.抗戰方興.投筆從戎.入黃埔14期.歷任連長,營長,團長,陸總參謀等職.,
參加遠征軍,赴密支那.南京受降.並東北勘亂.獲頒忠勤勳章及各種獎章.退役後赴馬祖任教師,校長.為人自份奉儉約.
曾獲模範父親,模範家庭,表彰,以,98高壽仙逝.福壽全歸.足堪永誌

* The Chinese have been pro-life since the ancient time. New borns are considered one year old because of the time spent in mothers' wombs. Many people (even my generation) still consult the Farmer's Calendar(Lunar Calendar) when setting important dates such as the funeral.