Dr. Chingkuang "CK" Tu

September 4, 2020

Dr. Chingkuang “CK” Tu, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2020. Dr. Tu, the son of Ching Yue Tu and Cha Ying Wan, was born in Taiwan. A lifelong learner, he initially came to the United States as a researcher and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Miami in Physical Chemistry. Soon after meeting his bride-to-be in a university Bible study in Miami, they moved to Gainesville in 1973 and made it their permanent home. Dr. Tu was a patiently curious soul, dedicated to his family and his career. He officially retired from the University of Florida’s Department of Pharmacology in 2014 alongside his good friend and colleague Dr. David Silverman but continued to occasionally work in the lab as needed. Although he loved staying home, he appreciated the opportunity to travel with his wife to various places, including Italy, Israel, Maine, and his grandchildren in New York City. He especially enjoyed being a part of the Gainesville Chinese Christian Church, college football (Go Gators!), and technology. He is survived by Carol Tu, his loving wife of 47 years; his sons Shine Tu (Jeannine) and Ray Tu (Elise); his grandchildren Jonas, Elena, Amalie, and Rowan; his brothers Francis and Hai; and his nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gainesville Chinese Christian Church, 2850 NW 23rd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605. A Live Zoom service will be held Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Gainesville Chinese Christian Church, Join Zoom Meeting at https://wvu.zoom.us/j/95715521827