周镇城Chun Shing (Eddie) Chow

Chun Shing (Eddie) Chow, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and retired professor, died peacefully at his home in Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 2, 2026. He was 79.

Born in Shunde, China on January 6, 1947 to Chow Ngor Puei, a watchmaker, and Lee Kwei Fong, Chun migrated with his family to Hong Kong in the 1950s. Coming from modest beginnings, he saw education as a path to opportunity and a broader understanding of the world. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Hong Kong and later went on to complete his PhD in Geography from University of Hawaii, Manoa in 1984.

After teaching at Chinese Culture University in Taipei and the University of Hong Kong, Chun joined the Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University in 1985, where he taught for nearly twenty years as Associate Professor. His research focused on Chinese American immigrant communities and Chinese cultural practices. He was highly regarded for his sincere and personable teaching style by his students, many of whom he guided on geographical fieldwork studies in mainland China, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Chun was a devout Buddhist, formally taking refuge in the Three Jewels in 1983 while a doctoral candidate in Hawaii. A longtime follower of the Yun Lin Temple, Chun devoted himself to Buddhist ideals of compassion and kindness, while also studying other world religions, including Christianity and Hinduism.

After his retirement in 2004, Chun immigrated to the United States with his wife and three children, settling in Rutherford, New Jersey. He devoted this next chapter of his life to caring for his family and raising his children. In his free time, Chun enjoyed studying Buddhist philosophy and scripture, practicing Chinese calligraphy, and spending time with his family.

Chun is survived by his wife of 35 years, Connie Yee; his five children, Adrian Ho Yin Chow, Timothy Ho Fai Chow, Emily Chow, Christopher Chow, and Megan Chow; two grandchildren; two sisters and one brother; as well as many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and former students. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his quiet wisdom, gentle spirit, and deep compassion, which he extended to all he met.