To many, he was Dr. Hsu—one who could always be counted on for quality and genuine treatment. To others, he was Sir—always inspiring strength and wisdom to those he led. To a fortunate few of us, he was simply Dad—our hero. Whether you knew him your whole life or hardly at all, George Hsu made a lasting impression on all he met. We are all better people by having him in our lives. Though his life was cut short, few lives are ever lived as fully.

George was born in Chongqing, China on May 17, 1943. His first years in a turbulent, war-torn nation prepared him for a life of courage, steadfastness, and above all, love. Along with his mother and two older sisters, George immigrated to the United States as a young boy. He grew up in Washington D.C., experiencing first-hand the highs and lows of American society. One day would find him fist-fighting in rough D.C. neighborhoods, and the next he would be in the presence of the time's movers and shakers.

He grew into young adulthood, and his childhood experiences hardened into his lifetime values. Impressively, George, a boy of poverty, earned a scholarship to Haverford University—a school dominated by the wealthy and connected. There he formed a brotherly friendship with Charles Lawrence and Ramsay Liem—a friendship he carried through his lifetime. On top of the almost unending list of their stories as "the Terrible Three," George never forgot to include the tales of his Haverford Football heroics.

For the love of his country, George, the Haverford graduate and Chinese immigrant, volunteered for military service during the difficult time of Vietnam. He began his illustrious military career as an expert in explosive ordnance. He would go on to receive his commission and lead his troops into battle during two tours in Vietnam. He would continue to serve with distinction for over 30 years, achieving the rank of Colonel, commanding in times of both war and peace.

Following Vietnam, George took his courage from the battlefield to start his life on the Great Plains. He, his first wife Sharon, and three children moved out to Solen, ND to begin his life-long career as a farmer and rancher. He fell in love with this idyllic lifestyle, and in love he would remain.

If there was anything he loved more than the land, it was the people of it. George attended the University Of North Dakota School Of Medicine so that he may not only live among the plains people, but be their healer. George would go on to become a well-respected and well-loved family practitioner. A man of and for the people, he saved and touched countless lives as a man who not only understood medicine, but understood people.

George "hung out his shingle" in the sleepy town of Elgin, ND. There he grew his medical practice, his farm, and his family. He answered the call of duty again, serving in the Persian Gulf War alongside his wife, Kathy. He returned to a hero's welcome. He continued to serve his country, his community, and his family with diligence and love. Fighting on the behalf of his patients, George faced a stressful and drawn-out lawsuit that did not end in his favor.

Though he suffered a major loss, the seasoned commander and dedicated doctor was not defeated. In addition to keeping his clinic open as long as he could, George started a successful road-striping business with his son. He returned to his youthful days—spending them fixing and tinkering with cars and trucks. Though the years wore on, George did not slow down. He kept his youthful spirit to the end.

George passed away suddenly on September 20, 2015 while vacationing in Key West, Florida with his wife and brother and sister-in-law. Though his death was unexpected, George left this life wild, free, and unafraid. George touched everyone he met. We all carry him in our hearts.

The Funeral Service for Dr. George Hsu, of Elgin, ND, will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin with Pastor Brian Knutson, officiating. Following full military honors by the George W. Snook American Legion Post # 246 of Elgin, cremation will take place and a Private Family Interment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Elgin.

A family service will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday evening, September 28, 2015 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, Elgin, ND; four sons and a daughter-in-law: Michael Hsu, Texas; Stephan and Jody Hsu, Bismarck, ND; Anthony Hsu, Seattle, WA; Charles Hsu, Elgin, ND; four daughters and two sons-in-law: Theresa Hsu, Elgin, ND; Jennifer and Casey Bettenhausen, Bismarck, ND; Sarah and John Bonvini, Gloucester, VA; and Barbara Hsu, Mandan, ND; and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Joan Stanley-Baker, Nepal; and Katherine Haas, Annapolis, MD; his stepmother, Nancy Hsu, Seattle, WA; his half-brother, Alex, and half-sister, Barbara, California.

Visitation will be on Monday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Democratic National Committee. Checks should be made payable to the DNC. If anyone wants to make a credit card donation they can contact the DNC directly at (202) 863-8000.