Thank you for sharing our father with us and understanding why we think our father is the greatest.

Our father David was born on October 17, 1939, a 2nd generation American Born Chinese.  Like his parents he learned to work hard and save money.  He loved being around people and wasn't afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger.  His greatest passion was going to many sporting events where he had a special way of getting people to listen to him which would often turn into friendships as he always greeted people with a smile, remembered their names, and departed with a hug.

Our dad always taught us to treat everyone with respect, to be humble and kind, do the right thing, work hard, and take care of our family and friends.  Everyone truly loved our dad.  But due to his depression, our dad also battled demons all is life.  His mental health would often make him a different person at home.  Our family suffered along with him as we didn't understand why he was like this, as on the outside he had a perfect life; loving wife, two sons who looked up to him, and a successful business.  

Because we proactively educated ourselves and understood his depression did we become stronger as a family. Our dad learned to say he loves us, to give us hugs, to show emotion, to cry and to say he's sorry.  Our dad did not grow up this way yet he taught us how to love unconditionally, the greatest gift he could give us. Our father wanted to be happy all the time because when he was in a good mood he was contagious.  Our father touched people with this unconditional love as evident in all the friends he made in his life. 

Even though our dad would say the worst things when he was depressed, his drive to make sure our family was secure and his actions of love outweighed everything.  By us understanding his depression we were able to overcome it and stay positive and together as a family.  He beat his demons because he truly lived a full life filled with love, laughter, and lots and lots of food.  

Our family takes solace in knowing that upon our father's passing, he has found true happiness in heaven with God.   Through our father we want to help further awareness and research on depression and mental health in hopes of advancement or even a cure.

Thank you for listening.  We love you dad, you truly are the greatest father we could ever ask for. Thank you for teaching us how to love, care, and forgive. We are who we are because of you.  Thank you and God Bless you dad. Can't wait to see you again.

With Unconditional Love to the World's Greatest Dad,

Your Sons: Alan and Brian 

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• Since 1987, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded more than $365 million to fund more than 5,000 grants to more than 4,000 scientists around the world.

• The mission of the Foundation is to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.

• 100% of donations for research are invested directly into research grants thanks to the generosity of two family foundations that underwrite operational expenses at the Foundation.

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• The Foundation only funds scientists whose research is reviewed and recommended by a world-renowned Scientific Council including Nobel Prize winners and chairs of psychiatric departments.

• Learn more about the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.