Dr. Chen Liem, MD, a compassionate and dedicated physician and family man, passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 83 years. He was born on October 6, 1940, and was known for his warm, kind, and caring personality. Dr. Liem was proud of his work, always honest, fiercely loyal, and truthful. His life was marked by a profound dedication to his profession, a love for his family, and a laughter that was as healing as his medical skills.

He met Aymey when in school in Semarang at age 13.  After visiting her home most weekends, talking until the sun went down, they chose each other as partners from the time they were 15.  Dr. Liem left his home in Indonesia in 1962 to venture to Basel, Switzerland, for his studies in medicine.   

His  talent and commitment to the medical field led to his professor advocating strongly for him to receive a scholarship. Studying medicine in a foreign language, German, he emerged successfully and later moved to the United States to open his cardiology practice in Stockton, a testament to his resilience and determination and his talent for languages.

In 1964, he married the love of his life, Aymey Liem, and together they raised two daughters, Shane Liem and Diane Jullian. He instilled in his daughters the importance of kindness, generosity, and hard work.

Dr. Chen Liem was a physician that everyone loved to work with. You couldn't walk thru the halls of a hospital with him without being stopped 10 times by someone complimenting him or his daughters on what a wonderful doctor and human he was. He was an important pillar in the Chinese community of Stockton where he was on the board passing scholarships on to Chinese students in need. He had an undeniable artistic talent for Chinese calligraphy and would donate his time  the calligraphy booth during the Chinese New Year festivals.  

His cardiology practice touched countless lives, offering healing and hope to many. He was generous without being showy.  His belief in laughter being the best medicine was exhibited by the comedic artwork on all the walls of his office and by his laughter ringing thru the halls whenever he was with a patient.  He took his time with his patients, never watching the clock - because he cared and was dedicated to them. 

Beyond his professional accolades, his most cherished accomplishments were his daughters, who carry forward his values of kindness and generosity.   And of course his Chinese garden that he designed with a Chinese Landscape Architect at his last Stockton home, complete with a pagoda, pool, waterfall, koi pond, fruit trees and its very own Stonehenge.  In addition, he was a very talented singer and would often be asked to sing at birthdays and other functions.

He is survived by his loving wife, Aymey Liem who he recently celebrated a 60th anniversary with, his daughters Shane Liem and Diane Jullian, his grandsons Banyan and Rhys Jullian, and his sons-in-law Olivier Jullian and Silvio Rossel. 

Dr. Liem has joined his parents and two sisters and the beloved family pets, Fluffer Stuffer, Shyam, Max, and Simon.

The lives he touched will forever carry his spirit. His smile and laughter, the lives he saved, the hearts he healed, and the love he had for his family have left an indelible legacy that will continue in all that knew and loved him.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/chen-liem-md/obituary/

Copy