In Loving Memory of Patrick Yaqing Zhu

March 17, 1964 – March 9, 2026

Patrick Yaqing Zhu passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 9, 2026, at the age of 61, surrounded by his loving family.

Patrick was born on March 17, 1964, in Xinyang, Henan, China, to Demin Zhu and Zhenqun Liang. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional intelligence, curiosity, and determination. At just fifteen years old, he was admitted to Peking University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. His academic journey later led him to Nanjing University, where he completed a Master’s degree in Economics, and then to Canada, where he earned an MBA in Marketing from McMaster University.

Patrick’s international education marked the beginning of a life defined by courage, independence, and intellectual curiosity. As a young man, he traveled far from home to pursue his dreams, embracing both challenges and opportunities along the way.

Following his studies, Patrick built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the information technology industry. He began his professional journey at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as a Senior Analyst, where he contributed to the development of one of the first tri-lingual point-of-sale systems in the Canadian life insurance industry. He later joined VeriFone as a Project Manager, leading initiatives involving payment processing technologies and global development teams.

Patrick went on to spend a decade at Hewlett-Packard (HP) as a Senior Program Manager, where he managed consulting projects across industries including telecommunications, banking, retail, and government. Known for his strategic thinking and leadership, he successfully led complex technology initiatives ranging from enterprise applications to IT infrastructure transformations.

His career continued with leadership roles at CompuCom and American Airlines, where he managed large-scale service delivery operations and enterprise vendor service-level agreements. In 2013, Patrick joined PepsiCo as Global IT Procurement Senior Manager, where he spent over twelve years supporting the company’s strategic technology initiatives. In this role, he negotiated major IT outsourcing contracts, led vendor selection processes, and developed governance frameworks to ensure strong partnerships with global technology providers.

Throughout his career, Patrick was widely respected for his expertise in IT contracting, vendor governance, and program management. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), he combined deep technical knowledge with thoughtful leadership. Colleagues admired his sharp instincts and calm confidence in complex negotiations. Many affectionately referred to him as “Guru,” a nickname that reflected both his wisdom and his ability to navigate difficult challenges with clarity and skill.

While Patrick achieved great professional success, his greatest pride and joy came from his family.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, and a proud father to his two children, Richard and Michelle. Both of his children are pursuing careers in medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Patrick was deeply proud of their dedication, compassion, and perseverance. Through his own example, he taught them resilience, kindness, humility, and grace in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

During Patrick’s nearly two-year battle with cancer, his children stood beside him with remarkable strength and devotion. Richard spent countless hours caring for his father while continuing his medical training. Michelle, who began medical school in 2025, also walked alongside her father throughout this journey. Patrick often spoke of how proud and comforted he felt by their love and commitment. One week after Patrick’s passing, and just one day before what would have been his 62nd birthday, Richard received the news that he had successfully matched into residency - a moment filled with both pride and bittersweet emotion for the family, knowing how proud Patrick would have been.

Outside of work, Patrick enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved travelling with family, spending time outdoors, often biking, walking, or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun. These quiet moments brought him peace and a sense of freedom.

He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Mavericks and followed the team faithfully for many years, celebrating their victories and enduring their losses with equal passion. Among all players, Luka Dončić was his favorite. Patrick rarely missed a game, even when he was traveling or on vacation.

Patrick also loved food and cooking. Many of his mornings began with one of his favorite comforts - a simple cup of green tea. At home, he was the chef of the family, constantly exploring new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. He took great joy in researching dishes, preparing ingredients with care, and perfecting his creations. For Patrick, cooking was another way of expressing love. No matter the dish, the most important ingredient was always his generosity of spirit.

Patrick is survived by his wife Jennifer; his children Richard and Michelle; his father Demin Zhu; his siblings Yahong Zhu, Yaxue Zhu, Yamei Zhu, and Yayong Zhu; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother, Zhenqun Liang.

Patrick’s passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him. His sister shared these words in remembrance:

“It has been seven days since you left us, and our family remains heartbroken. Even though we know you are now free from the suffering of illness, the pain of losing you is still profound. You were always the wise, optimistic, and responsible brother we admired. From a young age you stood out with your intelligence and ambition, and throughout your life you became a role model for all of us.

Though distance often separated us, nothing could ever break the bond between siblings. When you became ill, we worried deeply and felt helpless watching you endure such hardship. Yet even during those difficult years, you helped us grow. With your open and positive spirit, you taught us how to face life, and even death, with courage and peace.

Your life may have been shorter than we wished, but it was rich, meaningful, and beautifully lived. You left this world without regrets. We believe you went to see Mom with a smile. Brother, may you rest in peace. Stay with Mom and wait for us in heaven.”

Patrick’s life was one of intellect, integrity, devotion, and quiet strength. He leaves behind not only a remarkable professional legacy, but a family shaped by his love, guidance, and example.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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