Dr. Bau Dinh To, beloved husband, loving father, good son, and inspiring brother lost a hard-fought battle with cancer on June 15, 2020. He will be missed.
Born in Thailand, Bau grew up in the nomadic life of a diplomatic family anchored in boarding schools in Dalat, Beirut, and eventually settling down to university in Germany. Exceptionally gifted in science and literature, speaking seven languages fluently, his humanity and compassion led him to the renowned school of Medicine at Heidelberg University. The school of Medicine had to make an exception for the young 17-year-old, for they had never admitted so young a medical student.
Juggling his demanding curriculum and his love of family, Bau would make time to visit his parents wherever they were in the world. It was on one of these trips to Lagos, Nigeria where he met a beautiful young woman traveling from university in London to visit her own uncle. Bau and Linda were immediately stricken with one another and carried out an international romance before marrying and settling down in Stuttgart where Bau worked as a surgeon. From his humanity, he always maintained his belief in treating the person and not the ailment. His reputation as one of the best surgeons grew quickly and he was well-loved by staff and patients alike.
Bau and Linda welcomed their first son Kenny and were content maintaining their fulfilling lives in Germany while traveling extensively all over the world, and in particular often visiting Hong Kong where Linda had her large family and Los Angeles where Bau had his. With the arrival of Ian, their second son, the pull of family took them to Hong Kong.
Bau quickly settled into leading the emergency team at Ruttonjee Hospital in Hong Kong. Again, with his skills and deep humanity, Bau quickly won the affections of the staff and patients. Given his and the family’s German citizenship and his good reputation, Bau also served as the physician to the German consulate. In the small community of Hong Kong, he and Linda became known and well-loved for their philanthropic activities through the Rotary Club of Hong Kong.
Bau was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His sense of humor withstood all of life’s challenges and brightened every life he touched. The world will be a little dimmer without him.
He is survived by his father Van Tong To, his wife Linda To Hwang, his two sons Kenny and Ian To, his brother Tony To, his sister-in-law Gina To, and his sisters Betty Costa and Mimi To Schnerb.
In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to Doctors Without Borders, an international humanitarian organization that provides medical care to conflict zones and countries affected by endemic diseases. Thank you.
Our memories of you will keep a smile on our faces and warmth in our hearts. We will miss you, Bau.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die."
-Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep, by Mary Elizabeth Frye
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