Shao-Yuen (Sy) Yuan passed away on May 28, 2021 at the age of 91. Sy was born on July 30, 1929 in Shanghai, China. During the Japanese occupation of China, he assisted in the care of his mother and three younger sisters as their father had to leave Shanghai after an attempt on his life. The eldest of four children, he immigrated to the U.S. when he was only 18 years old to study chemical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Sy went on to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering from The University of Louisville.

Sy worked briefly at DuPont, before embarking on a long career at Standard Oil of California, later to become Chevron. Among his many achievements at Chevron, Sy was a pioneering manager in Beijing, China, working with international partners beginning in the mid-1970’s as the Chinese economy was undergoing rapid change. Sy brought to Chevron an important perspective on conducting business in China, while showcasing some of the Chevron technologies that could benefit Chinese industry. After retiring from Chevron, he was active in the Chevron Retirees Association, becoming President of Marin Chapter in 2004 and Vice-President of the Northern California/Hawaii Chapter in 2006.

Outside of work, Sy was an accomplished musician, playing the violin with multiple amateur quartets and eventually, with the Marin Symphony. Another passion was his love of tennis, which he enjoyed playing at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club with a regular group of friends over many years.

Sy was devoted to his family, marrying the late Gloria Lettice Liao in 1949. They had two sons, Chris and Mark. Upon Gloria’s passing, Sy married Cecilia (Cici) Zhou. He was also predeceased by his son, Chris, and his sister, Felicia (Raymond). Sy is survived by his two sisters, Christine (Jack) and Alice (Bob); his son, Mark (Margaret); his wife of 31 years, Cici; his beloved grandchildren, Claire and Michael; and his many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life service on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 4:00 PM at The Peacock Gap Clubhouse: https://www.peacockgapclubhouse.com/Directions