Dr. Min-Sun Chen, a resident of Thunder Bay and Professor Emeritus of History in Lakehead University, passed away peacefully in Roseview Manor on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, six months short of his 100th birthday. Min-Sun was born on November 19, 1921 in Changsha, Hunan, China.
Min-Sun joined the Department of History in 1966 and taught Chinese and Japanese history full-time until his mandatory retirement in 1986. He received his PhD in History from the University of Chicago in 1971 and quickly established himself as a well-respected specialist in East Asian history, with many of his publications exploring Sino-Western relations.
A quiet, dedicated, and dignified individual with a deep sense of commitment to the Department of History and Lakehead University, he took great pride in his roles across the university as a faculty member, and as Chair of the Department between 1978 and 1984.
Min-sun played a key role in working with local high school teachers in establishing the Thunder Bay Branch of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs (now the Canadian International Council).
After retirement Min-sun remained a vital member of the Department as he could be, teaching courses for the next twenty years on a sessional/contract lecturer basis. Throughout his career and life, he remained committed to expanding and disseminating knowledge about Asia in Canada with organizations such as the Canadian Asian Studies Association. A lifelong believer supporting domestic and international students, he established an endowed research award in history and, along with his wife, the late Dr. Anita Chen (Professor Emeritus Sociology), the Lakehead University 30th Anniversary International Graduate Award in the Social Science and Humanities.
Min-Sun is a longtime member of Trinity United Church.
Min-Sun is survived by his grandnephew Jiang Chen; grandnephew Jie Chen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, U.S., and China.
He was predeceased by his wife, Anita in 2020 and parents, Q.K. and Pei-Yu.
As per Min-Sun's wishes, cremation has taken place. Services and interment in Riverside Cemetery will take place in the future. Arrangement have been entrusted to EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
If friends desire, donations in memory of Min-Sun to Trinity United Church would be appreciated.
