Robert Y. Tan

“What a friend we have in Jesus” was one of the favorite hymns of Robert Tan, who on September 17 went to be with the Savior he loved. Robert Y. Tan was born in China on March 19, 1927. He is survived by his wife Betty of 60 years, his daughter Pearlyn (Dan) Stultz, sons Keith Tan, Eugene (Jeanne) Tan, and Karl (Abigail) Tan. His siblings include the late Teofilo (Lillian), Luis (Kathleen), David (Gloria), Fred (Bebe), and Victoria (Nehemiah) Chua. He is also survived by many beloved members of the Go family around the world. He was beloved by all eight of his grandchildren; Lauren, Rachel, Ethan, Gracie, Lily, Clara, Hope and John Tan. 

Robert lived a fruitful and God-glorifying life. As a youth in the Philippines he came to know Jesus Christ, the one who “all our sins and griefs to bear.” As a member of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineering, he spent one year training with Yanmar in Japan, and he was co-owner of a hardware store and a machine shop called Faith Engineering Works. He served his church in the Philippines in a variety of capacities, including as an elder, a deacon, and a Sunday School teacher. He was a sought-after and gifted speaker. He was a member of the Lion’s Club and the school board, and served as Vice President of the Midwest Evangelistic Association. After moving to the United States with his family in 1988, he worked in real estate, settling in Tallmadge, OH.

Robert served in many official capacities, but his most cherished roles were those in his family. He was older brother to his five siblings, and beloved “Papa” and “Ankong” to his many children and grandchildren. Robert loved music, cheering his children and grandchildren as they played piano. He was a truly gentle man. His serene smile greeted everyone he encountered. He was the kind of person to pen a thank-you note to his grandchildren after attending ‘Grandparents Day’ at their elementary school. He was a precious witness for Jesus.

A private funeral will be held at the family’s request.

“What a friend we have in Jesus 

All our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer.” 

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