Jason Y. Chian

In Loving Memory of Jason Chian (Yaping Qian) November 23, 1954 – October 1, 2025

Jason Chian, beloved husband, father, son, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025 at the age of 70. Born Yaping Qian in Shanghai, China, on November 23, 1954, Jason lived a remarkable life defined by courage, curiosity, and deep devotion to those he loved.

At the age of 17, Jason enlisted in the Chinese Navy, serving as a Navy Diver for two years, inspecting and repairing ships beneath the water’s surface. Though proud of his service, his mother, concerned about the dangers of his work, encouraged him to shift his focus to his love of language and learning. It was a wise and fateful suggestion.

Jason’s lifelong passion for English began in childhood, when he would secretly listen to the Voice of America radio broadcasts under his bed covers during the Cultural Revolution, a bold and illegal act that ignited a lasting interest in global affairs and the world beyond China’s borders.

This passion led to a career in publishing in Shanghai, where he translated articles and served as an interpreter for foreign delegations. During this time, he met his first wife, Lily, and together they had their son, Danny.

In his early 30s, Jason was awarded a scholarship to study Business and Japanese at the Toyama Campus of SUNY Sullivan in Japan. With the support of his American mentors and his employer at a multilingual publishing company, he later secured a visa to continue his education in the United States at SUNY in New York.

While in New York, Jason also worked for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, translating and writing abstracts of Chinese and Japanese technical articles for an English-speaking audience, a perfect role for his unique skills and intellect.

Jason and his son Danny later relocated to California, first to Carlsbad and then to Long Beach. There, Jason began the next chapter of his professional life as the International Sales Manager for a broadcasting equipment company. His work took him across the globe, throughout Asia, Europe, South America, and Australia, and frequently back to Shanghai, where he joyfully reconnected with his mother and sisters.

In 2002, Jason met Diana online, and they were married in 2006. Their love of travel, adventure, and shared laughter defined their life together. Thanks to his hard-earned frequent flyer miles, Jason reached United Airlines’ “Million Miler” status and often whisked Diana away on unforgettable journeys.

After retiring, Jason and Diana enjoyed hunting for treasures at garage sales and selling them online, a simple joy that brought them both great entertainment. In 2021, they moved to Redlands, Diana’s hometown, to be closer to her family. They were delighted to find a home just three minutes away from her sister, Christina Ahlers, and her husband, David Ahlers. This closeness led to a strong and cherished friendship between Jason and David.

Jason was a self-taught chef whose love for cooking was a gift to all who knew him. He would often search for YouTube recipes, recreating the favorite dishes his mother made for him as a child. It was a journey that began with a memory and led to him perfecting his skills. He cherished cooking for his family and friends, entertaining them from his custom-built backyard kitchen and patio bar. A talented gardener, he grew many of his own ingredients, adding a fresh and personal touch to every meal.

Jason is survived by his loving wife, Diana Chian of Redlands, CA; his devoted son, Danny Qian of Long Beach, CA; his beloved mother and two younger sisters, who reside in Shanghai; and his former wife and Danny’s mother, Lily Fu of Hacienda Heights, CA.

He will be remembered for his sharp mind, worldly wisdom, great humor, and boundless generosity. Jason’s life was a bridge between cultures and people; a life filled with curiosity, love, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. May Jason rest in peace.