72Dr. Tan was born in Amoy, China on January 11, 1933 to Tan Kun Hong and Chua Pek Giok. As a child he moved with his family to Manila, Philippines where he survived the burning of Manila during World War II.
Felix immigrated to the U.S. by ocean freighter in his late teens to pursue his education. He earned a B.S. and a M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering and a B.S. in Mathematics from the Univ. of Michigan and Master's and Doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Yale Univ. As an undergrad, Felix also learned to fly, becoming a licensed pilot.
Dr. Tan held numerous engineering, teaching, and research jobs, including positions at universities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, United Aircraft, and the U.S. Naval Undersea Research Lab. In 1972, he joined the U.S. Postal Service as an Industrial Engineer; he remained with the Postal Service for 25 years, working in various positions including Director of Administrative Services for the Pacific Region.
Felix met his second wife, Betsy (Graves) Tan while a student at Yale. In 1968, they moved with their growing family to Hawaii, where Felix lived for the rest of his life.
Felix's diverse set of interests reflected his intelligence, penchant for problem solving and his love of friends and family. In retirement, he kept busy: traveling and pursuing his many hobbies, including tai chi, mahjong and bridge.
Dr. Tan was preceded in death by his second wife, Betsy, his brother Wan and sister Sui Ben. He is survived by his children, Felix and Linda Tan Fellows (David) from his first marriage to Helga Belingeri, and Alexandra (Joel Rappoport), Mark (Julie), Nathan (Nona San Juan) and Paul from his marriage to Betsy; his sister Shirley Dee, seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements Provided By:
Oahu Mortuary
