Joe Wang, a treasured friend
August 9
by Kent Aikin
Joe once reminisced to me that he had established with Dr. Charles Boatwright to be his family physician shortly after Joe moved to Blacksburg in the 1960s. It was in Dr. Boatwright’s office on Church Street where I first met Joe and June in 1996, shortly after I had joined Dr. B’s medical practice. This was the beginning of a long and special friendship. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to get to know June well. Joe became my patient and we developed a strong patient-to-physician relationship. I appreciated the trust that he placed in me and his kind and thoughtful approach to life. I admired and respected his enthusiasm for architecture and his achievements at Virginia Tech. I think that we both realized early on that we shared a bond which extended beyond that of the usual doctor and his patient. Joe shared much about his enthusiasm for life, passion for music, enjoyment of travel, and most of all the delight that his children and grandchildren provided in his life. He spoke often of each, their accomplishments, and his visits with them.
As I transitioned through my medical career and eventually left outpatient care for full time inpatient work, I was honored that Joe continued to seek my counsel regarding his health. All of these exchanges were only a part of our conversations about life events and plans. I admired his great sense of humor, respect for others, and thoughtfulness. Joe and I would meet for a lunch or dinner, often at India Garden in Blacksburg. On a few occasions, Joe made sure to include my wife, Suzanne, for our special meals at Summit Restaurant in Christiansburg and the Sunday brunch buffet at Preston’s. We always had much to discuss, and he never seemed to lack for interests and activities which kept him involved in life, friendships, and family.
Joe was admired by the owners of Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, a small family business in Mancos, Colorado near my home. We had begun exchanging gifts of coffee - Joe was by far the more generous giver - and he would telephone the owners, Matt and Linda, to arrange for coffee to be gifted to me. They have commented many times about Joe’s gentle, kind, and generous demeanor during those conversations.
Joe’s example taught me much about kindness, respect for others, and the true value of friendship. He will live on in many hearts, and mine and Suzanne’s will always be two of those!
As I transitioned through my medical career and eventually left outpatient care for full time inpatient work, I was honored that Joe continued to seek my counsel regarding his health. All of these exchanges were only a part of our conversations about life events and plans. I admired his great sense of humor, respect for others, and thoughtfulness. Joe and I would meet for a lunch or dinner, often at India Garden in Blacksburg. On a few occasions, Joe made sure to include my wife, Suzanne, for our special meals at Summit Restaurant in Christiansburg and the Sunday brunch buffet at Preston’s. We always had much to discuss, and he never seemed to lack for interests and activities which kept him involved in life, friendships, and family.
Joe was admired by the owners of Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, a small family business in Mancos, Colorado near my home. We had begun exchanging gifts of coffee - Joe was by far the more generous giver - and he would telephone the owners, Matt and Linda, to arrange for coffee to be gifted to me. They have commented many times about Joe’s gentle, kind, and generous demeanor during those conversations.
Joe’s example taught me much about kindness, respect for others, and the true value of friendship. He will live on in many hearts, and mine and Suzanne’s will always be two of those!