Kai Sun Lai passed away at home in Gilroy California on 18 September 2018 at the age of 80. Kai is survived by wife Libby, children Kristy and Scott and sister Lenora Lai Kubis (New York City).
He was born on 11 December 1937 in Hong Kong to Chaak Tin and Mee Bek Lee Lai. Kai graduated from the Pennsylvania State University at State College, PA with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1959. Married Elizabeth (Libby) Copley in Annandale, VA in 1967. They moved to California in 1968 and Kai worked for Teledyne McCormick Selph in Hollister, CA. He finished his career as a Principal Engineer at United Technologies, CSD, San Jose, CA. Kai was recognized as a national expert in the design and application of igniters and ignition systems. He was an Associate Fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Kai and Libby raised their two children Kristy Lai (Oakland, CA) and Scott Lai (San Francisco, CA) in Gilroy, CA. Kai was involved with many Gilroy activities including, the Gilroy Community Theater in the early 1970’s, Gilroy Unified School District Board Member (1981-1991), Planning Commission (1991-2001 and 2009-2018), Parks and Recreation Commission (2002-2004), Gilroy Volunteer of the Year 2014 and member and board member of Rotary Club, Exchange Club, Gilroy Sister Cities.
The family would like to thank the Kai’s caregivers, April Evans, Alejandra Torres and Ruby Ramirez.In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Gilroy Foundation in the name of Kai Lai to benefit the Gilroy Firefighters Association. http://gilroyfoundation.org
A Celebration of Life for Kai Lai will be held on 27 October 2018 at the Fortino Winery, Gilroy from 4:00-8:00pm.
Online condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
