Qizhai Gao

Qizhai Gao passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving son and daughter, and grandchildren.

Born on February 19, 1927, in Lingbao County, Henan Province, China, he left his hometown to attend a boarding “Higher Primary School” (5 th grade) and then the No 1 GuoLi (National) Boarding Middle School in HanZhong of ShanXi Province. He graduated from Northwest University and received a bachelor’s degree in political science and education.

He taught in a middle school in his hometown in LingBao for a short period of time before moved to Wuhan City, China to continue his training focusing on Russian literature in Wuhan University. After graduating from this graduate program, he became one of the few young faculty members (lecturer) in Henan University in Kaifeng City - the previous capital city of Henan Province.

In 1972, he started to teach both Russian and English at Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, Henan. In 1975, he started to work in the Department of Education of Henan Province and oversaw foreign language education in Henan Province. He had overseen a lot of important education activities, including serving as the “test Developer/Examiner” for English test for the first “College Entrance Examination” and the Selection Committees of “Distinguished Teachers”. He spent his entire career as a respected educator, professor and translator.

While he was in Kaifeng in 1961, he met his wife, Yongzhen. Their marriage extended 64 years.

As a professor, he was known for his humility, kindness and integrity. He lived a simple and honorable life, always thoughtful of others and never wishing to inconvenience anyone. His students and colleagues admired him deeply.

In addition to his proud teaching career, he loves reading and translation of Russian literature and professional work. He can remember almost all the Chinese characters (some of them are rare and hard) even in his age of 90s.

After his retirement, he and his wife moved to Maryland in 1996, following their children’s immigration to America. He enjoyed life here and watching his young grandchildren growing up. He taught them the Chinese language and the quick and smart ways to acquire math skills. All this helped significantly in his grandchildren’s early academic career.

Through every stage of his life, even in his last months, he likes reading. He was delighted to all friends and neighbors. Family meant everything to him. His love and devotion to his family were unwavering, and his wisdom and care will continue to guide future generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Yongzhen; son Zhigang, daughter Zhimin, Mingjing, grandchildren Jackson, Daniel and Danyang; great grandchildren Ari and Leo.

He will be forever remembered with love and gratitude.

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