Richard Cee Nan Tam, M.D.

Richard Cee Nan Tam, M.D., age 40, of Monclova Township, died January 19, 2018 from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident. Richard was born June 28, 1977 in Philadelphia, PA. Extraordinarily intelligent and blessed with a strong work ethic, he graduated from University School in Hunting Valley in 1993 and Case Western Reserve University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1995, at the age of 17. Richard obtained his M.D. at the age of 21 from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri in 1999. His internship was at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago and ophthalmology residency was at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Richard had been practicing ophthalmology alongside his wife since 2005, when he started a successful solo practice in Bowling Green. They then merged with Associated Eye Care with offices in Toledo, Bowling Green, and Wauseon in 2009. A wonderful, compassionate physician and gifted surgeon, he cared deeply and worked hard for his patients. He also enjoyed the strong friendships he developed with other colleagues, surgery nurses, and staff at AEC. He was known throughout his life for his brilliance, gifted in every way—academically, professionally, and musically. Richard was an especially talented singer, violinist and pianist. He had been a cantor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Cleveland and sang with his St. Louis Cathedral Choir for Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy in 1997. He was an accomplished tennis player, belonged to multiple USTA teams and completed last season unbeaten at 17-0. He cherished many friendships with other tennis players at Perrysburg Tennis Center, where he spent a lot of time. Richard was also a talented cook and enjoyed sharing his love of music and musical talent with his family. Richard found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, especially his wife and children, to whom he was incredibly devoted. He spent many hours weekly practicing music and playing tennis with his children. Regular family trips to Grand Haven and Traverse City on Lake Michigan and to Disney World were also very special to Richard. He treasured his time with his family. He was an amazing role model and instilled strong values in his children, whom he completely adored and who adored him. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, physician, and friend. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 15 years, Christina Pacio Tam, M.D.; children, Claire, Nathan, Hannah, and Leah Tam; parents, Dominic Tam, M.D. and Rose Tam, M.D.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilfredo Pacio, M.D. and Imelda Pacio; paternal grandmother, Helen Yung; sister, Christine C. Tam, M.D. (Anthony Elias, M.D.); brothers, Michael Tam and Alfred Tam, Esq. (Jiaping Yin); and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He touched thousands of lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 1-8 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., Toledo, concluded with a scripture service and sharing of memories at 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 24250 N. Dixie Highway, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Toledo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Richard’s family for the education of his four children (payable to Christina P. Tam) and accepted at funeral home or mailed to P.O. Box 39578, Solon, OH 44139.