Xinsheng "Randy" Gan was born in China in 1963, just before the Cultural Revolution. At the age of seven, his father died in a Cultural Revolution re-education camp. He grew up in poverty and faced many hardships. As some limited policy opened up, Randy understood that academic success was his only way out of the trauma endured by the Revolution. Through determination and perseverance, he became the only student from his hometown to attend one of China's top universities.

During graduate school, he received a scholarship from the World Laboratory in Switzerland, allowing him to conduct research in London under renowned scientist Dr. Gregory Gregoriadis. He later immigrated to the United States, where he earned two Master of Science degrees and worked for the University of Missouri.

Randy fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a businessman by founding his own successful company and providing 12 years of dedicated service to the United States Government.

He enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting countries throughout Europe and nearly every national park in the United States. He also enjoyed bird watching, nature walks, playing bridge with friends, and collecting stamps and coins from the countries he visited.

Randy is survived by his wife, Yinghui "Susan" Zeng of Columbia, Missouri, his sons, Charles Gan and Tony Gan, his granddaughter, Sola Gan, his brother, Xinhua Gan, and his sister, Suzhen Gan.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 16 at Columbia Cemetery, 30 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203.