Chairman John Gong honores Mr. Edward Nixon
On February 27th, 2019 at 10:58 a.m., Mr. John Gong, Chairman of Athena Technology Inc., received a phone call from Elizabeth Matheny, the younger daughter of Mr. Edward Nixon. Mr. Edward Nixon was the youngest brother of United States 37th President, President Richard Nixon. With John’s name listed as the first contact in her father’s phone book, Elizabeth gave John a call, informing him that her father just passed away 18 minutes ago.
Elizabeth asked John to inform the Nixon Foundation and many her father’s friends, regarding this tragedy. As agreed, John immediately called Mr. Bill Baribault, President and CEO of the Nixon Foundation; unfortunately, he was not present in the office at that time. However, John was able to get in contact with Jim Byron, Vice President of the Nixon Foundation. Jim was shocked over the news and agreed that he would take care of the preparations in Nixon Library. Within the next few hours, John personally called and emailed the rest of Nixon’s family members, Chinese Consulate General of Los Angeles and Mr. Nixon’s good friends from all over the world regarding the passing of Mr. Edward Nixon. By 1:00 PM, the tragic death of Mr. Edward Nixon was formally announced by the Nixon Foundation.
After all the calls and e-mails were done about the news, John was still very much in shock. Just two days prior, John and Mr. Nixon had conversations over the phone and three weeks before that; the two of them spent a weekend at Mr. Nixon’s rehab center in Washington. During John’s visit, John believed that Mr. Nixon would get better soon. They even planned a visit to China towards the end of 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China and US diplomatic relations.
Sitting in his office, John reminisced about their friendship that lasted more than two decades. John could never forget Mr. Nixon’s thoughtfulness towards others. Mr. Nixon could remember John’s wife, sons’ and his daughter’s birthday by memory. So many times, when they were talking to each other, Mr. Nixon would always remind John if it was someone’s special day. He even flew to John’s younger son, Samuel, high school graduation ceremony in Palos Verdes. It was a great surprise to everyone that was there.
In February 2012, John was appointed to be the Chief Representative for Nixon’s family and former White House staff visit to China. On February 21, 2012, John hosted a VIP banquet in Diao Yu Tai in Beijing for Mr. Nixon and Ms Li Ming, who is Chairman Mao’s older daughter, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first visit of US President, President Nixon. Following the banquet, Mr. Nixon, John and the other former White House Staff went on and visited five major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, WuXi, ShenZheng and Hang Zhou. Everywhere they went, they received the warmest welcome from City Party Secretaries and City Mayors. The trip was very successful.
On April 14th, 2019, Nixon Library held a memorial service for Mr. Edward Nixon. Mr. John Gong was honored to get invited by Nixon Foundation to give a eulogy of Mr. Nixon during that memorial service. There were no words which can describe John’s feeling for the lost his best friend. Mr. Edward Nixon was a great and wise man!
