Zhifen Song January 30, 1945 – September 25, 2026

Zhifen Song passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on January 30, 1945, in Xiyang, China.

Zhifen dedicated much of his life to his career in railway administration, where he built a reputation as a detail-oriented and dependable professional. In the 1960s, he earned an engineering degree from Southwest Jiaotong University, becoming the only child in his family to receive a college degree. He began his career maintaining railroads and ensuring train safety before gradually advancing into various management positions within the Railway Administration. Throughout his career, Zhifen took pride in his work, regardless of the task at hand. His thoughtful nature, ability to listen, and talent for solving problems helped him develop lasting friendships with colleagues over the years.

Outside of his professional life, Zhifen enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities. He loved traveling, swimming, playing pingpong, and fishing. He also enjoyed keeping busy around the house, taking satisfaction in repairing and fixing things himself. He was a sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching the World Cup and other soccer games. His love of music extended across many genres, and he appreciated music of all kinds.

Above all, Zhifen treasured the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. These moments brought him great joy and provided opportunities to create lasting memories with the people he loved most.

Zhifen will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Liping; his daughter, Jinyun; his son-in-law, Paul; and his cherished grandchildren, Sarah and Paul. His family will remember him for his dedication, resourcefulness, and the time and care he gave to the people and responsibilities that mattered to him.

In accordance with Zhifen's wishes, no funeral service will be held. His family will gather privately to lay his ashes to rest on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Michigan State Parks, Trails and Waterways in support of the preservation and enjoyment of Michigan's natural spaces. Donations may be made online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/giving

Zhifen's life was marked by dedication to his work, a love of learning and problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for family and the simple pleasures of everyday life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, lasting friendships, and treasured family memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

宋志汾

1945年1月30日 – 2026年9月25日

宋志汾先生于2026年9月25日在亲人的陪伴与关爱中安详离世。他于1945年1月30日出生在中国昔阳。

宋志汾将毕生精力奉献给了铁路事业，以其严谨细致、值得信赖的职业素养赢得了良好的声誉。20世纪60年代，他毕业于西南交通大学并获得工程学位，是当时家中唯一一位获得大学学位的人。他的职业生涯始于铁路维护与列车安全保障工作，随后逐步晋升至多个管理岗位。无论从事何种工作，他始终对自己的职业引以为豪。他体贴他人、善于倾听且长于解决问题，这些特质使他与同事们结下了深厚的友谊。

工作之余，宋志汾有着广泛的爱好与活动。他热爱旅行、游泳、打乒乓球和垂钓。他热衷于亲手修理家庭物品，并从中获得成就感。他是一个忠实的足球迷并很喜爱观看世界杯足球比赛。他对音乐的热爱跨越了多种流派，乐于欣赏各种类型的音乐。

最重要的是，宋志汾珍视与家人共度的时光，尤其是与孙辈相处的时刻。这些时光不仅带给他巨大的快乐，更让他得以与挚爱的家人们共同创造了许多美好的回忆。

宋志汾的离去令他的挚爱亲朋深感痛惜，其中包括他的妻子丽萍、女儿锦云、女婿保罗 (Paul) 以及他疼爱的孙辈莎拉 (Sarah) 和保罗 (Paul)。家人将永远铭记他的敬业精神、爱动脑筋，以及他对所珍视的人和事所倾注的投入和关爱。

遵照宋志汾的遗愿，将不举行葬礼仪式。他的家人将于2026年10月16日（周五）下午2:30，在密歇根州利沃尼亚（Livonia）的格伦伊登纪念公园（Glen Eden Memorial Park）举行私人仪式，安放他的骨灰。

如欲表达纪念之情，请勿送花，建议向“密歇根州立公园、步道与水道项目”（Michigan State Parks, Trails and Waterways）捐款，以支持密歇根州自然空间的保护与共享。捐款可通过密歇根州自然资源部（Michigan Department of Natural Resources）网站在线进行：https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/giving

志汾的一生充满了对工作的敬业精神、对学习与解决问题的热爱，以及对家庭和日常生活简单乐趣的深切珍惜。他留下了兢兢业业和认真负责的精神，长久的友谊以及珍贵的家庭回忆，这些都将永远铭刻在所有相识并爱戴他的人的心中。