Franciscan Father Emery Tang, an educator, retreat master and photographer, died in Huntington Beach on June 8, the 57th anniversary of his ordination. He was 81 years old and had been a Franciscan friar for 62 years.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, he entered the Franciscan order at Old Mission San Miguel, CA, in 1945. He was ordained by Cardinal Francis McIntyre at Old Mission Santa Barbara in 1952.

Father Tang was both teacher and principal at Saint Elizabeth’s High School, Oakland (1953-1961), then principal at Saint Mary’s High School, Stockton (1961-1964).

In 1964, he became involved in media production, first as assistant director for the Hour of St. Francis radio program in Los Angeles. In collaboration with Franciscan Father Hugh Noonan, he published the popular book “Listen, The Clams are Talking.” He later authored two more books: “China Connection” and “Food for the Journey.” His photography in all of these reflected his eye for the “sacred ordinary.”

In1972, Father Tang became a retreat master at Serra Retreat in Malibu. During this time he also served a term on the provincial council for the Franciscan friars of the Province of Saint Barbara , headquartered at Saint Elizabeth Parish in Oakland. In 1984, he returned as director of Serra Retreat, presiding over the building of a stunning chapel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Franciscan Father Warren Rouse, current director of Serra Retreat, said that “wherever Father Emery went to speak or to conduct retreats, people would flock to absorb his inspiring words delivered with simplicity and humility.”

In 1994, Father Tang took up residence at Saints Simon & Jude Friary, Huntington Beach, CA. In retirement, he continued his preaching ministry even in declining health.

The funeral Mass for Father Tang was celebrated on June 18 at Saint Bonaventure Church in Huntington Beach. Inurnment was at Mission Santa Barbara. A memorial Mass was celebrated on June 19 at St. Elizabeth Church in Oakland.

Father Tang is survived by siblings Margaret Tang, Alice J. Tang, Robert Tang, Rose Marie Lee, and Sister Patricia Tang, BVM.

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