The Aliso Viejo doctor killed while trying to stop a gunman in a Laguna Woods church was honored on Tuesday during Mass at Santa Margarita Catholic High School — the school his two children attend.
The Mass, a daily part of Santa Margarita’s school day, was celebrated by chaplain Father Tim Donovan in the Sacred Heart Chapel and dedicated to the “loving memory” of Dr. John Cheng.
An email the school sent to parents noted, “Dr. Cheng, a local physician, will be remembered as a true hero for his bravery to thwart the efforts of an armed assailant. His selfless actions saved the lives of countless people. Our hearts go out to the Cheng family and all those impacted by the events of this past Sunday.”
Among the more than 100 gathered was Doris McHenry, of Monarch Bay, who met Cheng as her doctor 23 years ago. He lived in her neighborhood and the two became close friends. Like many others in the community, she was devastated by his death and sought out the Mass as a way to support his family.
“He was just so genuine, so dedicated,” she said. “We’d go into his office and if there was an issue that was complex, he would think of all the possibilities it could be. Then he literally got on the computer and startedlooking it up. He’d show you anatomical diagrams and explain the process. He went above and beyond.”
On Tuesday morning McHenry went to the doctor’s office and was overcome by tears when she saw his photo and the growing pile of flowers beneath it. After attending the afternoon Mass, she felt calm, partly because of Father Donovan’s words.
“He said to pray to God to stop violence and stop the war,” she said, “and that everyone should live harmoniously.”
Brooke Dubray has lived down the street from the Chengs in Laguna Niguel for 14 years.
“I went to the service because I know that’s where his children go,” she said. “They are just such a lovely, humble and sweet family. Our kids played together. They were the all-American family; she was a stay-at-home mom, and he had a medical practice. The kids seemed to be the focus of their lives.
“It’s just so heartbreaking. He was so present and listened to your every word.”
Cheng, 52, was killed on Sunday when he escorted his mother to a Taiwanese banquet at the Geneva Presybertarian Church in Laguna Woods. At one point during the luncheon, as guests were snapping photos, a gunman began firing.
As parishioners fell or tried to get away, Cheng rushed the man, later identified as David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas. Authorities said Cheng’s actions gave a visiting pastor time to hit Chou with a chair, and for others to grab Chou’s gun, and pin and hogtie him until deputies arrived.
Five other victims – who range in age from 66 to 92 – are expected to survive.
During a news conference on Monday, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes described Cheng as a hero, saying he likely saved the lives of up to dozens of elderly parishioners.
As friends remembered Cheng on Tuesday, they noted that the doctor had an affinity for the martial arts, and was highly skilled at Kung Fu.
“I thought he was just like me — a blackbelt — but then I found out he was a grandmaster,” neighbor Reza Shirangi said, explaining that it’s a greater accomplishment. “He was just so humble.”
Shirangi said he believes Cheng’s martial arts skill and his commitment to safety for others were what led him to act so heroically.
“Those moments, that’s what you train for,” Shirangi said. “That’s why he had to do what he did. You don’t think twice; you just act.”