In 2002, his wife of more than 40 years, who had been by his side since his student days, died tragically, falling off a cliff while birdwatching alone. After losing the person who had been his encouragement and support, Liao plunged into a deep depression.
從大學時一路相伴、攜手 40 多年的妻子，2002 年在一次獨自外出賞鳥時發生墜崖意外身亡；頓失生命中最堅定支持的力量，讓廖修平陷入了極度的痛苦和抑鬱之中。