Chan-Wa Chu Obituary (1935

Chan Wa Chu, age 77, of Belfair, Washington passed away Friday, December 28, 2012. His viewing will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Lewis Funeral Chapel, 5303 Kitsap Way Bremerton, WA 98312. He will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 700 West Raye Street Seattle, WA 98119-2254. A gravesite ceremony will be held on Monday, January 7, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a lunch celebration in honor of his life, at Sun Ya Seafood Restaurant, 605 7th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98104. Chan Wa Chu was born in Taishan, County, Guangdong Province, China, on November, 17, 1935 to Kei-Chong Chu and Ian-Fok Chan. In his childhood he was tormented by the Japanese invasion into China. In his adulthood he was tortured by the Communist during the Cultural Revolution. However, he managed to survive all these terrible events and made his life colorful, having been a teacher, farmer, rancher, and more. Chan Wa Chu married Iok Mou Sou on December 20, 1954. They loved each other for 58 years, and were blessed with a son, Mou Man Chu. After Deng Xiao Ping declared China's First Reform, he was among those first lucky ones allowed to leave the country for a family reunion with his father in Macau, in late 1977. Later he was joined by his wife and son. In 1982, he and his family immigrated to the United States, which was sponsored by his father-in-law, a Chinese British WWII sailor who lived in New York City after the war. Chan Wa Chu started his new life in America as a dish washer with no English skills, but was quickly promoted to the cook's position because of his excellent cooking skills. He was a cook for 20 years until he retired, and moved onto his hobby of researching and collecting antiques. His son now owns an antique shop, and his grandchildren enjoy quality education, with his two eldest grandchildren having graduated from the University of Washington. These accomplishments would not be possible without his hard work and guidance. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Iok Mui Sou, son, Mou Man Chu, daughter-in-law, Juan Wang, grandchildren, Alexandra Chu, Olivia Chu, Aaron Chu, Ozelleona Chu, Jacinda Chu, and all his beloved relatives and friends.