Wan Cheung

Cheung Wan passed away on April 26, 2012 in the Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation located in Quincy. He lived a long and fulfilling life. He was a week shy of 80 when he passed away. He was diagnosed with a bone cancer called multiple myeloma. We lost a great person, who was highly dedicated to the community and committed to the betterment of society. Because of all the great things he did in his life, we know that he is now in a good place.

Most of us knew Wan Cheung as a retiree. If you were to you bump into him on the streets of Chinatown or at the Chinatown McDonalds, he looked like any other Chinese “Ah bak”. If you talked to him long enough, you would soon notice his extraordinary warm heart. While he might share very little about himself or his personal life, he would definitely share where in the community you can find help.

Cheung Wan came to the US as a crew worker in 1971 alone. He did not have any ties to anyone in the United States. He first set his foot at San Francisco. Like most Chinese immigrants, he spent most of his early life working in Chinese restaurants. Before he settled in Boston, he worked in Dallas, Wyoming, and other cities unknown to us.

Cheung Wan lived in Boston Chinatown for over 40 years. He was able to walk around Chinatown with his eyes closed. He was able to tell stories about every person he met. He belonged to several organizations, which were near and dear to his heart: the Chinese Progressive Association, Chinatown Residents Association, Hakka Family Association, Ni Lun Welfare Association, and a devoted member of St. James the Greater Church. He made tremendous contributions to these organizations; especially the Chinese Progressive Association. For decades, he spent every day at the CPA office helping with administrative tasks and fundraising in his spare time. He was present at every steering committee meeting up until the last few months of his life. He continued to attend meetings even after he was diagnosed with cancer and throughout his chemotherapy treatment.

Cheung Wan cared deeply about the community and all its residents. He was and still is a true treasure to this community. Cheung Wan is no longer with us, but the memory of his endearing, honest and kind dedication to the community will forever live in our hearts.

A church wake will take place at 9 AM on Sat, May 5th in St. James the Greater Church, 125 Harrison Ave., Boston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM.

Church parking lot on Hudson St. will open from 8 AM to1 PM. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston.