He was born on February 24, 1952 in Houston, Texas. The family owned and operated the Chung Hing grocery business, one of the first Chinese grocery stores in Houston. He and his brothers attended Chinese Baptist Church. As a teenager, Hugh became an active member of CBC.
Hugh attended Stephen F. Austin high school, where he was an officer in the ROTC and a member of the National Honor Society. He attended the University of Houston and eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. He worked for a number of years as a substitute teacher in HISD. He was popular among his students because he made an effort to relate to them.
Hugh’s passion was photography. He took many pictures of his family and friends, but his favorite subjects were celebrities, especially athletes, and he loved being in the picture with them.
Hugh’s other passion was martial arts. He trained under Grandmaster Kim Soo at his Downtown karate school and dreamed of earning a black belt. Hugh continued to train off and on into his 50’s. One of his teachers admired his tenacity and rewarded him with a beautiful honorary black belt embroidered with his name in Chinese and English.
Many people will remember Hugh as a “cool” teacher, an avid photographer, or a fan of martial arts. But those who knew him best will remember him for his kind spirit and caring heart.
Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Sai Young Chin and Mary Lee Chin. He is survived by his brothers, Kong Wah (Rosemary), Simon (Terri), Wilson (Emily), Kenneth, and Raymond. He was also an uncle to Nancy, Alice, Anne, Barry, Teresa, Simona, Cindy, Vicky, and Mary.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hugh’s memory may be made to Chinese Baptist Church, 900 Brogden Rd, Houston, TX 77024 or River Oaks Baptist Church (Chinese Mission) (checks payable to ROBCCM), 2300 Willowick Rd, Houston, TX 77027.
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