Wai Chow Eng

Wai C. Eng, 83, passed on January 4, 2013 in Seattle,WA. Wai was born on the lunar birthdate August 28, 1929 in Toisan, Guangzhou, China. He was the 2nd son born to Kai Gong Eng and York Fong Lee. Wai initially came to America in 1937, but returned to China in 1939 and would not return to America again until 1946, after WWII ended. Back in Seattle, Wai attended Highline High School and graduated with the class of 1951. Wai was drafted to serve in the US Army during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged from the army in 1953, he returned to Seattle and attended Seattle University and University of Washington, but was unable to complete his education because he had to help support his family. Wai faced financial hardships and obstacles, but was very determined. He would work hard his entire life and would be successful in everything he set out to do. He opened his first restaurant, the Kau Kau Restaurant, in 1959 in downtown Seattle. He would open his second restaurant, the Kau Kau BBQ Market & Restaurant in 1974 in Seattle’s Chinatown. In 1976 he opened the Korea Ginseng Center-the first herb shop specializing in ginseng in the Seattle area. He would open another restaurant for a short time in the Far East Building, a building in Chinatown he purchased in 1978 and renovated in 1985. He would also spearhead the development and construction of the Eng Suey Sun Plaza in Seattle’s Chinatown in 1989 for his Eng Family Association. Wai was a lifelong member of the Eng Family Association and served as President, Chairman, Grand President, and World President of the Eng Family Benevolent Association. Wai had strong roots in Chinatown and always believed in investing back into the community.

Wai was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sandra Chinn Eng. He is survived by his son, Clifford Eng of Seattle; daughter, Lynn Eng Chang (Richard Chang) of Mercer Island; grandchildren Justin and Kianna Chang of Mercer Island; brothers Robert (Holly) Eng & Harry (Bonnie) Eng, both of Seattle; and sister Elaine Lim of New York. Wai also leaves behind many nephews and nieces and extend family and friends. Wai will forever be remembered and missed for his strong leadership, intelligence, vision, generosity, wit, charm, strong will, and love of Chinese literature, poetry, and arts.

The Eng family would like to acknowledge Nikkei Manor Assisted Living for their loving and respectful care of Wai during the last year and half and Home Angels care givers, Tim & Sunia, during the last weeks of Wai’s life. We would also like to acknowledge Providence Hospice Services for their support during the end of Wai’s life.

A visitation will be held at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 1215 145th Pl. S.E., Bellevue, WA 98007, on Friday, January 18, 2013 from 4:00-8:00p.m.. Funeral Service will take place at Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way, Belleve, WA on Saturday, January 29, 2013 at 8:30 am. Entombment will follow the service at Sunset Hills Memorial Park. A luncheon will be served after Entombment at the Ocean City Restaurant, 609 S. Weller St., Seattle, WA . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Wai’s honor to the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Seattle Chinese Gardens, Nikkei Manor, or the soon-to-be-formed Wai & Sandra Eng Scholarship Fund.