Herbert Chiu

He leaves behind his only child, Herbert Chiu Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Liliana Chiu; his grandson, Richard Lim; his brother, Laurence Chiu; his brother, Barney Chiu; and several others.

Mr. Chiu was born on November 27, 1929 to Chiu Kwok Ching and Bessie Leung in Hong Kong. For several years, he lived and studied in Manila, Philippines from 1939 to 1946.

In 1954, he married Diana Chan in Seattle, Washington. They would remain married for sixty years until her death in 2014. Their only son, Herbert Chiu, Jr., was born in 1960 while they were living in London, England.

After immigrating to the United States and settling in Seattle, Mr. Chiu obtained both a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Washington. They would also move to San Francisco, CA in 1972, San Diego, CA in 1979, and Encinitas, CA in 2003.

Throughout his career, he served as a research pathologist: at the University of Washington from 1964 to 1972; at the University of California, San Francisco from 1972 to 1979; at the University of California, San Diego from 1979 to 1982. After a stint as a travel agent in the early 1980s, Mr. Chiu practiced real estate until the early 1990s.

Mr. and Mrs. Chiu enjoyed their lives to the fullest, especially in their retirement. They traveled on several cruise vacations to destinations that included Europe, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Mr. Chiu was a loyal fan of the Seattle SuperSonics and Seahawks and, sometimes, the San Diego Chargers. He enjoyed listening to musicians on the Lawrence Welk Show and laughing heartily during an episode of I Love Lucy, the Johnny Carson Show, or Mr. Bean. He even became a fan of World Wrestling Entertainment television.

Although he was slowed by Parkinson’s Disease in his last years, he continued to enjoy the company of his family, usually during dinners at many restaurants in the Encinitas and San Diego area. As he had done throughout his life, he remained well informed about the political events around the world. He also was a lifelong lover of Samoyed dogs and spent countless hours with Snuffy, Gorbi, and Boomer.

His family and friends will always remember him for his gentle spirit and kind heart.

A Visitation for Herbert Chiu will be held at El Camino Memorial Chapel, SATURDAY January 14th, 2017 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

To be followed by a Graveside service beginning at 1:15pm on Freedom Terrace Lawn.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The National Parkinson Foundation. Please click on https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/donate_form.html?tab=tribute and then select "TRIBUTE GIFT" and then "My Gift is in Memory of Someone".