John Ging Chin

John Ging Chin passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2018 after a three-year battle with cancer. John is survived by his children and their spouses: Natalie Ling Kurr (Jason) and Michael Pak Duen Chin (Jin Kun); their mother, Susan Wong; elder sister Kim Chin Lee; older brother Ging Chin; younger sister Jane Chin; dearest friend, Sharon Knight; numerous nieces and nephews, and beloved dog, Sobe.

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, John attended UC Berkeley (BS Engineering) and the University of Utah (MA Business) before moving to Denver, Colorado in 1974, where he settled and enjoyed a full life of outdoor activities, active participation in the Chinese American community, practicing martial arts, and civic engagement.

Committed to community engagement and philanthropy, John served on numerous boards and commissions. He founded the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, with co-founders Howie Solow and Ding-Wen Hsu, in 2001. He also served as a board member for the Organization of Chinese Americans, Asian Pacific Development Center, Academy of Chinese Martial and Cultural Arts, Community Reach, and Ballet Nouveau (now called Wonderbound). He served on commissions for the Denver Botanic Gardens, Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Center Theater Company. He was active in the Broomfield and Adams County Chambers and with Adams County Economic Development Corporation.

John’s career in Colorado was multi-faceted and rich. He served as Executive Director for the Adams 14 Education Foundation from 2010 to 2013. He was a private consultant for education and business from 2006 to 2010; and Associate at Corona Research from 2005 to 2006; Executive Director of the Alliance for Microenterprise Initiatives from 2004 to 2005; and Chief Academic Officer for Front Range Community College from 1988 to 2004. He was a consultant for business and education from 1974 to 2004.

During his 40 years in the Denver area, John touched people with his cheerful enthusiasm, his kind and open friendliness, and his warm and sincere interest in others. He made a significant impact on the Denver Metro Region and will be fondly remembered by many.

A private Celebration of Life is being planned for late summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Chinese Historical Society of America, Asian Pacific Development Center, or Adams 14 Education Foundation Cards for the family may be forwarded to Chin Family, c/o Sharon Knight Consulting, 2931 Fulton Street, Denver, CO 80238.