William Fook-Chun Chan

William “Bill” Fook-Chun Chan was born to Chong Tui and Fung Tuie Chin in Taishan, Guangdong Province, China. Bill’s family later settled in Hong Kong. Through the patronage of Bill’s father, brother and his wife (Chong L and Yee Ling Chin), Bill was able to study civil engineering at Cheng Kung University in Taiwan and Imperial College in England. Bill married his sweet, lovely wife, Helen in 1967 and later that year immigrated to the United States.

Bill was hired by Martens/Kratz in Seattle, and quickly made partner, despite his limited English proficiency. He was always skilled at designing structures, foundations, and bridges. In 1969, Bill and Randy Martens formed Martens/Chan; a business partnership which blossomed into a deep friendship. Together, they engineered structures including: Group Health Central/Eastside, Ballard High School, Evergreen College and North Seattle Community College. After 36 years, Martens/Chan merged with AHBL a multi-discipline consulting firm headquartered in Tacoma, WA. Bill said goodbye to a long career and retired in 2007.

Bill’s faith has been central to his life, and he had been an active member and elder at Seattle Chinese Alliance Church. He gave generously and sacrificially and he instilled his beliefs in his children and grandchildren.

Bill died peacefully in his sleep on December 3, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Helen, children: Albert (Cora) and Allen (Sonia). grandchildren: Sharla and Kayden; Caleb and Abigail. nephews: Henry (Garbo) and Larry (Rosalind); niece: Hazel (Robert); plus, many beloved extended family and dear friends. Bill’s attention to detail and planning, his particular ways, his stories, his humor, his companionship and his love will be missed. Our heartfelt thanks go out to family and the many friends who have helped so much during these last months.

On Tuesday, December 15th, an open casket viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home. This will be a socially distanced event for those that would like to visit with Bill one last time. Everyone is invited to virtually join the family for a 1 pm livestream of the celebration of Bill’s life. There is no reception following the funeral, however, we will invite everyone to a future celebration of Bill’s life when COVID-19 restrictions are rescinded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of one of Bill’s favorite evangelists, Billy Graham. https://billygraham.org/give/give-online.