David Chin

David Chin, aged 81, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, At Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington. He was born on January 7, 1943 to parents Yok Can Chin and Fong Yuen Dong in Bellingham, WA. David lived a life marked by dedication to his family, working hard, and enjoying simple pleasures.

David graduated from Bellingham High School and attended the congregational church across the street from his childhood home. He worked diligently at the family's restaurant, China Café, the first Chinese restaurant in Bellingham, WA. In 1964, David married Yuk Fong (Tammy) in Hong Kong, helping her realize her American Dream. In 1973, David moved to Bellevue, WA, where he raised his family and achieved success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. He was employed by the Washington State Liquor Control Board for 24 years before retiring. David suffered a debilitating stroke in 1998 but remained a symbol of resilience and endurance.

David enjoyed swimming, biking, running, dancing, music, collecting silver coins, and playing chess. He was the first of his family to learn to swim and had a deep appreciation for art and architecture. His taste in music was eclectic but some of his favorites included Frank Sinatra and Judy Collins. An animal lover at heart, he especially enjoyed feeding birds, deer, ducks, and squirrels. One of his fondest memories was snorkeling in Hawaii and feeding tropical fish.

David loved movies, often renting films and taking his family to theaters, always insisting on buying a huge popcorn, sometimes taking leftovers home. He never grew tired of re-watching his favorite movies, they included High Society, The Thomas Crowne Affair, Dirty Harry, James Bond, Bruce Lee, and Camelot. A big foodie, he delighted in exploring various cuisines. Some of his favorites were sushi, dim sum, and chow mein. David’s unique superpowers included his exceptional skills in parallel parking his huge 1968, then 1977 Chrysler Newport sedans, precision gift wrapping, sketching horses, and recalling ancient Chinese history. He fulfilled one of his dreams when he walked on the Great Wall of China and visited the TerraCotta Soldiers in 1988.

David is preceded in death by his siblings Linda Yee, Dan Chin, and Ho Chin. He is survived by his wife Tammy, siblings Mary Eng, Alice Uyeda, Benny Chin, and William Chin, and his son Patrick Chin (married to Monica Pasion) and daughter Nancy Chin. He was a proud grandfather to Lauren and Jackson Chin, James and Zoey Gregory, and grand-dog Charlie.

Above all, David was a family man with a gentle heart, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed helping others and had a natural talent for connecting with children. David Chin's memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication to family. We will miss the way he would tilt his head to the side and grin a lopsided smile while resting one hand on his hip.

A private service will be held by the family. Gifts in his memory may be sent to via Zelle at [email protected].