Henry Kwong Kui Lau

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Henry Kwong Kui Lau, was called home by the Lord on April 24, 2019, at the age of 85. Henry was born on July 18, 1933 in Chong Chuk Fong Village in Toisan City, in the Canton province of China to his father, Mong Hon Lau and mother, Ching Kwei Li. He was the second of four sons.

Henry cared for the family farm during his youth and persevered through illnesses, near famine conditions, and the hardships of World War II. Henry emigrated to Hong Kong in 1950, where he worked various jobs in construction, as well as in a pharmacy.

In 1954, Henry emigrated to Canada. This involved an 18-day journey by sea to San Francisco, followed by a 2-day trip by train to Vancouver B.C. His first job in Canada was working in a grocery store. Henry then became a sailor, spending several years working on cruise ships that traveled to Alaska, as well as on local ferries. His first experience was as a deck hand. Henry soon moved on to the galley, where he eventually was promoted to a cook.

Henry returned to Hong Kong in 1961, where he met his future wife, Karen. They were married the following year. Henry and Karen returned to Canada, where their two eldest children, Wayne and Donna, were born.

In 1969, Henry moved with his young family to Seattle, Washington where their youngest child Leila was born. He began working with a cousin at his Chinese restaurant near Sea-Tac Airport. Henry continued in the restaurant business, partnering with a friend to run Happy Valley Restaurant in Rainier Beach from 1971-1979. He then went into business with his brothers-in-law, running Monsoon Restaurant in Tacoma, until his retirement in 1994.

In his retirement, Henry enjoyed caring for his grandchildren, working on small home projects, cooking and baking, following the stock market, and spending time with friends. A close friend invited Henry and Karen to visit their church, and on March 27, 2005, Henry was baptized, declaring Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Through his perseverance, work ethic, sacrifice and love of family, Henry blessed and impacted the lives of many. He will be greatly missed.

Henry is survived by his wife, Karen, son Wayne (Lori) Lau, daughters Donna (Steven) Wong, and Leila (Kia) Coston, and grandchildren Christian, Cameron, Carson, Conner, Jelena, Jaren, Jonah and Micah.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry Lau’s name may be made to either Kin On or the Seattle Chinese Alliance Church.

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