Howard Glen Lau

He was the loving husband of Doris Lee Lau for 72 years.

Born in San Francisco, California, he was the son of Shing and Choy Shee Lau. He was raised in San Francisco's Chinatown and graduated from Galileo High School in 1948 and from San Diego Junior College in 1958. Howard served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1950 to 1953 and built a successful career in real estate development and mortgage banking.

Howard was a lifelong mischief maker, gamer, and finder of fun, humor, and any shortcut he could find. He never passed up an opportunity for good-natured teasing or playful flirting, and he was definitely a character to remember. He loved children, pets, puzzles, poker, mah-jong, bingo, origami, Asian landscaping, James Bond and Kung Fu movies. He was up for any game or adventure.

He loved to travel and was an avid snow skier, even racing in his 70s. Some of his favorite memories were of skiing with his family. He founded Sierra Sports, a ski club that took thousands of high school students on ski trips to resorts across the western United States. For many years he also enjoyed weekend trips to Mammoth Mountain in California during the winter months. Howard also helped create the first dry-land ski training facility in California.

In addition to his wife, Doris, he is survived by his sisters, Jane Tsang of San Francisco, CA, and Mamie Yee of Port Orchard, WA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Pearl Wong of San Francisco, CA, and by his parents.

Howard loved, cherished, and was enormously proud of his family. He was the loving father of four children: Roxanne Lau of Lilburn, GA; Rochelle (Matt) Dawes of San Diego, CA; Rex Lau of Snoqualmie, WA (Sharon Lau of Redmond, WA); and René (Steve) Foy of Madison, WI.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews. His grandchildren are Brandon and Cameron (Jenna) Dawes; Alicia (Mike) Trout; Hannah (Chris) Foy, Sam, and Elijah Foy; Danielle and Leeann Mussatt; and Jordan and Makena Lau. His great-grandchildren are Hayden and Barrett Dawes, and Spencer and Wyatt Crump.

Service with Coast Guard honors on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042. Please plan to arrive no later than 1:45 PM so the cemetery staff can line all attending vehicles up for procession to the committal shelter.

Banquet Celebration to follow at Heji Restaurant 和记酒家, 18230 E Valley Hwy, Kent, WA, (253)-378-1688.