Three Chinese poems by Tommy Gee, Yet Wah Chan, Di Wai Chin at the visitation day of Uncle Billy Chin read by Tommy Gee and Peter Chan on behalf of CCBA and GHOT of New England

Sharing my Chinese poem in memory and honor of Uncle Billy Chin which was also included in the Funeral Program Booklet

Our deepest sympathy.  We have fond memories of Billy during our time at the Chinatown YMCA and our Saturday night dinners at the China Pearl.

What a blessing and an honor to know Uncle Bill for more than half of a century for me, my wife Laura. We and our children Chris and Andrew learned, inspired by, partnered with, and walked on a joyful life journey with him and his family. He was a legend, yet always accessible to and ready to lead and lend a hand, with comforting deeds and words, uplifting jokes, and heart warming humor. It has been wonderful to work with the Funeral and Memorial Service team in the recent weeks. You may find more info from these links:
https://www.bostonorange.com/2021/12/blog-post_17.html
https://www.bostonorange.com/2021/12/blog-post_19.html
https://www.bostonorange.com/2021/12/92.html
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/12/metro/billy-chin-who-brought-bostons-chinatown-into-mainstream-dies-92/?et_rid=1745517713&s_campaign=todaysheadlines:newsletter
With faith, hope and love,
Peter Chan and family

Frank. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Billy was quite the man in. Boston. Good memories. God. Bless

My first memory of you is when you and I met at 104 Tyler St.  I started sleeping over for the weekends when I was around 2 to visit with Poo Poo and Goong Goong. 

Later when I was in high school and college in the 1960s and 1970s, every New Years Eve I’d come and busboy at the China Pearl, your flagship restaurant, although I think the first year you “tested me out” at the Dragon Villa in Medford…I’m guessing because it was smaller and less busy than the China Pearl at 9 Tyler St. in Chinatown. Each New Years Eve after a 9-hour night of bussing tables, exhausted at 4 AM, I’d walk with you to your 4-story walk-up and crash on your and Auntie Jo’s pull-out couch in that cozy top floor apartment. I’d have earned $100 for the night plus a share of the tips the waiters collected — a king’s ransom for a teenager used to making $1.25/hour minimum wage. So I always went to sleep with a big smile on my face. I thank you for that. 

I remember when you and Auntie Jo moved into the Brookline house and the many Christmases we had there after the ones held at 104 Tyler. 

And of course I remember when Brady and Joli entered your lives and warmed the household in only the way that kids can do. 

When the Jade Villa restaurant had its grand opening in North Conway, NH during a blizzard in the winter of 1973, several of my Dartmouth classmates and I drove over with two of my Chinese professors. While you probably don’t remember them out of the thousands of people you’ve touched in your life, they remember you. 

In 1979, my car broke down near your house, so I used your phone to call the Auto Club. You reached into your pocket, gave me $40 and said, “Here, take this just in case.” Because you always wanted to be sure others around you were taken care of. 

I’ll miss your smiling eyes when you would poke me in the chest as we joked with each other. 

Have fun on the Other Side with my mom and dad, and everyone. Much love and appreciation. Love ❤️, Kel

Billy was a special person both at a personal level and at the community level.  He made everyone feel welcomed and important.  Among my fondest personal memories from when Hung and I were dating were the wonderful times we had at China Pearl Restaurant, where Billy always greeted us with such a sense of warmth and joy while serving us delicious lobsters Cantonese style!  

At the Chinese Historical Society of New England's 20th anniversary, Billy was deservedly honored with their Sojourner Award for his dedicated community service, and I felt highly privileged to have served as the opening act to his main event! 
 
Hung and I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Billy's entire extended family.  He will be sorely missed.

With Sympathy

Hung and Jill Cheng

Uncle Bill has always given the younger generations time by sharing his wisdom, his caring way and non-intimidating demeanor has always put individuals at ease to encourage them to open up by sharing ideas or asking for advice.  I am one that benefited from Uncle Bill's generosity of time and wisdom.  Our lunches at your home with Auntie Josephine will never be the same going forward.

Best Buddies!!
Nephew Barry Michael Wong & Uncle Bill
May you Rest In Peace
With Love, Mary, Pat, and Families

Uncle Bill:  To me, you are a kind and generous person. Thank you so much for your kindness. Your contributions to the community will be remembered by a lot of the people you touched. You are always in my memory. Praying for your family. May God's peace and comfort be with them!

When I wanted to arrange an engagement party to Eva for 2 tables way back in 1975, a couple of restaurants that we approached were not interested.  My cousin took me to China Pearl where Uncle Bill was there
 ( wasn't he always !) and he greeted me with that huge enchanting smile which made me feel so welcomed and accepted in Boston, having moved here 2 years earlier from Miami.  That was the first time I met Uncle Bill and felt the warmth of his gregarious personality. It was not until a few years later after Eva and I opened Tai Tung Pharmacy that we learned so much more of what Uncle Bill meant to the community.  He leaves many legacies that should inspire us all to emulate some of his deeds.  Uncle Bill will be missed .

Nick Chau

My uncle Billy and his brother Frank are the twin pillars of the Chinese community .Their contributions and those of their entire family to the community cannot ever be measured. I had the pleasure of working at the old Chinese (later the"South Cove")YMCA" on Tyler street for 12 years (1965-77). During those important years as Chinatown and its residents asserted themselves, no one was more instrumental in serving the needs of its people as the Chin family-led by Billy and Frank. Their support, devotion and constant involvement can never be accurately measured  nor will they ever be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Uncle Billy!

Jo, Bill & Family 1978 at Cathay Corner
Shared by cousin Lewis Fong, San Francisco

Uncle Bill 1978
Shared by Lewis Fong, San Francisco
(Grand-nephew of Len Thlil Wong, Bill's birth mother)

Chinatown Clean-Up, 1964
Shared by Nancy Lo

Snack at Wollaston Beach
Shared by Family

With Uncle Frank and Davi
Shared by Family

Uncle Bill was always the grand host of our family reunion dinners at China Pearl or at their house in Brookline.  I remember he always had a smile on his face.   I remember one time he introduced my cousin and I to Larry Bird, KC Jones and Red  Auerbach as they were eating nearly alone in the restaurant before a Celtics playoff game.   I was young back then but I remember he seemed to really enjoy connecting people and making sure things were running  smoothly.  

People can change so much in two years. Billy and Frank Chin are examples. Not long ago, they were attending the Biannual Reunion of our clan in CA. I downloaded photos of them online. 
I wanted very much to see them when I was in Boston attending a memorial service during 9-1-1. Josephine said that Billy was going to attend a funeral wake at 4 p.m. I waited 97 minutes at the chapel. When they arrived, Billy was carried from the car into a wheelchair and pushed into the chapel. I showed him the photos of them at the Biannual Reunion and he doesn’t remember when or where. Two months later, he has left us. Treasure the times while we can. 


Uncle Billy is a friend of Boston Chinese Evangelical Church. He had given us valuable advice and help during the developmental stage of our church. We always remember him as a benefactor to the Asian Community.

So sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful man. I can’t remember when we met, it was so long ago, but I remember how he treated me and my wife at his restaurants in Boston and Medford. He will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family. 
May He Rest In Peace

Bob and Maria DelloRusso

You are always in our thoughts, rest in peace.  

Uncle Bill was a man of great character and his smile was contagious. Once in awhile when I am reminiscing about my younger days, I would often think about him. If it weren’t for his caring, I probably wouldn’t be here today. God bless Uncle Bill and his family, may he rest in peace

Rest in peace, Uncle Bill.  We're blessed to have another sweet angel to watch over us. You and your love will be missed very much. Love, your niece and nephew, Mer (Marie Toy) and Tom Hill

OBITUARY

Billy "Uncle Bill" Yoke Soon Chin

August 19, 1929 – November 26, 2021

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