On April 3, 2018 our beloved father, Kern Lum Chew, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children. He was 95 years old. Kern was born on August 15, 1922 in Courtland, California and was the second son to the late Sing LumChew and Chang Gum Wah. Beloved husband to the late Mary Young Chew. Cherished father to Audrey and her husband Jose Chan, Carolyn and her husband Richard Hashimoto, and Phillip Chew and his wife Julie. Beloved grandfather to Caitlin, Christopher, Jenna, Kristin, and Jay. Loving brother to the late Florence Ng, the late Chester Chew, Lawrence Chew, Patsy Ching and Janny Chan. Cherished uncle to a host of nieces and nephews. Kern leaves behind many dear friends.
Kern lived his life to the fullest, beyond his wildest dreams. Known for his generosity and easy smile, his life was rich in happiness, adventure, passion, humility and patriotism. Kern took great pride in his family and enjoyed hosting family dinners.
Kern was a decorated Veteran of WWII. In his platoon, he was one of six survivors of the Battle of Okinawa, earning the Purple Heart with Oak-Leaf Cluster and later, a Bronze Star for his heroism. He also received medals for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and Good Conduct, Combat Infantryman Badge, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. Kern was from the Greatest Generation who defended our nation and preserved our freedoms.
After the war, Kern and his brother Chester formed Chew Brothers Farms, becoming the largest sugar beet growers in the United States and one of the 10th largest in the world. Upon retiring from Chew Brothers in 1978, he started KC Farms. It was at KC Farms where Kern built his trophy room and where he would host his renown barbecues.
Kern was an avid outdoorsman. His greatest passions were fishing and hunting, and he traveled the world in search of prized game. His hunting achievements include 2 1/2 Grand Slams. He was also one of the founders of the Sacramento Chinese Sportsman Club and the Sacramento Safari Club. In addition, Kern was a member of Capital City Masonic Lodge #499, Sacramento Scottish Rite and York Rite Temples, Ben Ali Shrine and a Past Director of The Royal Order of Jesters.
A visitation will be held at Harry A. Nauman & Son, 4041 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822 on Thursday, April 19th from 4 PM to 8 PM. The Memorial service will also be held at Harry A. Nauman & Son on Friday, April 20th at 10 AM. Private interment at East Lawn Cemetery with immediate family.
Remembrances in Kern’s memory may be made to the following (please specify “In memory of Kern Chew”): Meals on Wheels by ACC, 7375 Park City Dr., Sacramento, CA 95831; Shriners Hospital for Children, Donations Department, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817; Sacramento Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, 6151 H St., Sacramento, CA 95819
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18