William S. Kay

October 15, 1916 – February 17, 2012

Bill Kay died peacefully in the presence of his loving family at the age of 95 on February 17, 2012. Bill was born in Olympia on October 15, 1916 to early Chinese pioneers Charlie and Lam Shee Kay who opened one of the first Chinese Restaurants in Olympia at the beginning of the twentieth century. He was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great and great great grandfather, and friend. Bill was beloved by all who knew him and will be remembered for his patient, kind and gentle spirit.

Bill attended Lincoln Elementary School and after the 8thgrade was sent by his family to the family village in Toishan I, Kwantung Province, China for 7 years of schooling. His Chinese education included: reading and writing Chinese, learning Confucian philosophy and traditions, and meeting and working with family and relatives in the village. His education was cut short by the Japanese invasion of China. Because he was an American citizen, his father was able to arrange passage for him back to the United States just three months before the Japanese invaded his village. Unfortunately, his older brother Henry and his family were not able to come to the United States and had to flee into the jungle to avoid the invasion. Upon his return to Olympia, Bill enrolled at Olympia High School and graduated in 1940.

He met his wife, Toy J. Luke, in Billings, Montana. They were married on June 28, 1941 after a short courtship. Bill worked at the Todd Shipyard during World War II; then became the manager and star chef of the family restaurant, Kay’s Café, in Olympia for 36 years. Bill worked hard all his life without complaint, selling the restaurant in 1976 for a well-earned retirement.

There was nothing Bill loved more than being with his family. In his quiet way, he showed his love in many ways but most of all in the fabulous meals he provided for any and all occasions. He was a wonderful cook and continued to be the star chef for the family after his retirement. He also enjoyed fishing in the bay outside his home on Cooper Point, gardening, photography, and traveling. He was incredibly resourceful, creative and inventive, making and repairing a variety of household items from knives to furniture. He and Toy enjoyed many trips all over the world. On their last trip together to China in 2001, he revisited the family village with his son and grandchildren and shared his memories of his family and time spent there.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Toy Kay, children Jerry Locke (Penny) and Judi Foulkes (John), grandchildren Laurie Dumar (Jeff), Ashley Locke, and Lauren Locke, great grandchildren Ian Dumar (Kindra) and Alex Dumar, and great great granddaughter Jasmine Dumar. Bill is also survived by sisters Mary Mar and Jeni Fung (Cal), godchildren Son and Yo Truong and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Henry Locke, Don Kay and sister Frances Wick.

Bill was a member of the Olympia Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Chinese Fellowship. He also was a member of the Washington State Restaurant Association and Wing Luke Museum.

The family would like to thank the in-home caregivers and Hawthorne Adult Family Home for the devoted care they provided to Bill for many years and Assured Care Hospice for the excellent care he received in his final days.

Remembrances may be made to Assured Care Hospice, Olympia Rotary or your chosen charity

Services will be held on March 2nd at 2:00 pm followed by graveside services at Mills and Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater. Visitation hours are 3 to 6 pm March 1st or 1 hour prior to services.

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