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FUNERAL HOME
9212 Chambers Creek Rd. W.
University Place, Washington
Keong-Chye Cheah Obituary
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sandra; his children, Chylynn and Eric Hansel of Steilacoom, WA, and Maylynn Leighton of Sandy, Utah; his granddaughters, Amanda Hansel and Caitlin Walrath; great grandson, Joshua Hansel; sisters, Juliana Yap of Penang, Malaysia, Veronica Lean of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Christina Low of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Julie Ang of Singapore; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Chye was a gifted student and was selected to come to the United States in 1959 on a USIA scholarship to the University of Arkansas. He excelled academically and made the acquaintance of Winthrop Rockefeller who had a home in Arkansas. Chye worked for him summers teaching his children and their friends swimming. When Governor Rockefeller found Chye was interested in medicine, he arranged scholarships for Chye to complete his undergraduate degree and then to attend medical school. At that time the University of Arkansas Medical School did not accept foreign students so he arranged for Chye to attend his first year of medical school at New York University and then to transfer to the University of Arkansas to begin his second year. Thanks to the Rockefeller family, Chye was able to complete his education debt free. He graduated in 1967 with his MD degree after having obtained a BS and MS in microbiology.
He met his wife Sandra when he was a senior student in Medical School. They married in Little Rock in 1968.
He did a residency in psychiatry at the University of Arkansas and then went on to be a career resident with the Veterans Administration. He was a rising star with the VA, serving at a young age as Chief of the Addiction Unit in North Little Rock, and then a few years later his true love Geriatric Psychiatry at the Little Rock VA. In 1981 Chye was selected as the Chief of Psychiatrist of American Lake VA, moving the family to this area. In 1986 because of health difficulties he decided to go a less stressful route and worked in Geriatrics and Chief of Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry.
He served in the Arkansas and Washington Army National Guard retiring as a Lt. Col., on the Board of the American Lake Credit Union, and as a hospital surveyor for JCAHO.
His achievements were many and to only mention a few: Phi Beta Kappa, Fellow American Psychiatric Association, President Ark Psychiatry Association, Clinic Assoc Prof. University of WA, President North Pacific Soc of Neurology and Psychiatry, Leadership VA, Chapel of Four Chaplains, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Psi Chi, Alpha Omega Alpha. However, he always felt that his greatest achievement was his love and dedication he showed to family and friends.
Funeral services are at 1pm Saturday, Sept 1, 2012 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 10018 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA. A viewing will be held in the Relief Society Room at Noon. Interment will be at New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place. Guestbook at www.newtacoma.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Keong-Chye Cheah
September 2, 2012
Chye was a very special man! Expressing our deepest sympathies.
Bob, Dace and Erik Zemmers
Bob Zemmers
September 2, 2012
Chye was a very special man! Expressing our deepest sympathies.
Bob, Dace and Erik Zemmers
September 1, 2012
Our thoughts are with the Cheah family at this sad time. Dr Cheah will long be remembered as a respected colleague at the American Lake VA.
from the staff of Geriatrics and Extended Care, American Lake Division, VA Puget Sound Health Care System
W W & Helen Smith
August 31, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of this good doctor, and a fellow student at the U of A Med School. Our condolences to the family, and we remember you in our thoughts and prayers. I had the privilege of being the Class of '67 President, and enjoyed his as a classmate.
August 31, 2012
Sandy, I am sorry to hear about Chye. One thing I remember about him was his smile and positive attitude. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kandyce Nelson Cia
August 31, 2012
Sandy, so many years since our years at SVI in LR, but I remember both you and Chye. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda Earnheart Hidy.
kathy threadgill
August 31, 2012
wow! I never realized he was such an accomplished man.God bless you all in your loss. Let all your memories be good ones.
August 30, 2012
Dear Sandra,Chylynn,Eric Hansel and Maylynn. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. He sounded like a wonderful man who served so many and lived life well. He will be missed greatly. Meredith Thibo
Janet McTurnal
August 30, 2012
I am so sad to hear of Chye's passing. I had the privilege of serving with him in the National Guard where we worked on many projects together. I always enjoyed our (sometimes quite lengthy) conversations about medical and military issues, as well as a myriad of other subjects. Chye was always highly respected, both in the Guard and at the VA, and always eager to help in whatever way possible. His opinions on military matters, as well as medical and psychiatric issues, were valued and respected. He was an excellent resource and a top notch officer. He is greatly missed. My husband and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family, and join you in grieving the passing of your loved one.
August 30, 2012
We are saddened to hear of Chye's passing and extend our sympathies to his family. I had the pleasure of working with Chye and shared many bowl of champong. He will be missed.
Gene and Taunia Wales
Paul and Jakki Bishop
August 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your beloved one. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to call upon us.
August 30, 2012
Thank you for your service and for keeping our Country free
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