Edward Shui "Ping" CHOW

Edward Shui "Ping" CHOW Ping passed away peacefully on June 29, 2011 at the age of 94. He was born on November 5, 1916 in Canton, China. He was 6th of 8 children and the youngest son. While a young boy, Ping served as helper to a Chinese opera star to earn money for his family. That star took him under his wing, and Ping became a Cantonese opera apprentice and eventually a star in his own right. Stranded in New York when traveling with his opera troupe, he met Ruby Mar and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received U.S. citizenship upon his honorable discharge from the army. He and Ruby married, and then moved to Seattle with two sons in tow. In Seattle, Ping and Ruby established Ruby Chow's restaurant, which became the first successful Chinese restaurant outside of Chinatown. As the restaurant's expert chef, he elevated Chinese cooking to haute cuisine, giving demonstrations on local TV shows. Ping popularized Chinese cookery throughout Seattle. Even though he cooked for notable political dignitaries and famous movie stars, he remained first and foremost, a doting father to his five children and a devoted husband to Ruby. Ping was also beloved for his leadership in the community and for his service to cultural organizations. He sponsored visiting Cantonese opera troupes and performed with them to raise money for organizations such as the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team and the Wing Luke Museum. He became the proud president of and then an advisor to the Chong Wa Benevolent Association. He belonged to Cathay Post #186 of the American Legion. Active in charitable causes, such as the March of Dimes and the Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, Ping enjoyed helping the less fortunate. Seattle benefitted from his legendary generosity when he purchased the first dragon to run in the Seafair Parade. The Republic of China awarded him a rare honor by appointing him as an overseas ambassador. He will best be remembered as "Uncle Ping" or "Yeh-Yeh." Quick to flash a friendly smile, he gave impromptu kung fu demonstrations as he laughed and played with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He now joins his beloved wife of 70 years, Ruby, who passed in 2008. He is greatly missed by his children: Edward Jr., Shelton, Cheryl, Brien and Mark. He is also survived by his daughters-in law: Dr. Margaret, Jeannie, Marcia and Carol. He was proud of his grandchildren: Dr. Ward, Melissa, Christopher, Dr. Elizabeth, Matthew, Kyle, Michael, Taylor and Cayla. His great-grandchildren also gave him great joy: Elliot, Alex, Cyrus, Benjiro, Elleri, Kimiko. Sisters: Pok Man Kwai and Man Ying Wang, and many nephews and nieces. The family is grateful for the care and support given at Kin On. Service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 12 noon at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home.A Graveside service will follow. Memorial donations can be made to: Chong Wa Education Society, P.O. Box 28832, Seattle, WA 98118.