Charles Chuang Obituary

Charles Chuang

Charles Chuang was born with an incredibly determined spirit. Born in 1938 to parents Chuang Ah Yam and Lim Meng King in Long Lama, Malaysia, he was the first born of 10 children. Consequently, Charles grew up leading the pack. He taught his siblings how to swim and fish in the local river, climbed trees, and picked fruit. Wanting their children to have a good education, his parents sent him to the Seventh-Day Adventist School in Kuching, Malaysia. His love of learning prompted him to leave Malaysia and continue his education at Avondale College in Australia, Walla Walla College and Loma Linda University in America, where he received both his B.S in Biology and Masters in Public Health and Nutrition.
Charles worked hard for the State of Washington as public health inspector in order to provide for his three children, Dean, Joy, and Lisa, and wife Rosaline. Beyond working, Charles provided for his family in many other ways. To his children, he passed on his love of life, learning, music, and God. "He had a heart of gold," said Rosaline, when asked why she wanted to marry Charles. It was his heart of gold that everyone who encountered Charles fell in love with. He regularly delivered fruit and flowers from his garden to the neighbors and would strike up a friendly conversation with anyone he encountered.
Charles was able to see the best in life. He was never discouraged by his Parkinson's disease. His children remember him regularly saying, "It's okay," even when life did not seem that way. These simple words often served as words of encouragement for his family and friends. Despite all the odds against him, Charles continued his love of fishing, building, and talking. Charles passed away peacefully in his Tumwater home surrounded by his family on March 18th, 2011. He is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26th, 4:00 p.m. at Transformation Life Center, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1717 Eskridge Blvd. SE Olympia, Washington, 360-943-1370.

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Published by The Olympian on Mar. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Chuang

3 Entries

Geoffrey Pauner

April 19, 2011

I got to know Charles in Sunny Hill School, Kuching, Sarawak when I attended the school there from 1952-1956. We became good friends. After 1956, we went our separate ways but in 1960 we met again in Avondale College in Australia.

We spent very little time together during the weekdays. It was only on Sabbaths when we had the time to be together in church. We also had chances to talk about our future plans.

Charles is a hard working person. I know he cares for his siblings and helps them as much as he could. He is an honest man and most of all a God-fearing person. He is optimistic too. No hardships and difficulty situations would dampen his cheerful outlook on life.

About 17 years ago, my family and I had the opportunity to visit him and his family in Seattle and spent a night with them. Though it was a short visit, it was a memorable one as my family got to meet the often mentioned good friend of mine for the first time. Until today, my wife and two sons still remember that short stay with Charles. We wanted to visit him again after that but never had the chance. We are looking forward to that Great Day when we all will see each other again.
Rest in peace, Charles! We will meet again in that better land!

Geoffrey Pauner
Chicago, IL

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Weefong Choo

April 14, 2011

I visited Charles a total of 7 times between 85-2008 and each time he took me out to fish for salmon. He treated me and Audrey with great love and we enjoyed eating the fish he caught. Charles love his family and friends by making sure we are well looked after each time we saw him. We have a emptiness in our heart whenever we think of him.

Barbara Houtenbrink

March 24, 2011

I always enjoyed working with Charles. Know that he loved and was proud of his famiy. Sorry I did not see Charles for a few years, but I was unable due to my surgery last year.

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