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Henry Keonaona Chai II

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Brigham Young University

Henry Chai Obituary

Henry Keonaona ChaiII 1952 ~ 2004 With an unshakable faith in his Savior, Henry "Keo" Chai battled cancer without complaint for 10 months before dying peacefully Sunday, August 1, in his South Jordan home, surrounded by his family. The eldest of seven children, Keo was born September 22, 1952 in Provo, Utah to Mary Ann Price and Henry Keonaona Chai. He attended schools in Hawaii, Arizona, and Utah, and after earning a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, graduated cum laude in 1979 from the J. Reuben Clark Law School. He was a founding partner in the Salt Lake City law firm of Blackburn and Stoll, where he practiced law until the time of his death. Keo dedicated his adult life to serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From 1972-1974 he served as a missionary in the Philippines Mission. He was ordained bishop of the West Jordan 49th Ward in 1983, and one year later became the first stake president of the West Jordan Utah North Stake, later renamed the West Jordan, Westbrook Stake. After serving diligently for nine years as stake president, Keo was asked to return to the Philippines as the president of the Philippines, Manila Mission. Without hesitation, he set aside his law practice for three years and accepted the call. Due to problems with the Manila education system for his children, Keo was reassigned after one year to the Oklahoma, Oklahoma City mission, where he completed his assignment in 1998. Keo is survived by his wife of 28 years, Judith Ann Christensen and their six children-Nathan, 27, and his wife, Mary; Kristin, 25, and her husband, Jeff; Erin, 22; Stephen, 21; Ryan, 15; and Jordan, 12. He has two grandchildren, Isaac and Melea'ana, and one more expected in October. He is also survived by his father, two brothers, and three sisters. Keo's life exemplified his commitment first to his Heavenly Father, second to his wife, and third to his children. A leader of remarkable wisdom and compassion, he strove always to teach by example, and his influence for good has touched countless lives. Funeral services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m., at the South Jordan Parkway Stake Center, located at 9894 South 2700 West. Friends may also visit with the family at the Parkway Stake Center Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment at Orem City Cemetery. If friends and family wish, they may make a contribution in Keo's name to the Utah Cancer Foundation (801-281-6861). Services are under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Aug. 4, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Chai

25 Entries

John Casperson

October 22, 2004

It was with great surprise and sadness that I read the notice of Keo's death in the Law School's publication. He was a wondeful friend and example during our years together at J Reuben Clark. Although the law brought us together on occasion in the intervening years, I regret not making more of an effort to stay in touch. My thanks to his wife and family for making him in large part what he is and my heartfelt condolences for the ache you must feel. Thankfully, we have the assurance that the same sociality that exists among us here will bless our lives again, but sanctified and glorified.

Don and Rosie Metzger

August 30, 2004

Dear Sister Chai and Family,

We were so saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved mission president (oklahoma city, ok) and would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you. We believe that the Lord is calling home all his "valiant ones" in preparation for His coming and Pres. Chai was truly one of them. His kindness, love, and compassion to us when Elder Metzger became gravely ill at the end of our mission will never be forgotten. He was truly a great mission president who looked after his flock with great love and concern for all. We will never forget him and the great example he set. We look forward to seeing him again in our Lord's kingdom.Until then, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Don and Rosie Metzger

Stephanie & Dan Boone

August 22, 2004

We didn't know you personally, but there was such love for you all in the stake, we couldn't help but love you all too. We rented the Ertels's blue home when they moved to your former house. My daughter April became friends with your daughter through Kara and Ashley. A friend from my childhood lived right next door to you in the middle of the culdesac (Karla & Mike Stoker) and she was expressing to me her great appreciation to you for helping her face up to motherhood. We hope for the peace of the atonement to settle over your home and give you comfort and happiness in knowing how blessed you are to have had such a great dad and husband and that you have him for eternity. The Boone Family who now live on Westbrook Drive.

Giovanni Frias

August 14, 2004

Greetings from Frias Family. I learned from Elder Gerratt that Pres. Chai has diagnosed of cancer last year and I happened to talk to Elder Oaks when he presided our stake conference about stomach cancer, he mentioned to me that he doesn't have much time to live. I just offered a silent prayer in my heart that everyone around him will be comforted. It's hard to take care of somebody who has cancer and has fatal condition, my mom died at brain cancer too. So, I emphatize the errands, energy and time to hope that he will be okay the next day. Pres Chai has been a big contributor in my life and whatever I would be someday he was part of that ladder. Wish you all life's best Sis. Chai.

Greg Frame

August 12, 2004

Dear Sister Chai and Family-

I knew 'Elder Chai' in my last area of my mission in Calloocan, Philippines, back in 1973. We were roommates with Elder David Howard, my companion and Elder Brad Pickett, his companion. I got to see the great love and compassion your husband and father had for people, and especially the Filippinos. My wife and I met Elder Chai at the Distribution Center a few years back, and I was glad that I had a chance to reconnect with him since our missions. What a great tribute these fine people before me have given of him. Life is short, and you will be meeting up with him soon in a coming day. Love to your family. Greg Frame

Steve Zolman

August 10, 2004

Dear Chai Family,

I am that missionary who had to get bailed out of jail the first day you all got to Oklahoma. I was mortified when I had to call the new mission president on his first day. My first contact with President Chai left an impression on me I will never forget. As I watched your family interact I realized the Lord had truly blessed you all for your willingness to serve. You have no idea how different my life is now because of the example you set for me. I pray for your comfort at this time of need and am confident the heavens will speak peace to you.

Love,

Steve Zolman

Kim Chai

August 9, 2004

Judy and Family,

I wish I could have spent more time with you this past week. I know you were busy during the few days I was able to be in Utah. I feel sorrow for your pain, but know that with knowledge of the Gospel of Christ, Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation and a proper application of the atonement in our lives, you will recieve comfort in knowing that Keo used his time in 'this life' to prepare to Meet God. He was prepared. He is a great brother.

Aloha

Charles Bennett

August 6, 2004

Dear Judy and Family:

I just returned from Keo's funeral. I appreciated the remarkable things that I learned about Keo. While I knew very few of the specific examples of Keo's great life, none of them surprised me. Keo was the embodiment of discipleship. I admired him, and I am grateful to have known him. May your period of mourning be short and your memories of joy together be bright and lasting. Best wishes. Charles M. Bennett

Elizabeth Berry-Bugby

August 5, 2004

Dear Chai Family,

I wanted to tell you that I am sorry for your loss and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know Keo. I really enjoyed babysitting your children when they were young and I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and that I hope you will feel of Heavenly Father's spirit to comfort you in the day's a head.

With Love,

Elizabeth Berry-Bugby &

Dianne Berry-Asato

Vivian de Jesus Burr

August 5, 2004

Dear Sister Chai & Family,

I was saddened by the passing away of Pres. Chai. I have known him when he was a young missionary in the Philippines and I used to work at the Church Office in the Philippines when he was the Manila Mission President. I recall how kind and pleasant it was for me to work with you and him as we purchased all you needed for your new home there. I could say that President Chai was an admirable man who have touched the lives of those Filipinos whom he served diligently.

The Lord is truly mindful of him and no doubt will keep you in His watchful eyes now that President Chai is gone. My sincere condolences.

Angie Johnson

August 5, 2004

I am so grateful for the memories I have of President Chai and his wonderful family. I will always remember his humor and smile and also his caring advice and instruction to us as missionaries. There are many things I have learned from that time in my life that I will always carry with me. I loved the time that we got to meet with President Chai and Sister Chai after our missions and discuss the gospel and try to keep that missionary "glow" about us. President Chai was a great teacher and I know that he loved the Lord and always magnified his callings in life. I am so grateful for all of those great memories.

"sister golden hair"

aka Sister Smith

22809 E Country Vista Dr #98

99019

Phyllis Bohling

August 4, 2004

Dear Chai Family,

I just wanted to take a little time to tell you all how very greatful I feel to have met such a truly impressive man.

I had the pleasure of meeting Henry in 11/03 while he was a patient at our clinic. Through all the weeks he came in, there was always a special spirit that entered with him. My hectic day didn't seem as crazy and I was always uplifted to see him and his beautiful wife. And, at a spiritual low in my life, they would come in from their weekly temple trips "glowing" with the spirit! No words can describe the wonderfully warm feeling that always radiated from both of them. They were never negative about anything. I will never forget how my life has been touched.

Thank You for your untold testimony and strength in the gospel. Peace be with you in your hour of need and remember... Families are Forever!!!

Love Ya,

Phyllis

IV Therapy

Cottonwood Hospital

Chip Dawson

August 4, 2004

President Chai was one of the most humble and loving men I have ever known. It is with great sadness that my wife and I send our condolensces to the Chai family. We love you and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Tyler (superman) Fagg

August 4, 2004

Dear Family,

I was very shocked to hear about your loss. Thankfully, We know that Prez. has moved on to a much better place. I can only hope and pray that I could be as great a Husband, Father, and Preisthood holder as he was. Best Wishes to everyone in the family from our family

Love,

Tyler, Anamarie, Madison, and one due in AUG./SEPT.

Shelley Howick

August 4, 2004

Keo was an example to us all. He helped us in the insurance industry, I think we all learned from him. Keo had no enemies, he was an example to us all on how to live our lives. I wish his family a heart filled with good memories and hope that they will be blessed by having such a wonderful husband, dad and grandpa. We all valued his friendship. Love to you all. Shelley

Lisa Jensen-Keyes

August 4, 2004

I was Keo’s secretary at the time he was diagnosed with cancer. He was a wonderful boss and I truly enjoyed working for him. His demeanor was always pleasant and he made work an enjoyable place to be. I was truly amazed and touched by the way he handled this terrible battle that was placed before him. I spoke with him a few times after he took his leave to fight his cancer and he was always positive and never uttered a word of sorrow for himself. Words cannot express how sorry I am for what his wife and family must be going through. My thoughts and my prayers will be with you.

Chelsea White-Webber

August 4, 2004

Dear Judy and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. President Chai was a great man and wonderful example to us all. I wish I was there to express my condolences in person, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Chelsea Webber

Maui Chai

August 4, 2004

I wish that I could express my gratitude and love in a way that would do justice for a man who has truly been the perfect example to me, my wife and my children. Keo, Judy and thier wonderful family have blessed our lives beyond the scope of what I can write. Keo will continue to be that example. He is a man with a steadfast foundation, of service and charity. He is a man of love and family. He is a man with clear purpose who will continue at even greater pace. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ! I humbly share my love and thoughts for my brother Keo.

Jeannette Bowen

August 4, 2004

I had the opportunity of being Keo's secretary & paralegal for a couple of years and can easily say that he was the best boss that I have ever had. He had a great love for his wife, children, family, friends and the missionaries that he was able to serve with. Keo will be greatly missed but his influence still felt in the lives of many!

Dawnalee Shields

August 4, 2004

His wisdom and love in mentoring others is what I will remember. I knew him as my stake president for four years and have referred to his counsel many times since. What a force for good! He will be thought of with great love.

Greg James

August 4, 2004

Thank you Presint Chai for all of your guidance and leadership as my stake president. My family saw it's beginings with you and your family. Judy was always a strenghth and example to me and my wife Jill, in fact you introduced us. Thank you for all you have done for us.

Heather White

August 4, 2004

Dear Chai Family,

My deepest sympathies are with you. Keo was such a great man. I worked a lot with him in the last five years of his practice, and I saw how much people looked up to him and thought he was such a nice, considerate, thoutful man, in every situation. I have trully missed working with him. He was a great example and friend to me.

My prayers are with you.

Heather White

Gretel Backman Patch

August 4, 2004

I share this great sadness with countless other missionaries who served under and with this great man. He has touched my life for good in a way that none other ever will. I love him and his dear wife for all of the service they have given and the incredible lives they lead. I pray that the Lord will continue to be with his family during the difficult times ahead, and that they may be comforted during this great loss. Thanks for sharing your wonderful husband and father with all of us missionaries. He will be remembered always.

Sharmie Jensen

August 4, 2004

Keo was a wonderful person and I had the pleasure of working with him as he was my defense attorney for my workers' compensation claims. I worked with him for 6 years. He was a great attorney. He will be missed.

Jack Dunn

August 4, 2004

Dear Chai Family,

We wish to express our deepest sympathy and love at your loss. President Chai was a great leader and an inspiration to us. We learned much from him during the time he served as our stake president. We will cherish fond memories of his gentle manner and forceful teachings.

May our Heavenly Father send His Spirit to comfort you and bear witness of the reality of the Savior and the atonement of which your husband, father, and grandfather bore such a strong and valiant testimony.

Jack and Melody Dunn

Westbrook 7th Ward

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