Herb Chan Obituary

Herb Chan, 80, a long-time retiree who called Morro Bay his home for the past 20 years, passed away from complications following vascular surgery Wednesday, April 21, 2010, with his brother, Gilbert and sister-in-law, Diane at his bedside.  Herb grew up in Merced, Calif., son of Chinese immigrants Chan Chong and Gong Ying. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and did a tour of duty in England during the Korean War as a B-29 bomber mechanic. After military service, Herb graduated from the Northrop Institute of Technology, and went to work for Hughes Aircraft in Southern California as an engineer in design integration in the Harness Group, and eventually became Group Head in charge of building communication satellites - he retired in 1990. Herb loved the great outdoors. During his years in Hawthorne, Calif., he was a respected member and officer of the King Harbor Yacht Club. He was an accomplished small craft sailor and had won several racing awards. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.  As a valued member and newsletter editor of the Sage and Surf Club, he led many trips to distant locales with friends and family. While on a fishing trip, he fell in love with Morro Bay and retired there in 1989. Herb was soon a fixture at the San Luis Obispo Sportsmen's shooting range, where he helped improve the skeet shooting facilities and program. He enjoyed helping others improve their shooting skills and afterwards he would share a meal and laughs with his shooting buddies. Herb was a giant of a man who lived the life as a true independent frontiersman, never letting obstacles, stubbornness or prejudice keep him from his passions for hunting and fishing. He was a kind and extremely generous man, always treating his friends to lunch or dinner, and helping out a friend in need. Herb gave of his time, equipment and skills for the love of the same hobbies and interests. He enjoyed the pleasures of life by living quietly, mastering his sports and being with friends. Herb is survived by his brother, Gilbert (Diane); sisters Lily Chun and Ann Woo; many nephews and nieces; and countless friends. They all loved him dearly and will cherish their memories of him forever. Memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of their choice.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on May 9, 2010.
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hi herb have agood shoot up there buddie from old ralph

ralph edwards

June 1, 2010

My sympathy for you, Gil and Diane, in the passing of your brother Herb. He was a good man, with a sense of humor. May he rest in peace. Blessings

The Rev. Harrriet B. Linville

May 20, 2010

I met Herb while visiting my father-in-law, Ray Peterson, at the Transitional Care. I talked with him one Sunday afternoon. He seemed like such a nice man and told me his brother had a bypass and was doing well. Talked about his sister and all his family in such a warm way. I am sure he is being missed but what nice memories.

Pauline Peterson

May 17, 2010

Herb was a warm, kind, gentle and generous man. I had the pleasure of enjoying his company, his food and his love of shooting sports. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Cindi Kondo

May 12, 2010

May 11, 2010
I met Herb 30 yrs ago, when I joined the Sage & Surf sports club. Even today
he remains to me a hero, menthor, a man
of great knowledge and generosity, who
went out of his way to help anyone. His knowledge of using the proper
tackle, right bait, and mastering the art of hooking or landing the fish, quite often helped even the novice, old, feeble or those with weak stomach put some fish in their sacks.
He even helped me to become a better fisherman and hopefully better person!
We all owe Herb a lot for being there for us when we needed help. Herb was a true friend and fishing buddy. He alone kept the club together by his
generous and helpful actions wherever he put his hands or his mind into.
There are a multitude of reasons that made Herb Chan my alltime champion friend and a wonderful human being. Both my wife Carol and I visited
Herb in his Morrow Bay home.
We truly miss him. God bless his soul!
Our condolences to Herb's family,
relatives and friends.
We all lost a great man!
From: Elmo and Carol Johanson
Sun City CA

May 11, 2010

I met Herb 10 years ago at the trap range and immediately recognized a true gentle man. While struggling to shoot doubles with a pump gun Herb loaned me a magnificent Broadway Trap over and under. Best Wishes.

VAN BARBIERI

May 10, 2010

My condolences to the entire Chan family, relatives, and friends.
Herb and I shared a mutual friendship, pleasant conversation, and many a donut at Dolly's donuts in Morro Bay.
Herb and I also shared respect for our 2nd Amendment Rights that protects a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. He sure loved shooting skeet.
Herb truly was one of the nicest men a person could know, but then again so is the entire Chan family.

Rest in Peace Herb…

Roy Kline
Morro Bay, Ca

Roy Kline

May 9, 2010

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