Dean Woo

1918 - 2016

Dean Woo

Our beloved Father and Uncle, Dean Woo, slipped into eternal peace with our Creator, on February 11, 2016. Dean was born on April 12, 1918 in Guangzhou, China; emigrated from China to America at the age of 16 and settled in Winslow, Arizona.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Field Hospital attaining the rank of Technical Sargent. He participated in military campaigns of Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Ardennes/Battle of the Bulge, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He spoke of his pride serving under General George S. Patton.

After the war, Dean moved to Calexico in Imperial County, where he settled down with his wife and family and became a rancher and farmer in Baja California.

He moved to San Francisco, in the 1960's, becoming a real estate broker and entrepreneur. He was a co-owner of the first Asian American owned motor inn in San Francisco, the Royal Pacific Motor Inn and was a joint partner in the development of Miriwa Center.

Dean was very active and was an officer in many community organizations such as the Chinese American Citizen's Alliance, the Wah Ying Club, Chinese Sportsman Club, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Chinese Six Companies, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and he was a past president of the Woo Family Association. He was also a Commander in the Veterans of Foreign War and the American Legion, member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and the Lion's Club.

Dean was devoted to God, country and family and as a World War II veteran, was a member of "The Greatest Generation." He was the kindest most generous person to family, friends and strangers. He was happiest when he made other people happy. He is survived by his sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephew.