Samuel Tinsing Mok

1944 - 2022

Mok

Samuel Tinsing Mok (Age 77)

The Honorable Samuel Tinsing Mok passed away on September 21st, 2022 at the age of 77, after a short but valiant battle with cancer. His wife Nancy was by his side.

Born in Shanghai, China, to Kwok Mok and Cora Mok, Mr. Mok was a lifelong student of history, a military officer, a public servant, an entrepreneur and, most importantly, a man devoted to his family. He was active in politics and widely considered a longtime leader in the Asian American community. He tirelessly advocated for the Chinese and Asian American diaspora for decades, organizing and attending political events. He was an influential figure in Sino-American relations, fostering understanding and goodwill. He worked full-time until the very end.

Mr. Mok spent his early years in Hong Kong, where he attended and graduated from La Salle College, a private secondary Jesuit school. He was an avid explorer, frequently hiking in the mountains of the New Territories while also traversing the corners and alleys of Shatin. Mr. Mok became a Queen's Scout (equivalent to an Eagle Scout) during his time in Hong Kong, a fact that he proudly shared with many.

In 1963, Mr. Mok moved with his family to New York, where he studied accounting and joined ROTC at Fordham University while also working a variety of jobs, ranging from a Chinatown waiter to being a stock runner. He fondly remembered his time in New York, where he met his wife. After graduating from college, Mr. Mok began his private sector career as an auditor in Manhattan with Main & Hurdman (now known as KPMG) and as a Senior Auditor with Parnell Kerr & Foster. Soon thereafter, he was called to service with the United States Army, where he served in the 7th Psychological Operations Group in Tokyo and Okinawa, Japan, as a commissioned officer. His responsibilities entailed overseeing military intelligence reporting and analysis on China, Vietnam and North Korea. Mr. Mok completed his service as a Captain in Army Readiness Region 1 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After resigning his Army commission, Mr. Mok became the director of accounting at Time-Life Books and subsequently the first controller and corporate treasurer of U.S. News & World Report.

Mr. Mok decided to re-enter public service by joining the United States Department of State as a Senior Foreign Service officer in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He then joined the senior management team of the Department of the Treasury where he became the Treasury's first Chief Financial Officer, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. At the time, Mr. Mok was one of the highest-ranking Asian-Americans in the federal government. Mr. Mok also served as the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Labor, appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Mok then established his own consulting firm, Condor Consulting, which he first established in collaboration with retired U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh. He provided strategic business information and facilitated the development of critical relationships between his clients and senior Asian embassy officials in Washington D.C. Mr. Mok was also frequently called upon to advise Asia-based clients on U.S. market entrance and business partnership strategies.

A trailblazer for the Asian-American community, Mr. Mok was not only content with his own success, but committed to ensuring the success of the Asian American community as a whole. He served as a founding member of the D.C. Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans, founded the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, and became the first Asian American president of the Association of Government Accountants. Mr. Mok also went on to serve on countless boards and councils. He was most proud of his work with the National China Garden Foundation in support of peaceful relations. In 2007, Mr. Mok received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his service to the United States and outstanding community service. He went out of his way to mentor many, remembering the challenges he faced himself as one of the first Asian Americans to work in the business world in the 1960's. Mr. Mok's tireless selflessness and dedication to others marked all aspects of his career.

Mr. Mok will also be remembered for his devotion to his family. His foremost priority was making sure his family had a better life than he did, and was always available to listen with a kind or consoling word. Although he had a lengthy and full career, Mr. Mok always carved out time for all members of his family, but especially his grandchildren, living by his motto, "If someone cares about you, they will find time for you." His presence was constant in his entire family's lives. Despite his busy schedule, he never missed a grandchild's soccer game.

Mr. Mok is survived by his wife Nancy, his children Angela and Arthur, his mother Coralia, his brothers Joe and Andy, and six grandchildren: Ian, Jonah, Cate, Eliot, Chris and Aneirin. He will be missed and remembered by countless other friends and family. A funeral service will be held at Joseph Gawler's Sons in Washington D.C., with visitation on Thursday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm on September 29, and a memorial service on Friday morning at 10:30 am on September 30. A private committal service will follow.