Neil Chow

Neil Wing Chow

1925~2021

Neil Wing Chow passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, at home on May 8, 2021. He was 95. Neil was born on August 27, 1925 to Hong Ding Hip and Lui Mo Oi in Kwangtung, China in the village called Leung Geng Hong. He had one older sister, May. Unfortunately, he didn't have the chance to grow up with her because he immigrated to the US with three cousins when he was 12 years old. They were raised by their uncles who were already in the US managing a restaurant in Pocatello, Idaho. He attended school in Pocatello which is when he had to quickly learn English. After a few years, his uncle brought Neil and his cousin to Salt Lake City. While helping his uncle at the Oriental Café, Neil attended Murray High School.

When the war broke out, Neil was drafted into the USMC and served 2 years during the Korean War. However, just before he went into the Marines, he met Akimi Nakamura, who was a cashier at the China Village. After returning from the Marines, they were married on October 9, 1954. Together they had two children, Gary and Gina.

Neil learned his culinary skills at an early age working along side his uncles and cousins at their Chinese restaurants, including the Canton. He then expanded his culinary knowledge and skills working at Hotel Utah. If you asked, he would tell you the story about preparing a meal for President John F. Kennedy. Neil then went on to work at other Chinese restaurants and hotels including the Sheraton/Red Lion and eventually at Little America, where he retired.

However, some people may remember him as an owner and operator of the United Noodle Manufacturing Company, a noodle factory that made fresh noodles and sold them to the Chinese restaurants in Salt Lake City. There was a billboard in town advertising him as the face of the business. Again, he worked with family members, only this time some of them were his nephews.

After retiring from Little America, Neil worked part-time at Chin Wah. He enjoyed working there with his friends and relatives. He only quit working at the age of 89 when Aki's dementia started to affect her daily activities. Neil then became her devoted and loving caretaker until she died in 2019.

Neil's hobbies were fishing, golfing, bowling and watching Korean Dramas. Neil enjoyed fishing, especially on the lakes in the Uintah mountains. He would pack delicious 'obentos' and take friends and family with him to enjoy the serenity and scenery, but our dog Benji loved going with him the most. After retiring from Little America, his brother-in-laws, Masaji and Kay, convinced him to take up golf. He loved the game and spending time out on the course with family and friends. In his golden years, he bowled every week in a Senior League on Mondays and the Senior Nisei league on Wednesdays. Neil and Aki always looked forward to going to the local and Las Vegas bowling tournaments with their friends and relatives. Only recently did he have to clean out his locker.

Neil also loved music and sometimes you would catch him singing an Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra or Neil Diamond song. Neil and Aki enjoyed going to live Musicals, and frequently spoke of their trips to Branson, MO with their family and friends.

Before the Covid pandemic, Neil enjoyed his getaways to St George with Mickey and Gina and then making quick trips to Las Vegas to play some Keno and slots. But we really think he went to Vegas to search for the best Dim Sum restaurant.

Neil was a very friendly guy who liked to talk to people. Family, friends and even strangers always remembered his smile, his sense of humor, his infectious laugh and his cheerful disposition. But of course, his delicious cooking will be his legacy and will never be forgotten.

Neil is survived by his son Gary (Sue) Chow, daughter Gina (Mickey) Morinaka, grand-daughters Christina Chow and Lisa Chow and great-grand children Seiji Chow and Riyo Chow. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Masuji (Eleanore) Nakamura, sister-in-law Betty Komachi and many special nieces, nephews and their families, scattered from coast to coast.

To honor Neil, a graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 19th at 2:00 pm at the Salt Lake City Cemetery in the North Platt which is just west of the City View Memoriam (1001 E 11th Ave). Masks are kindly requested to be worn.